New-York tribune., 1896-08-30
GOSSIP AT THE CAPITAL.
THE CHINESE MINISTER'S ENTERTAIN-
MENT FOR IL HUNG CHANG.

A THEATRE AT THE SOLDIERS HOMEWORK AT
THE CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY-A cHARAc-
TER AMONG THE CAPITOL GUIDES
JUDGE MACARTHUR.
Washington Aug. 20 (SpeciaD.- grand iete
will be given by the Chinese Minister in the
course of the coming week in honor or MS as
tinguished countryman That Mr.. Yang fu
should seek to show his regard for LII Hung
Chang in every possible way is only natural,
since their friendship dates many years back
and to it the Minister owes his numerous and
rapid promotions his present post, and the high
regard in which he is held at court The Am
bassadors visit falls at an inopportune time for
such a festivity. The city is practically desert
ed and there are not enough people here en-
titled 10 he invited to fill the spacious rooms OF
the legation or to make goodly showing even.
1t is expected. however, that many Will be
tempted home by the honor OF meeting so dis
tinguished person.
Only once before during the incumbency OF the
present Minister has the legation been thrown
open for any public function. The ball given
then in the season of 1880 is memorable FOR
its magnifcence and unique character Last
winter the Minister absent for great part
of the time at his other posts, Peru and Spain.
The only entertainments Mrs. Yang attempted
in his absence were informal receptions. which
were largely attended.
The present Minister and his family have be-
come universally popular in Washington, not
that Mr.. Yang is more approachable or less
conservative than his predecessors. for conserv-
atism is always marked characteristic or the
Chinese resident in official capacities at the capt.
tai: but he has shown a knowledge Of American
affairs an interest in American customs. and a
sympathy that are very fattering. and Mrs.
Yang more than any other Oriental woman ever
stationed here has mingled in social life, re-
ceived and made visits, and shown herself an
ant pupil Of Occidental customs. This little
lady presents most picturesque appearance in
her native dress TO which she has remained
faithful. and her rather bizarre headdress in
dicatve Of rank. is not unbecoming. Fortunate
w. she is a Manchurian. and her feet were al
lowed to grow to normal size not bound and
dwarfed after the Chinese fashion. so that she
walks with comfort and her carriage is graceful
and easy.
The Minister'S usual costume is a long silk
gown. reaching nearly to his feet. above which
he wears sleeveless jacket. often Of bright
red color. On his head is a small. black skull
cap. stiff and made Of satin. decorated with two
jewels large pearl an1 magnificent ruby,
worth in itself a kings ransom.
OF all the legations the Chinese is without
question. the most interesting. since it adheres
TO its national customs and habits Of life. All
of its members. from the Minister and Mrs.
Yang down TO the scullion, retain their native
dress and as far as possible. live their lives on
the Chinese plan And yet they are progressive
in many ways number of the attaches ride
bicycles. and present unique sight astrde the
wheel. their brilliant robes flowing about them
one Of their number. Mr. SEE. Mrs. Yang's
pecial interpreter is student at the public
high school