The Indianapolis journal., 1898-12-15
Her Celestial Majesty Grants an Au-
dience to wives of Foreign AM
bassadOrs and Ministers.
SERVES LUNCHEON AND TEA
PRESENTS EACH OF HER VISITORS
WITH A COSTLY RING,
Later Embraces Them All, and Then
Conducts Them to Her Theater
Lord BeresfOrd's Fears.

PEKING, Dec 1.-THE numerous diff
cultes having been finally overcome, the
Empress dowager to-day granted an audi
ence to the wives of the foreign ambassa-
doris and ministers. The ladies assembled
at the British legation and proceeded to the
palace. AT the entrance to it's 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 En-
press dowager was seated on dais behind
a table decorated with chrysanthemums and
apples, with the Emperor at her left hand.
Lady Claude Macdonald, wife of the Brit
ish minister, as doyenne of the diplomatic
corps, read a speech in English expressing
her pleasure and that of the other ladies
at having an opportunity to tender their
congratulations to the Empress dowager
on her birthday, ard also expressing the
hope that their step might be followed by the
ladies Of China. The Empress dowager hav-
ing 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 fingers, after
which the foreign ladies retired to an adj
Joining hall, where sumptuous Chinese
luncheon was served, Princess Ching pre-
siding
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
determined in expression, but wearing Il
charming smile Contrary to Chinese Gus
tom, Eer face was not painted. The Empress
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 afterwards, in a burst of womanly
emotion embraced her visitors.
The party then adjourned to the Palace
Iheater, traYersing the gorgeous corridors.
The theater is a huge hall, with a platform
in the center, and boxes constructed of
plate glass circling around it, AT the COM
mencement of the proceedings the stage
was occupied by crowd of high mandarihs,
dowager and the Empress soemnly kow
toWed thrice. The play, which was long,
was acted by palace eunuchS An acrObatic
performance followed The visitors then
returned to the dining hail, where was
served a wonderful assortment of Chinese
sweetmeats tea and wine. Here the En-
press dowager again made her appearance.
In bidding her guests adieu she expressed
a hope to see them again. The foreign
ladies were conducted with the same elabO-
ceiving presents. Throughout the proceed
ings the Empress dowager was extremely
cordial and extremely gracious to Lady
Macdonald, whom she patted payfully on
the cheek. The effect of the visit will un-
doubtedly be very great. as the Chinese re-
as more important than any political
change.