The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1897-02-25
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THE DRAGONS CUT CLAW.
The Tale of the Mutilation of Ii Hung
Claua's Flag.

The Tale of the MutiIation of Ii Hung
Changes Flag.
When Viceroy Lii Hung Chang was in
Paris, in midsummer, he was domiciled
at that famous hosiery in the Boule-
ward des Capucines, the Grand hotel.
If the great Partisan system has a
center, this is it, and men and wome1
from all over the wide world ihscribe
themselves here with confidence and get
in gay groups il the great court, listen
ing to the music, watching the playful
fountains and the constant going and
coming of the voitures that deposit or
carry away an endless stream of pleas
ure seekers.
No less than six Of the most promi,
nent families III Chicago have been
guests of that house in the last six
months. Indeed, at the very moment
that the renowned Celestial diplomat
was sheltered there well known fam
lily Of this city occupied apartments di-
reotIy above that of the great oriental.
The man and his daughters found
their propinquity 20 the viceroy and his
suit vastly entertaining and congratu-
lated themselves on really being part,
as it were, Of the best show in Paris. But
alas for human appiness-scarcely
were the wise men of the east installed,
with the Chinese flag waving proudly
over their quarters, when large gilded
wire cage was suspended outside the
windows. It's occupants were two great,
fat, loquacious parrots, who seemed tc
become fairly intoxicated with the Paris
air and the gayety of the boulevards
Twenty hours out CT the "a they turned
claw springs and squawked their appro-
baton of French cooking, French noise
and French climate.
The parrots duly became a vast nui-
sance, and the amiable ChicaSoan at last
put in protest at the Office. The mes
sieurs there were all agreed that anoth-
er suit Of rooms was due the Chicago
family, but that it was not convenable
to make any objection to the birds Of
his e1cellency.
The Chicago family held closed SEES
sion and decided that they would suff,
the din.
One night when night was particu-
larry hideous the young girls were IN
able to sleep. Rushing to the window
in despair, they were attracted by tie
Tapping Of the Chinese flag. 1t WIS
dark, and Paris slept. There was a
sound of suppressed giggling, and long
handled parasol stole resolutely out Of
the window and hooked itself deity into
the Chinese national emblem. -Four
pretty white hands grabbed it, aid
there were mora giggles and the sharp
shipping Of scissors.
When the flag fell back in its place
again, a round piece seven inches in
diameter was missing and the dragon
had had Il claw amputated. This limb
was Immediately buried in the darkest
depths of Louis Vuitton trunk, and the
maidens fell into a sweet and dreamless
sleep.
They were awakened betimes to re.
aliZing sense of the enormity of their
midnight escapade by the never failing
parrots, and after a hurried consultation
as TO the probability CT an American
war with China they decided that day
at Versailles was " hat they would fancy
above all things. Among the passengers
who We're driven out to Versailles on
the Comet that day were the two Chi
cago girls ard their lsmiable parent.
Great CONSERVATION obtained in Paris
over the desecTation Of the Celestial
flag, but 10 extensive investigation was
possible.
The flag went to London and was IN
furled there with its disabled dragon.
Ii Hung Chang's loss was the Chicago
girls gam, tor the bit of bunting is
now the cherished treasure Of a souvenir
album on the North Side OF the city,
Chicago Tribune.