The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-11-14
MRS. wU.
The wiz or the new Cbinese Ntinister. rler
llnblts aud ner Eine CIothes.

Mr.. WI, the new Chinese Minister, is very
much Interested In American women. Their
position In society, their independence, methods
ana general development offer n perpetual
whet to his curiosity, and he draws some prog.
nant comparisons between them and the wom-
en- OF his own country. The almost universal
wearing Of c%orsets, for example, among such
a progressive people is an enigma 10 him, and
he looks upon what he Is pleased to term the
compression Of tho waist as little less absurd
than the binding OF the feet.
Mrs. WI, the Minister'S wife. Ia of ancient
lineage, her pedigree extending further back
than that OF tho royal family itself. As her
gorgeous court costume indicates, sno is pure
Chinese, unudultorated by any admixture of
Manchurian blood. The eagle cmblazoncd
upon the breast signifies that she lie of equal
official rank with her husband and may upon
al occasions enlor and leave a room at his side
rather than behind him. 1his court gown IN
of extreme richness and brillinncy, presenting
those strong contrasts in color so dear to tho
chinese heart. The petticoat, which, by the
way, sis one of lhc prcttiest parts Of a Chinese
ladys dress, appears about u foot, below the
upper robe and i of bright reds and blues. or.
nanemten with heavily embroidered gold pan
els, Inc tunic OF purple and black affords n
striking background for the magnificent en-
ban Is a simple band of silk around tho head,
and is worn in the house by Chinese women
fsoSt in and fp ,Se w si%s /, Of T SSw sp!sn near i sSs ea is
are the usual decorations worn. at court.
The custom Of wearing flowers in the hair
soms being preferred when attainsble,, and arti-
ficinl ones at other times. The fashion Of wearing
each separate province having a. itis distinct coli:
have a way, however, Of Attempting to disguise
The beads around Mrs. WIS neck are also
a sign of official distinction worn BY men as
With Il the season, those NHs.c Of sandal daiYv wood being dis.
tinCtly summer beads, while coral, jada, and
other stone are winter decorations.
Except for state occasions Mrs. Wu's uCual
and silk. Her home W are all made after
tare and trimming. silk, cotton, and grass
cloth are tho fabrics most used for summer,
in winter. .Woolien is very little used. and, %
far as underwear ia concerned, there Is with
both men and women 2 great pa,neity Of linen linen
ments, worn by ,gentlcwomen, as well as those
worn by all grades of officers, are regulated, BY
Emperor Issues a decree Twice a year to indi
cate upon what day the winter hat shall bt
'h M4s. W tSa the has su tho ii, siGa feet en %h Giis S oSarsc
which the Minister, despite his enlie6'enwon!
ing :he feet Of ladies does not prevail in tn
northern part of the empire which account
prce sRS 1s'f M ina : tae 's %ife CO.. 1 Mms' not snf thus IS .R'
formed. It is all a mere matter OF fashion. bu
has such a tremendous hold upon the women
where it prevails that no Roadway can seem t
be made against it. The only influence tina
has ever amounted to anything In this .direc
aries. As a reward for their pains they hav
boon called upon to provide husbands for thei
/ followers, whose large feet have made them VI
desirable matches in their own circles.
Women whose feet have been thus bomn
have no leg development below the knee. The
are obliged to wear bandages for life as q SUI
port, and the foot and limb are quite too III
slightly in appearance to be exposed to view
Over the bandages they wear little socks an
the tiny embroidered shoes which are made
the house by mrid or friend. Mrs. Wu's ga
ments are all made in her own home by Il
? tailor whom Mr.. WI brought to America.