The times., 1899-04-16
KOREAN DIPLOMATS
D0FF THEIR CbSQUES
Members of the legation Adopt
American Garments.
Their Distinguishing HatsLaid Aside
for Civilized Headgear.
cincts of the Oriental Her.
init Kingdom.

The Diplomatic Corps has been thrown
into an unwonted state OF excitement by
the recent adoption OF American dress by
members of the Korean Legation The
minister and his attaches will appear no
more in public in the flowing robss and
peculiar hats that have for long time
made the Koreans among Washinston's
most picturesque figures. The members OF
the legation are very proud of their new
garb and take every opportunity OF ex-
pressing their qualification. They have all
secured entire new outfits and assert ye-
hemently that they will never again aD-
pear in the old costumes. Some OF the
more conservative OF the members OF the
legation are not quite so well pleased with
the change. it Is true, and give out as tie
idea that this change will be followed By
others that will completely revolutionzs
the manners and customs of the Hermit
Kingdom. all OF which they greatly de-
plore.
Korea, which has not been called the
Hermit Kingdom without Justification. Is
probably the most exclusive of the nations
of the world. At least it has been SO up
TO the last few years. The people Of the
country have been hamperel by almost as
many traditions as the Chinese the strong
est OF which, and the one to which they
mold with the greatest tenaeity. IS their
animosity for everything foreign. For.
years 1t was worth a mans life to enter
the interior of the Kingdom OF Korea and
the people have fought every innovation
that has been introduced. Every foreign
power has tried al enc time or another to
introduce the European method of dress
into the kingdom, but they made little
needway Suddenly. however, early in the
present year the King took a notion to
wear trousers and he had pair made He
mas been wearing them ever since and ne
has ordered that all of the court officers
and the members Of the diplomatic servjce
together with the army officials, shall here
after appear only in the new mode of
dress.
The matter of dress did not receive i'm
mediate attention The people did not be-
gin to wear trousers for a long time after
the Europeans came into the country.
Some OF the Koreans who had been in Eu-
rope brought back the European clothing
with them and attempted TO wear them in
the streets They were instantly made the
objects Of derision on the part of the in
habitants of the country and were glad 20
get back to the old style of DRESS The
people seemed to cling 10 their clothing
longer than they did to anything else and
1t is not expected that even the imperial
order will effect them materially. The
garb worn Is much the same as that of the
Chinese with the exception Of the hat and
this has been a feature of the Koreans
dress that has received more comment than
any other. II is constructed on ample pro-
portions. having u very wide brim and a
high crown. The hat is also exceedingly
stiff, and is fastened to the head by strings
that are tied under the chin. The head
gear is usually black and resembles a
small hat box with a very wide rim around
the top. the box being then inverted and
placed half way back on the head. Ii is a
distinctive feature Of the Korean. and has
long been the object OF much curiosity
Minister Pom Ye was very willing u
speak of the change OF dress of himself
and associates when called upon by a re-
porter for The Times and seemed II take
great pride in his new elothss.
1.-The change was made under oriers
from the Emperor, who adopted the Euro
pean dress some time ago himself. and
has now ordered all the government OH
ciais to do the same. Personally ke
my new garments very much and am quits
pleased with the change. 1 have always
admired the Americans and American in
stitutions. and have particularly wished
to try their dress and from my experience.
which is very short, / do not think that
would willingly make another ohsnge
That is. would prefer to allow things 10
remain as they are. The charge was
made after due consideration, think and
1t will greatly relieve the members Of the
legation. They have been subjected to
many discomforts by the curious people
who have turned around in the strests to
watch them. The dress we wore was
| little peculiar to the eyes of the people OF
this country, | suppose, and excited some
| little comment. Ii was very embarrassing
to US, you know. to be subjected to such
staring. and while am perfectly rtain
| the people meant no harm We are very
| glad of the change.
| Korea has made rapid progress toward
European civilization in the last few years
| and the Americans that have gone iato the
country have tried their best to do what
| they could to alleviate what they termed
| the suffering of the people,
| The credit of much of the efficiency OF
the Korean army is due to an American.
General Dye. General Dye was at one
| time a resident OF Washington and was
| Chief of Police here for several years. He
went to Korea and became interested in
! the army and built il up to its present high
|
in command OF it by the King and has
| worked wonders with his little force.
| With all of their conservatism and ha-
| tired for the foreigner. however. the Kore-
ans once allowed their curiosity to get
the better of their exclusive natures and
| the King permitted himself to be taught to
ride the bicycle before even the wheel had
| como into general use. and an American
naval officer was the cause OF il ALL The
/ N+S han r fa,.~ u
Lansdale. the brave seaman who was kill
ed near Apia, Samoa. April I.
! Lieutenant Lansdale was then an ensign
and was attached TO the Asiatic squadron.
| The vessel to which he was attached was
| in Korean waters. and the young officer
| took advantage OF the time allowed on
shore to exercise himself on his bicycle
which he had taken on the cruise with him.
] The wheel excited a great deal OF COM
ment among the natives OF the country
and in a short time the king heard OF the
! foreigner who was creating such a havoc
| Ly riding about the coast country balanced
| on two wheels. His curiosity was raised
\ 10 such a pitch that he sent an invitation
| to the American TO visit the capital and
| bring his wheel with him. At that time
| there was great animosity expressed for
| the foreign element in the capital and the
| members of the diplomatic corps had been
| forced to flee from the city to preserve
| their lives. The American minister was
about to return at the time that Lieutenant
Lansdale received the invitation from the
| King. and he made UP party OF twelve
| to go with him, including Lansdale in
| the party.
Although the country was covered with
snow and ice Lansdaie rode his wheel
( from the place where the minister had
| taken refuge to the capital of the country.
He attracted a great deal OF attention en-