The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-04-13
THE CURIOUS COREANS.
ADAPTING THEMSELVES TO AMER
ICAN CUSTOMS AND IDEAS.

From the IVdShinoton Star.
The little band of Oriental strangers who
have recently made Washington their home
are enjoying themselves. Everything the
Coreans do, see, and hear awakens their
deepest interest, and they are rapidly adapt
ing themselves to American customs,
all but the dress. The flowing robes of deli
cately-tinted silk and the peculiar hy-cage
headgear they never leave off. They all
live together in new three-story house on
street, between 10Th and 10th streets. 1t
contains dozen or more rooms, all of
which are needed, for there are ten official
members of the family. Their names sound
as much alike at first hearing as the owners
look alike to a casual observer; but each
member fills particular place in this
diplomatic family circle. First there is the
minister, and then the first, second, and
third secretaries, the interpreter, military
attache, the minister's private secretary, the
first secretarys private secretary, and two
native servants. In addition there are two
colored servants. There are no women
about the house. Their food is all prepared
by the native servants, while the colored
servants perform the houSework. No effort
has been made to furnish the house beyond
one or two Oriental screens and some
window shades ornamented with peculiar
designs. During the day time the latter
look as if they were made of conventional
mating, but they are almost transparent at
night when the gas is lighted. The Coreans
are evidently fond of fresh air and do not
like to be confined to the house.
UNMINDFUL OF COLD,
During some of the coolest weather they
were accustomed to take frequent walks
about the city. The warmth of their clothing
could not be judged by appearances. for the
coolest blasts of early March, although play
ing hide and seek with their drapery, could
not hasten their steps as they strolled along
the streets at all hours of the day or evening
with as much dignity of bearing as was
consistent with heelless shoes and queer
combination of brooches and skirts Nearly
every one, if not all, are confirmed smokers,
and pipes, cigars and cigarettes they did not
have TO learn to appreciate in becoming
AmericaniZed They not only Joy the air
out of doors, but even before the recent
spring-lil1e weather one or more Of the
house windows was kept open almost con-
stantly. They enjoy sitting at the open
window to smoke, and watch the, to them,
strange panorama of a city street scene
spread before their eyes.
IN SOCIETY.
They are quite socially inclined, and the
numerous receptions and other social enter
tainmentS which they attended during the
gay season had a peculiar zest for them.
They themselves have had ''at homes by
the score and have received a great many
calls, especially from the ladies. Some were
made, doubtless, through curiosity. but all
who visited them have been charmed by
their simple hospitality and natural
politeness. They are always ready to make
acquaintance, and express a strong desire
to become Americanized as rapidly as pos
sible. That is not exactly the language the
interpreter used in conveying the idea to a
Star reporter the other day, but that was
what he meant. His English is somewhat
ierky, and his sentences incomplete, but he
can understand and make himself under
stood. Two or three of the others also make
very creditable work with English.
THE EXTREME GOOD NATURE
which they display on all occasions is des-
tined to add greatly to their popularity
They are never in the least Disconnected bv
the interest, sometimes openly insulting,
awakened y their strange garb and peculiar
personal appearance. The other day two or
three Of them visited section of the city
noted for its unruly population, and were
fairly beseged by a horde of gamins.
When boots and jeers did not disconcert
them the youngsters began throwing mud
at their coats of many colors When the
Interpreter told the Star reporter of the
incident he laughed heartily as if it was a
good joke When he explained to the others
who were standing near what he was laugh
ing at they burst into a hearty Corean
guffaw. Evidently they did not cherish
any resentment for the disrespectful treat
ment TO which they had been subjected
One of the group was trying to light
cigarette, but the reminder of the "joken
which had been played upon them was so
forcible that he allowed his last match to
go out. He promptly bent down TO a ten
year-old colored lad who was enjoying a
smoke as well as the strange sight, and
secured light from his cigarette butt.
EMBRYO BIcYCLIsTs.
OF course nearly everything they see
excitas their curiosity, but the most mex
plicable of all of them is the bicycle. When
they first came here they would stand on
the curb stone and gaze with astonishment
as the wheelmen few past them. They
couldn't understand it, and they understand
it still less now that several of them have
attempted to ride. They seem to have very
little idea OF balancing themselves and can
not go alone at all. but they are crazy TO
ride A genuine header that one took the
other day hasn't dampened their enthusiasm
in the least Nearly every evening they
take lesson, much to the amusement of a
crowd of small boys who are attracted by
the novel spectacle. The colored people
seem to be the most interested spectators,
and while the fun is in progress shining
black faces on the broad grin can be seen
behind half-opened alley gates and base
ment doors in the neighbornood. Corean
garments are not adapted for bicycling, but
that makes no difference TO the owners.
THE CoREAN MOUNT
is particularly complicated and laughable
performance. In the first place. the wheel
ian upright must be held as firmly as in a
wise by an assistant on each side. The dar-
ing novice having made up his mind to
mount, gathers his flowing robe in bunch
and holds it in front in a wad. BY so doing
he shows that the white leggings, only
glimse OF which can @ obtained in walking,
do not extend as high as the knee. How
they are kept in position is not known at
this writing. Above them are zouave-li6e
trousers, very baggy throughout. When
his foot is on the bicycle step, the bend Of
the leg serves to keep the robe in a wad and
the hands are free. He reaches for the
handle bars at the same time giving a sud
den lurch that partially lands him in the
saddle, only partially though. for the slack
Of the ample trousers, usually hidden by
the gown, Invariably catches on tho back
Of the ,addle. He is suspended in this awk-
ward position until by twisting and turning
he manages TO reach with one hand the
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