Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-06-27
PRINCE PAK'S FIRST LESSON.
Some Features of q Washin gton Reception
Puzzled the Learned Corean.

One of the most amusing experien-
ces of the Corean Prince PAX during
his brief sojourn at Washington was
his first introduction to the polite So
ciety of the American capital. He
and his suite were presented to the
President in the height of the fashion
able season. 1t was Cabinet ladies'
day, and DR.. Allen, physician to the
King, who had them in hand. deter
mined to give his charges their first
lessons in Occidental polite ways at
the drawing room of Mrs. Whitney.
The Prince in honor of the occasion
rugged himself up in brand-new Orien-
tai toggery. The Prince entered with
his jade-ringed hands across the heavy
abdominal folds of his padjie and
moved forward with truly Oriental
solemnity, evidently amid the maze of
women somewhat perplexed as to his
destination. Suddenly, instead of
hating opposite the master of the
house, he found himself confronted by
the smiling, gorgeously dressed, and
affable wife of the Secretary of the
Navy.
DR.. Allen said in the official tongue:
''This is the wife of the master of the
house." 'Who is she?" said the
Prince. The wife of an official, said
the Doctor. "What is she doing herep"
"She is here to represent her husband,
who is high official" The Prince.
somewhat perplexed, took a stately
view of Mrs. Whitney and bowed pro-
foundry.
1T is the custom in this country to
take the lady's hand, which she has
extended toward you. That is the
form of salutation," said the Doctor.
The Prince turning back the silken
folds of his Turah maize extended a
beautifully shaped swarty hand. 1t was
the first greeting of the social customs
of the Hermit kingdom and the great
republic.
The Prince, evidently feeling that he
had not done his duty, inquired: but
/ do not see the master of the house. l
must pay my salutations to him"
The master will be here soon. He is
engaged on official duty" ''Then let
US stand aside and await his approach, !"
said the dignified PAX. The Prince
and suite then moving out of the cur
rent of callers pproaching the hostess,
remained in mute wonderment at the
scene.
The Prince gazed covertly at the gor-
geous furnishings and ornaments of the
Sumptuous ball room. But for a time
his eyes followed the assisting ladies,
some of whom were in evening toilette.
Each in turn came up to the Prince to
give him greeting. With solemn
mien the Prince watched them in ST.
lence, then turning to the Doctor, said:
''Who are all these women coming imp
Are they the Geesans dancing girls)
to give pleasure to the master of the
house and his friends?" "Oh. no."
said the Doctor, "they are all the wives
and daughters of the officers of the
army and the Government" "Then
what are they doing hereP' said the
Prince, They are here by the invita-
ton of the master of the house with
the consent of his wife. They belong
to the masters of other houses, who
allow them to 60 out" ''May l look
at them?' said the Prince. ooh, yes"
said the Doctor, ''you may look at
them and speak to them"
The Prince rested his almond eyes
upon the bare shoulders of a fashiona-
bly, dressed lady, and noticed her
shiver from the effects of the January
chill. The Prince remarked: 'The
cold takes hold of her. Why don't
she pull up her clothes and put them
ond'' In his mind the decollete style
created sensation of dropping off,
and was great strain to his Oriental
notions of feminine attire and modesty.
ALBANY Journal.