The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-02-10

The whole German Empire is not as
large as Nebraska and Dakota by $4,000
square miles but with population
large. By about five millions. as that OF the
whole United States Diplomatic inter
course between the two countries has
moved along practically without jar or
friction. The Empire Is now represented
nv the coUrtly and accomplished gentle
man. Baron Max Ven 1hielman, Ambassa-
dor Extraordinary and PIenipo:entiary.
The Jaganese also own their own Lega-
tion residence. Ii is a substantial four
story brick building at 1910 street, pur
chased from Gen Capron several years
ago. The present Minister Mr.. Toru Hoshi,
is a gentleman of education and culture.
The members OF The Sunrise Kingdom"
have contributed largely TO the social en-
ioyment of Washington. They readily con-
form TO the customs OF the country, in
education, manners and dress. 1t is not a
novel thing TO see the hand of the Japanese
oriental given in marriage 10 the fair of the
occident-
The Mexican Legation is one OF the most
attractive homes among the foreign repre-
sentatives. The Government is ably repre-
scented by Senior Don MatiaS Romero, who
has for many years been in the diplomatic
service of his country, and has rendered
important assistance. not only 10 his own
country but 10 the United States, in bring
ing about better understanding between
the two nations.
He has always advanced republican
ideas and given his support to that form of
Government i'm Mexico. His candor, sta
bility and. ingenious character, his dis
tinguished service IN the settlement OF all
International questions in the trying days
of this Government, drew him very close to
Gen Grant who had so many delicate
Diplomatic questions TO settle, and a broth
erly friendship sprang up between them,
which grew stronger as the days Of their
General was called by the last summons,
there was no more sincere mourner than
Senior Romero.
The Minister has a happy faculty of
drawing friends around him, and has "a
most admirable assistant in the winsome,
charming Madame Romero. Their mag
nificent artistic home, with its open hos
pitality the brilliant receptions given
there viii record them in history as among
the most brilliant entertainers in Wash
ington today.
The fly screen hats and quaint dress of
the Koreans are familiar objects on the
streets Of Washington. The King of Korea
is adapting his Kingdom 10 American ideas
AS fast as practicable. He established a
Legation in Washington, and gave his
ENJOYS the privilege OF bringing their wives
with them. The official residence is on
Iowa Circle and il has been iastefully
furnished under the direction Of the Women
OF the Legation. Perhaps the most diSap-
pointing feature about it is that American
taste and custom have been strictly ad
hered TO instead Of the hoped for touch Of
Korean home decoration. Mr. Chin Pom
Ye is the Envoy Extraordinary and Minis
ter Plenipotcntiary.
The Korean women endeavor to initiate
American customs. In their own land
they are not permitted to mingle with the
outer world. In the center OF the city Of
Seoul, the Capital, there is an architec-
tural structure in which is suspended
huge bell called the Inkiung.
Al O'Clock every night an officer Of the
Kings household tolls the curfew: the
lights on the mountain tops simultane-
ouSly signal throughout the Kingdom that
the hour Tor the women 10 have possession
Of the city has come. The gates Of the
city are closed. the men retire forthwith 60
their homes, and The ladies sally forth and
take possession. The women OF high de
gree have the exclusive right OF the CITY
and no lord Of creation" under a heavy
penalty, Is allowed 10 trespass upon this
right.
Men and women have no social relations
in Korea in common. Each home has its
quarters for the women, which TO them is
the holy OF holies and into which the men
never enter.
During the hours Of feminine freedom,
the men IN their homes while away the
hours sleeping or drinking their favorite
beverage, sui, while the women visit each
other MONIES, being carried through the
streets in the "tog hio 4" or ladies' chair
swung on poles and borne by eInIchs
They spend the hours chatting. gossiping.
singing and having merry time generally.
When the solemn tones OF lnkiung re
vertebrate through the darkness the hilari-
ties cease, the women return TO their
homes, the gates of the city are swung
open, another day has been recorded 10 the
citizens OF Korea, and the world moves on
as before.
The women are quick in their move
mepts and rapid in adaptation. 1t is told
OF them that soon after their first reception
the Chinese Minister gave one also. The
gentlemen OF the Korean Legation thought
IL best that their wives should remain at
home, as the Chinese women are never
seen out.
The female portion were not in accord
Sith the decision, but kept their own