Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-10-23
A CHINAMAN'S RAIMENT.
HOW THE HIGH MONCOLIANS
ARRAY THEMSELVES.
spiendor of Attire sported by opuient
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES les of Gowns
and Costumes-Odd
Patterns.

are WONT I'd array lncHnHclNcs mas lOr
ages been fruitful theme for the
prose writer as well rs the poet. In
the extravaganza of fable garments
are often mentioned as worn by East
ern monarchs and princes of such rich
stuffs and so bedccked with priceless
gems that their value would purchase
an empire. However incredible these
tales may appear, it is nevertheless u
characteristic of Orientals that they
prefer to convert the greater part of
their wealth into wearing apparel by
which they seemingly aim to inspire
1 feeling of awe and admiration in every
/ beholder.
This fondness for dress and display
is a trait that is shared by the Chinese
in common with their neighboring
races II is the all absorbing ambi-
tion of the Mongolian To array himself
in splendrous robes, which he hopes
will excite the envy of his less FORUM
ate countrymen.
At the close of every year says the
San Francisco Chronicle. the Mon
golian rciigiously casts away the gar
ments worn during the previous twelve
months and clad5 himself in a complete
new attire. The garments worn by
the poorer or lower classes OF Chinese
are comparatively inexpensive. The
outfit usually worn consists OF blouse
trousers, sash socks or stockings, and
shoes.
The suits of cheaper quality are to
be purchased readv-made at any OF
the clothilc houses in the Chinese
quarters. The blouses or jackets are
made from cottonade blue jeans, n
light grade of beaver, and other ma
terials. The color is usually blue
blue black or black. They cost ready
made from 81 to $l2. For holidays
and festivals even the poorer Chinese
are wont TO attire themselves in silken
or satin robes OF the finest texture and
most delicate hues. These gowns are
costly and are made 10 order. 1t is
claimed that a prominent resident OF
the Chinese quarter paid s., 600 for
his holiday vestments.
They are of IA pale pink, lavishly
and heavily embroidered in gold and
silver bullion threads and bespangled
with numerous precious stones. The
more costly robes are lined with qui l.
ed silks Ordinary 81 ken blouses are
purchasable at from $50 to $50. The
trousers affected by the Chinese vary
in price from 81 for the cheapest to
$50 and so.
flowing robes of satin and silk are
also wo by the opulent on state and
festive occasions.
The sleeves OF the Mongolian's
blouse are long, and when turned
down reach be ow the tips OF the fin
gers five or six inches. This extra
length of the garment the wearer en-
y oys to cover over his nose and
mouth when entering a room until he
becomes accustomed 10 the temporal
ture. The same rules apply when GO
ing out in the air. 1t is claimed that
to this custom is attributed the rarity
of pulmonary complaints and disor-
ders among the Chinese.
A siken sash OF varied patterns is
. wrapped around the waist 10 hold up
the trousers. suspenders being an un-
known quantity with the Chinaman.
The Chinese affect many styles Of
headgear There are five patterns,
thou IN, that are worn principally IL
this country. The ordinary laborer
or coolis protects his head from the
sun and wind with hat made from
rice straw interviewer like basket
1t is circular in form, with wide brim.
and is held in place by strings tied UNI
der the chin.
The me chant wears q brimless
head-coyering made from silk or satin.
1t is bowl-shaped, AMI ornamental
with button. which according to
color tells OF the wearer5' wealth and
position. A sort Of wooden hood
which completely covers the head,
neck and ears, leaving but "A little
part OF the face expose |, Is worn by
laborers when working out OF doors
during inclement We lther Many
Chinese employed in domestic posi-
tons wear low felt hat OF
wide brlm, patterned after the style of
headgear that was brought so promi-
nently into noteriety from being worn
by California hoodlums. But the In Il
and crowning masterpiece in the way
of Chinese head covering is the high
binders "dickie." This style of hat
is a complete protection to the head,
and has saved more warlike high
binders from being launched into
kingdom come than it will be given
credit for The hat is about six inches
high and the brim parallels the crown
which it surrounds. The hat Is made
OF felt and the top generally covers a
steel plate thick enough 10 turn the
edge OF the sharpest AK. As the steel
armor is cushioned in wood a blow
: from a club seldom Injuries the vic
tim.
The dress of the Chinese woman i:
similar to that OF the lords OF crea
ton" tho only difference being thai
the women wear n cloth or silken Skin
OF dark c)lors underneath the blouse
which falls TO the knees. The BLOUSE
worn by the women is also somewha