Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-07-16
THE DEPARTING PERSIAN.
Some Amusing Stories of His Child-Like
Innocence.
LWnshinrton Press Ga GossIp. ]


Now that the Persian Minister'S about to
take his departure for his country, or at
least for London, where he will join the
Shah, who is visiting the Queen, "a num-
Der of amusing stories are related con-
corning him-stOries which do not in the
least reflect upon his cleverness or his
ability to serve his sovereign most credita-
bly, here, but which plainly evidence that
he il not altogether conyersant with some
Of the pleasantries incident to Wash
incton life II may not be amiss if / tell
YOU two which | heard Yesterday. The
Minister found when he came to Washing
ton that he had at least two acquaintances,
if not friends. They were a lady and gen.
tleman who had for some years lived in
Persia. where the gentleman was connect
ed with q large importing house. Calls
were at once exchanged and finally an In
vitation was extended to His EKcellency to
dinner The invitation was gTaciOusly &C.
cepted Unfortunately the former Ameri-
can residents in Persia had one drawback
TO their marital happiness-they had no
children. 1t seems that in Persia it IS the
custom 10 assemble around the table all
Of the children of the family when q very
special dinner is given. When, there
fore, the Minister noticed there was an
entire absence of the little ones he
inquired through his secretary, who speaks
English well, the cause Of it. The lady of
the house rephed that she did not have
any children, but laughingly added that if
she had been so blessed she could never
have loved them as she did that " dear
creature" whose portrait hung just over
the mantelpiece. The dear creature re-
ferred to was the likeness of pug dog"
a pet in the household, who died short
time before and whose memory was per
petuated in oil. When this was translated
to the Minister an expression of horror
came over his countenance. He evidently
did not enjoy his meal, and he brought his
visit to an abrupt conclusion. He never
could be induced TO enter the house again,
protesting that he couldnot associate with
lady that loved dogs more than she did
children"
Upon another occasion the Minister
called at the house of an official who had
been away from home little while. As
he was. through his interpreter. cOnversing
with the lady of the house the husband
entered. and, after shaking hands with the
Minister and his secretary, turned to his
wife and naturally kissed her. The Min
lister arose Immediately, and, bowling pro-
fOundly to the lady and gentleman, placed
his hand over his heart and announced,
through his secretary. that he would hold
ever inviolate the confidence which had
been thus placed in him, and nothing
should induce him TO reveal to any one
the scene which he had just witnessed. In
explanation it appears that no Persian ever
kissed his wife or wives in public, or is in
any manner demonstrative with strangers.
The Minister properly imagined that, as
the gentleman kisses his wife before him,
he desired to pay him some special honor,
for which he was grateful and must keep
to himself. 1t is no wonder. after seeing
so many unaccustomed sights and hearing
so many strange expressions that the Min
lister felt that Washington was no place for
him.