The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-08-21
LADIES OF THE sHAh'S PALACE.
An American Woman Tells of Her
Visits to the Royal Household.
IChristian Union.1

Inc Ondn OF IerSla is an OFlenldl. tucic-
fore he should be criticised from an Oriental
standpoint Intelligent and patriotic. kindly
by nature and courteous by instinct, Nasred-
Deem Shah is baughty and reserved in his OH
cial and diplomatic relations tits only In the
seclusion of his home that one meets him as a
gentleman and man of the world.
We were invited to the winter palace of the
Shah ON a certain day to an annual fete, an
occasion of Importance, when invitations are
extended to families of most of the Persian
nobility, and sometimes to others in favor at
court. 1t is on this occasion that the
daughters of families of rank are first pre-
sented to the Shah.
Passing through handsome suites of rooms.
we came at length to hall of vast extent.
where were assembled two OF three hundred
daughters wore alike short silken skirts, long
sleeved jackets of velvet or brocade, richly
embroidered, and gauZy head dress. with a
light scarf or mantle which could be wound
about the person. half yelling the rounded
limbs. 1t must be remembered, this short,
indoor dress Is not seen by other gentlemen
than those of ones own household, except on
great occasions when the Shah is present.
We had in no way satisfied our desire to
study the faces ranged along the long hall
when the Shah entered through the wide p0r-
tai at the further end. From the first GER
cendant OF long line of kings. A woman of
fine proportions and queenly bearing walked
with him; and as they stopped to converse
with different groups of ladies', she presented
newcomers to the. Shah, and often joined
with graceful tact in the conversation.
AS they came nearer had opportunity to
study well the person ofthe Shah. He is tall
and we'll built with fine, strong features, the
skin not darker than that of the Spaniard or
Italian, and of the same pale olive tint. The
Ex,n ax.d I..t. -. TIKI
There is not the slightest suggestion of the
negro, in the Persian type. 1t is more like
the Italian, in the cast of the features and
general coloring, than any other have ever
known
The Shah seemed pleased and interested to
meet American ladies, and, while he was
speaking, regarded us a little curiously,
though not at all discourteously. He ex-
pressed polite wish that we might be happy
in Iran, regretting at the same time, that We
might miss much that we had left behind.
We spoke of our interest in his country and
people, and assured his Majesty we should
regret nothing save our friends-and perhaps
the music. "Ah| he said, quickly, ''you
enjoy music, them Forgetting court for
musical, and If he ever attempted to give ex-
preston to them. He replied with a half
sigh, Il have title time to give Thought to
music. but like it - then he added, kindly
1 shall be glad to see you again; there are
many things l should like to ask you of your
ceuntry. He passed on now to other ladies
who were awaiting the royal presence
1t is the custom of the Shah on this &C.
casion to give paternal pat on the cheek to
the young beauties " ho best please him, and
this Is an honor. long to be remembered by
the Persian rosebud.
We were told the Shah seldom spoke to for
eign ladies at this fete more than once, and
| we did not expect to see him again. half
hour or so afterward, however as we were
passing through large room opening upon
| one of the courts of the palace, we saw the
Shah standing at an open window with his
favorite wife, the Anisa D0wleh, throwing
| silver coins to the crowd of female attendants
outside. When he saw us he sent to invite
us to Join them, and explained the custom at
| this fete OF throwing coins, directing our at.
tentlon meantime to the scramble outside,
which seemed greatly to amuse him. We
| laughed over the fun for several moments,
until our hostess, the third wife of the King,
came to invite his Majesty to private room
where refreshments were prepared for him.
The Shah Of Persia is always supposed to
eat alone. While they were absent, the son
of our hostess (the Minister of War ap-
preaching, we improved the occasion to ex-
press our delight at our entertainment and
our regrets that we must now beg leave to
depart. He said he would summon his
mother, and soon returned with a message
tnat the Shah desired us to remain longer.
as ne wished to speak with us again. The
WISH VI Tie oman Delng equivalent to CON-
mand, we attended his pleasure.
The Shah walked slowly toward us. beck
oning us also to approach. and when we met
he at once commenced speaking of America
Il wish to visit your country so very much
ne SAID Tell me about your life and Gus.
TOMS"
spoke briefly of some things / thought
most likely to interest the SHAH He then
asked about polygamy in the United States
which he pronounced "poly-gam-y." told
him Of Utah, of ITS wealth, its schools and
churches, DC. He asked the number Of wives
told him believed Brigham Young had up.
ward OF forty he seemed much amused, and
turning to his companion, said, "AhI you
see! as though he had before discussed the
matter with her.
Throughout the conversion, which was in
French, the Shah evinced the most intelligent
interest In our institutions, educational and
social, and his manner was high-bred and
kind: At parting he expressed desire we
should some time pass day at the palace,
Queen" the Anisa Dowleh, who Still leaned
on his ARM. He added, "As it is the custom
OF the day to give. coins, will you accept
two large gold coins with the head of the
Shah impressed on one side. l afterward
had these coins encircled with turquoise of
some size, and wore one of them as my only
ornament when l next met the Shah in
formally at the palace.
We passed part of the day with the Anisa
Dowleh Just before. our departure from
Persia. The aunt of the Shah, very in
teresting woman. was invited to meet u.s.
These ladies of rank were noticeably un-
99stentatlous and naive in manner. Their
dress was extremely elegant, but without
superfuity of ornament. The skirt of the
elder had simple hem of rich embroidery.
ner only Jewels long chain of solitaire
diamonds.
The face of the Anisa Dowleh indicates a
dignifed, and sympathetic. The dress She
wore on this occasion had a quiet elegance.
A jacket of deep blue velvet was buttoued
with, solitaire diamonds, the only other
Jewels worn being a ring and caronet of
large, fawless sapphircs, and her veil Tor
chNddeh) fastened by long chain of pearls
of unusual size and beauty.
The conversation of both the Princesses
was Intelligent, envincing must interest in
affairs outside Of Persia, desire to travel,
and the longing for broader outlook.
His Majesty the Shah entered lust as we
had finished our dejeuner, coming in un-
announced from the balcony in front of our
table; No gentlemen could have crossed the
thu n eSa WIN manner more easy. When
sed u.s. his phrases PHI were no longer
pleasantly of our stay in Persia, expressing
his surprise and regret at our unexpected
departure.
This conyinces me-" he said, shat you do
not like u.s.
tried to explain that in our country there
were two great political parties, and at
present the other was uppermost. He asked
many questions upon political matters, and
again referred to his desire to visit the
United States.
If it were not for crossing the Atlantic /
should certainly 60 to America on my next
visit to Europe" he said with emphasis. 81
desire to study your institutions and to meet
your people,"
assured his Majesty of warm welcome
from Americans, and of the sincerity of The
friendship of the United States for Persia