The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1896-04-15

Inteligencer prints this morning, de-
scribing IAN Imperial Japanese Garden
Party" Ensign Doddridge's vessel.
the Olympia, was, when last heard
from, anchored on woosung, China, at
the mouth of the river that leads to
Shanghai The olympia is too large to
steam Iup the river to the city, nine
miles. Ensign Doddridge's letter fol-
lows:
Having but recently arrived in Japan
was Of course very deslrous to attend
the. chrysanthemum garden party
given at Toxic semi-annuaHy by the
emperor and empress. AS It was given
by royalty, It was difficult TO obtain an
Invitation if one was foreigner and
not a member Of the diplomatic corps.
My pleasure was very great, therefore,
when received an invitation. The IN
vltation was written in Japanese, on
heavy cardboard, surmounted by the
chrysanthemum Of Japan. Accom-
panying the invitation was transla-
ton into English which read: by
Command OF Their Imperial Ma1esties
the Emperor and Empress, the Minis
ter Of the Imperial Household has the
honor to request the presence OF -
at the chrysanthemum garden party 70
be given at the NasaRa Detached Pal
ace on the 18th inst. at $3.50 y. m. In
case public business or sickness prevent
attendance, immediate notice Of the
fact Is requested. November Is, 1885"
Before proceeding further, / might as
well state that It Is customary for the
mllado to give garden party in the
fall and in the spring. The garden
nekfg MAJ oil NJ tho FNnfNNPa L
flower show. on these occasions the
emperor and empress receive their
guests in person. The invitations are
extended to the Japanese nobility ana
men OF prominence and the diplomatic
corps.
AS public businesses or sickness did
not interfere, was on hand at the pre-
scrtbed time The detached palace
serves as a summer residence for their
majesties and is nothing more than q
large cottage surrounded by extensive
grounds. At the entrance to the gar
dens the guests were received by an
officer Of the imperial household, who
took your card and passed you on TO
another officer who ushered you into
the gardens. The grounds were very
beautiful; the November weather had
not yet affected the chrysanthemums,
which were in evidence from the time
you entered the gardens until you left
them. It would have been very easy to
lose ones self. but as constant stream
OF people followed certain path, by
remaining with them had no difficulty
In finding my way. After a walk OF
about fifteen minutes reached a
large open space, where the emperor
and empress always appeared to re-
ceIve their guests.
A description Of these guests would
not be embarrassing. All nationRlities
were represented, for the Jap has be-
come very prominent Of late and very
few countries are not represented at
the Japanese court. The guests who
Interested me most were the japanese,
who put aside the customs and dress OF
their forefathers and adopted those OF
western civilization. A Jap In the con-
vent!onal frock coat and high hat does
not look natural. His clothes do not
fit him; he looks uncomfortable, and no
doubt he would like to exchange his
new civilized dress for his old "ka-
mona"
The army and navy were well repre-
scented and looked entirely at ease In
their gorgeous uniforms. Admiral Ito,
who fought the battle OF the Yalu, was
present. He Is the head OF the Japan
csc navy. The Chinese minister was
In attendance, and he did not seem to
be dOwncast over the late war. He
had made no attempt to initiate west
ern manners or dress, but wore his pig
tan In true Monaghan style. The
Korean legation was represented by
little chap dressed after the manner OF
his own country. His head gear re-
semhled a bird cage. America, Russia,
England, France and Germany were all
represented.
a military band u.scoursed selections
from well known operas. The guests,
gathered in little groups, were engaged
in conversation, waiting patiently for
the appearance OF their royal host, LOT
II was understood that the empress was
slightly Indisposed and would not be
able to receive the guests. i was very
much disappointed, as l wanted to see
the empress.
ceased and the strains OF the Japanese
national anthem were heard. The
guests stood with barred heads; "the
mikndo was coming!" lNot the mikado
OF Gilbert and Sullivan, but n genuine
flesh and blood mikado, dressed in the
uniform of q general OF the army.
Slightly above the ordinary height. and
rather stoutly built. he Impressed me
by the strength Of character marked IN
every line Of his face. The guests
opened out and formed wide lane
through which the emperor walked TO
the point where he received his guests.
| expected to see him mount raised
daIs, but he stopped at an open space,
and turning to the courtiers who ac-
companied him, Informed them that he
would now receive his guests. The re-
ceptlon lasted half nm hour and was
limited to foreign ministers and per-
sons OF high rank. When the reception
was over the emperor Withdrew. The
guests were now invited to partnke OF
light collation. served In n large buildIn8
on the west side OF the open space. The
food was European and was served In
European style. After this It was per-
nIsslble to withdraw. / took Rdvan-
tage Of the opportunity and was soon
on the way to my hotel. j. S. d.
Special Excursion to Pittsburgh 10 Visit
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