The evening times., 1899-11-29
NAY ADOPT Court GARB
Gorgeous Dress ferLatin-American
Diplomats Is Promised.
Led by Senior Arriaxa, of Guatemala.
the Representatives. Of south and
Central America Decide Upon u
More Distinctive Attire to BE Worn
When They Attend State Functions

American officials in Washington are re-
on the occasion of state ceremonies. un-
less they belong to the army or navy.
Civil officers must appear In the dTe which
custom has prescribed for men. But with
representatives of other nations 1t 10 dif-
ferent
The South and Central American ENJOYS
have decided to adopt in Washington their
court uniforms. Throughout Europe they
wear a gorgeous court dress. Dsferring
to the fact that the American President
and Secretary Of State wear black. they
have hitherto packed away their resplend-
ent costumes during their stay at the
National Capital, and have appeared IN
the same sombre attire which was worn by
the American officers. But the new course
adopted by the South and Central Ameri-
can representatives compels them to ap-
pear on state occasions in gala attire.
Senor Don Antonio Lazo Arriaga, the
Minister from Guatemala, is at the head
of this movement. The Latin American
representatives, initiating the course
adopted by their European colleagues. have
resolved to form their own social circle,
TO establish their own rules and preceaents.
1t is considered by many to b. unfortu-
nate that the late Senor Romero OF Mexico.
who for thirty years was the dean OF the
Latin-American set, is not now mere 10
guide their councils. Senor Arriaga. by rea-
son of his seniority in office. is Low the
leader of his brethren. He Is young and
full of life.
About two months ago the Latin-Amerl-
can ENJOYS met in New York and discussed
the subject OF a court dress. Senior Arriaga
took upon himself the responsibility 10 IN
troduce the innovation 1t was SAID tnat
on a visit to the State Department he
made Secretary Hay acquainted with the
INTENDED move. and that the latter ap-
peared to have been pleased with the propo-
sition.
Several of the diplomats. 1t is said, nave
ordered their court uniforms from Partisan
tailors. A simple. but rich costume OF
broadcioth and gold has been decided upon.
Each nationality will have its distinctive
color Nicaragua has adopted a very dark
blue, Guatemala a shade Of blue somewhat
lighter. Costa Rica a brown. and Mexico
bottle green. The proposed coat is COM
bination of an English officers mess jacket
and an officers full dress coat 1t is open
in front, revealing gorgeous waistcoat
of c>eored and figured silk or velvet. the
coat has long tails, starting from the front
line of the hips and meeting in point at
tne Dack. A court SMOiu tilu '-AOs
complete the uniform.
Senior Arriaga. who is high in the coun-
ellis of his native land. may, it is reported.
be called to serve as secretary OF state OF
Guatemala. 1t was reported that this Of
fer was actually made to him, and that ne
holds 1t still under consideration. HIS
departure in that event would make Senior
Don Jose Andrade. the Venezuelan Minis
ter, dean of the Latin-American corps OF
ministers. Senor Andrade, not unlike the
late Seuor Romero. is strong in his ad-
herence to republican simplicity Senor
Andrade is accredited TO Great Britain as
well as TO the United, States, and could
have elected to wear a court uniform here,
as he is Obliged TO do at the Court OF ST
James, but he always appears in plain
black broadcloth dress suit.
Another influence leading the Latin
Americans to adopt this innovation is that
Ambassador Aspiroz of Mexico attends
state functions in his uniform as colonel