Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-30
CELESTIAL FOoTGEAR.
row CHINESE SHOES ARE SOLD
IN NEW YORK.

try, where they live In the smallest possi-
Bile compass, they must observe the most
rigid sanitary laws. If these laws are
neglected, disease, plague and death fol-
low. Reared with this idea, the Chinese
keep their bodies and clothes scrupulously
clean. Of their feet they take especial
care"
The remarks of the retailer suggested a
visit to the Chinese quarter of New York,
which is known throughout the country
as Mott street. On this thoroughfare
there are nine stores where Chinese shoes
may be purchased. The writer visited
two of them.
81 want to see pair of shoes made in
China
''How much cost ~
81 don't know /; let me see some" :"
"Want to buy ~
81 don't want to buy anything until l
see it,n
"How much cost 2" (The Celestial evil
IDENTIFY suspected that the. visit was one of
curiosity.)
"Show me pair of the cheapest and a
pair of the best"
With a remark that may have been an
imprecation or a legend from teabox,
the proprietor turned to section of glass
doors and opening one of them produced
a package carefully covered with soft
paper. Removing the wrapping he ex-
hibited shoe without a flaw, stain, a
spot or particle of dust to detract from
its appearance. The thick, broad, flat
fat sole was as white as the whitest of
coloring could make. it.
''Where was this pair of shoes made ~
'tWant to buy ~
| told the storekeper l came from
Boots and Shoes Weekly, and that it was
my desire to secure some facts as basis
for an article on Chinese footgear Then
the native courtesy of the race was made
pleasantly apparent. Dropping the cold,
commercial role which he had been play
ing, Chang Wing said GAN lite, and
smilingly answered the question.
''Made Canton.
care all the Canton shoes made by
hand 2"
"Yes, all made by hand; no 'chinely
'chinely (machinery) no good; muchee
dirt; Cinnamon no like dirtn
''How is this sole made 2"
sANot one sole; eleven soles all made
like onen
A closer examination of the shoe dis
closed the fact that the thick, white Sec
tion which looks like a single piece of
wood, when viewed casually, is really
composed of eleven layers or lifts of
leather, each. about sixth of an inch in
thickness. They are fastened together
by thread, and so securely is the sewing
done that the durability of the sole is un-
mistalSable.
"What is the price Of this pair?n
Gone dol sixty-five cent. Vely cheap.
See? eileen silk?"
The proprietor directed attention to the
handsome border Of green silk that orna-
mented the uppers, which were composed
of a quality OF black silk that looks as if
itwould outwear three of the American
sillxen fabrics.
what is the lining made off,"
white cloth. You see vely soft fol
the foot; much cotton inside; no make
foot much pain like Mclean shoe"
is this the cheapest shoe you have?"
Another glass door was opened and a
package covered with soft brown tissue
paper was forthcoming. These shoes
were fashioned of a tough quality of
straw, colored, from dark brown to a
k graduation of yellowish red tint. They
weighed but four ounces, and nothing
cooler in the shape of foot covering can
be imagined. The price was fifty cents.
The sole was made of fibred wood, quite
elastic, which was covered with a layer
of tough leather, undressed.
After much patient questioning ascer-
tanned that the workmen in Canton en-
ployed upon this grade of footgear earn
from four to six cents per day. They
are favored class having mastered a
trade, and are therefore certain to have
occupation as long as they are able to
work.
Now please show me the finest pair
of shoes that you have
Another glass door was opened and an
Other package swathed in tissue paper
was laid on the counter. This pair Of
shoes is retailed at So. It is something
that could not be duplicated in this coun-
ne OIy lUI pSUs u6 dllOuub Ol uduuWOTh
on it was so intricate in design and ex-
tensive in quantity that nothing short of
Z Celestial patience would suffice to pro-
duce it.
On the toe point of the upper was a
medallion worked in gold, silver and
fancy colored gilded silks. On the sides
was minute applique work in stitching
and embroidery. Around the heel were
beautiful patterns outlined in etching.
The broadest part Of the upper was elab-
orately decorated with figures and scenes
finished in a style which is a decided inn
provement on what, American ladies call
tKensingtonn work. The colors were
artistically blended, although the general
effect was what would be termed cloud. !"
The proprietor claimed for the Chinese
] shoes decided advantage in ease, econ
4omy and wear. When the sole, which
comes in contact with the pavement (the
outer one Of the eleven) is worn out, it is
replaced BY fresh layer, and that iii turn
# by another, so that the same pair Of shoes
can be worn for years.
Have you seen shoes in Canton that
cost more than this pair2''
Yes, two hundred dol; take ten veal
make; much gold. - Boot and Shoes
Weekly.
a Substitute For Glass.
The new transl,icnnt substance infendnd