The Portland daily press., 1889-02-01
Stage Malls, &C.
THE CURIOUS coREANs.
Far Behind the Japanese In Society
Ways-TheIr Peculiar Notions.
washington Letter. /

II all the stories regarding the Coreans are
true it would seem that the two members of
the legation now in Washington enjoy glo-
rious immunity from the observance of the set
rules of society. AT one of the fashionable
tea parties last week 1t was noticed that the
orgeously-appareled Orentals were beam
ng delightedly upon the bevy of pretty
young girls of which the receiving party was
composed. Later on it was learned from the
hostess that not only had they come unin
vited to the party. but this was the first time
she had ever seen them save at distance.
She concluded with the remark: From
what understand they seem to imagine
they can into any house where they see
there is reception in progress" However
that may be- the two Coreans go everywhere
and seem in some unaccountable way to de-
riye.a keen enjoyment from so doing. 1t ap-
pears to be unaccountable, because they
seem In the truest sense to be strangers in a
strange land. 1t is a rare occurrence to see
any one talking to them. They stand apart
gazing at the doings of the gay crowd in
weird sort of fascination. One reason for
heir present social isolation is doubtless the
fact that their knowledge of the language is
SO limited as to preclude the possibility of en-
gaging in conversation beyond the trite COM
monplaces, Good morning." "go od-bye,"
and mice day."
In course of a fortnight the Coreans win
be joined by their wives, who are now on
their way to this country. 1t will be interest
ing to note whether they will adopt the Gus
tom Of having their wives accompany them
to receptions and to places of amusement
generally. The clothing worn by the Coreans,
though much more gorgeous than the robes
affected by the Cinnamon, cannot compare
with the latter in texture or richness of ma
terial The Corean taste In such matters ap.
pears TO have been patterned after the plum
age OF the parrots. for on state occasions
their attire Is either daring combination of
purple, green, and blue, or the scarlet gray
and yellow of ceckatoo. The flimsy silks
of which these gowns are fashioned are cho-
sen for economic reasons, and that same
economy is reported to be potent factor in
the domestic arrangements of the legation.
Upon the arrival of the COreans in this
country and for some time thereafter it was
generally understood that their fare was OF
the simplest description. Three times day
the legation gathered at the table for the en-
joyment of native dish which consisted of
cabbage rice and scraps of meat boiled to-
gether in big iron pot for several hours.
But that the Coreans have learned to enjoy
the good things of civilized culinary art is as
sured by friend who entertained them at
dinner in New York before the departure OF
the Minister to his native country. Inc
hostess, wishing to be polite TO her guests,
considered it necessary TO address some por-
tion of her conversation to each in turn.
This, of course, had to.be repeated through
the interpreter, who was also called upon 10
convey the answers to the hostess. 1t may
readily be seen that neither the hostess nor
the interpreter could avail themselves to any
70 a faNu ffnN q
the dinner the Coreans arrived in due state
hours.
The Japanese Legation is as wholly differ
ent from that OF the COreans as it is possible
70 Imagine. The air of the place is
thoroughly American and to the stranger the
impression on entering would be that made
py any private house in the city-that is, one
where the taste of the hostess ran to Japan
ese screens, jars, and carved bits of furniture
for the rooms are filled with such things
Mme Mutsu Is very small woman, Who
strangely enough appears to advantage 10 the
dress OF TINS country, which she always
wears. The material of the gowns is always
elegant, and their makeup shows the hand
OF an artist. One would never imagine to
look at the delicately built little woman,
with the smooth and ivory complexion, that
she was the mother of a daughter 13 years OF
age, who is now a pupil at school in this
city. The minister is tall and angular in ap-
pearance, most courteous In his manners,
ana IKE tne majority OF foreigners a strict
observer OF the niceties Of etiquette. Not
long ago he and his wife were the guests of
honor at dinner party given by member
of the diplomatic corps. On the morning of
the day on which the dinner was given the
minister went to the residence of his host to
inquire whether or not a toast was TO be
given, In order that he might spend the day
In studying up his English sufficiently to un-
derstand and reply TO 1t. The minister and
his wife attended the musicale given by Sec
IL
throughout the playing of the Adamowski
quartet Nine. Mutsu was an attentive and
delighted listener at the finale manifestlng
her appreciation by vigorous applause.