Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-12-15
WIVES OF DIPLOMATS CALL on THE
IMPRESS DowAGER.
THEY ARE RECEIVED IN STATE
SpMPTU0US CHINESE LUNCHEON
SERVED AFTERWARD.
Ring of Pearl and Gold Presented
to Each CaIIcr-After n PIny
mt the Palace Thcnte
Another Luncheon
WINS Served.

PEKING, Dec. H.-The numerous difficult
ties having been finally overcome, the en-
press dowager to-day granted an audience
TO the wives of the foreign ambassadors
and ministers. The ladies assembled at the
British legation and proceeded to the pal
ace. At the entrance TO its precincts a
group Of gorgeously arrayed mandarins
met them and conducted them to the great
hall, from which several Chinese ladies
conducted them to the audience chamber.
The empress dowager was seated upon a
dais behind tables decorated with chrysan-
themums and apples, with the empress at
her left hand.
Lady Claude Macdonald, wife of the
British minister, as doyenne of the diplo-
matte corps, read a speech in English eX-
pressing her pleasure, and that of the
other ladies, at having an opportunity to
tender their congratulations TO the en-
press ~dowager on her birthday, and also
expressing the hope that their step might
be followed by the ladies of China.
The empress dowager having returned
thanks, the ladies mounted the dais and
bowed before her and the emperor. Her
majesty then presented each with a ring
of pearl and gold, which she herself placed
upon the recipients finger. after which the
foreign ladies retired to an adjoining hall,
where a sumptuous Chinese luncheon was
served, Princess Ching presiding.
After the luncheon, a crowd of princesseS
and palace attendants entered the hall. fol-
lowed by the empress dowager. who was
accompanied by the empress. The former is
described as of sallow complexion and de-
termined in expression, but wearing a
charming smile. Contrary to Chinese Gus
tom. her face was not painted. The en-
press is described as sad, meek and very
pretty" The empress dowager conversed
with the foreign ladies, telling them she
hoped they would enjoy their visit. When
tea was served, she drank from each lady's
cup and shortly fterward. in a burst of
womanly emotion, embraced her visitors.
The party then adjourned to the Palace
theater. traversing the gorgeous corridors.
TIL theater is d huge hall, with a plat
form in the center and boxes constructed
of plate glass circling around it. At the
commencement of the proceedings, the
stage was occupied by a crowd of high
mandarins. who, on the appearance of
the empress dowager and the empress, SOL
EMMY kowtowed thrice.
The play. which was long, was acted by
palace eunuchs. An acrobatic performance
followed. The visitors then returned to the
dining hall, where was served a wonderful
assortment Of Chinese sweetmeats, tea and
wine. Here the empress dowager again
made her appearance. In bidding her
guests adieu she expressed a hope TO see
them again. The foreign ladies were con-
Quoted with the same elaborate ceremony
TO the palace gates. each receiving presents.
Throughout the proceedings the empress
dowagerr was extremely cordial and eX-
trernely gracious to Lady Macdonald,
whom she patted playfully on the cheek.
The effect of the visit will undoubtedly
be very great. as the Chinese regard such
Il departure from ancient usage as more
important than any political change.