The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-22
THEIR IMPERIAL HOSTESS.
Mrs. Co.ser's story Of . visit to the
Empress Dowager.


Empress Dowager.
DEs MONIES. July 21.-The wife Of
Minister conser has recently written to a
friend here concerning the visit Of herself
and the wives Of other foreign Ministers
TO the Empress Dowager last winter. In
her letter Mrs. Conger says:
There is one more thing must tell
you about because think you will see
much in 1t. 1t is Of visit that the for
eign Ministers wives made to the Empress
Dowager. 1t Is stated, and said to be
true, that she had never seen foreign
woman, ana that foreign woman had
never seen her. The idea was conceived
that the Empress Dowager be asked that
she allow an audience to the seven foreign
Minister'S wives. They wished to pay
their compliments to her on the sixty
fourth anniversary Of her birth.
"This audience was granted after some
delay and December 13 was decided upon.
At 1890 MOUNTED escorts sent by the
Yamen. went to each legation, and es-
corted the ladies to the British Legation,
Lady Macdonald being doyenne. Each lady
was In q sedan chair, having I'VE chair
bearers and two mounted mHfoos. From the
British Legation we started at IL o'clock
for the forbidden city to see the Empress
Dowager. Can you see the picture? Seven
chairs with i've bearers and two mafoos
each, and from fifty to sixty mounted Chi
nese escorts sent by the Yamen?
when we reached the gate Of the for
hidden city we had to leave our chairs.
bearers, mafoos, escorts. all. Inside the
gate were seven red upholstered chairs In
a line utv hoar oanh and
escorts on foot. We were taken to another
gate, where inside we found fine railway
coach given by France. We entered this
hne car and many eunuchs, dressed in
black, pushed and hauled us to another
stopping place. where we were received
by servants. offered tea, etc.
This railroad passed through a beau
tffui city. clean and imperial After tea
serving we were escorted to the palace.
Our heavy garments were taken and we
were ushered into the presence OF the
Emperor and Empress Dowazsr. We stood
according to rank-the longest time In
Pekin-and bowed. Our first interpreter
presented each lady to Prince Ching and
he, in turn. presented US to the Empress
Dowager. Then Lady Macdonald read
little speech in behalf of the ladies'.
The Empress Dowager responded through
Prince Ching. Another bow on our part,
then each lady was escorted to the throne.
where she bowed and courtesied to the En-
peror, who reached out his hand to each.
Then bow and courtesy to the Empress
Dowager. She reached out both hands, and
we stepped forward to her. She took both
of ours. then placed upon the finger of ta,n
lady a beautiful heavy chased gold Chinese
ring set with very large, fine pearl.
After thanking her. We backed rom The
throne and took our places below as before
From here we were escorted by many rich
Iy dressed. highly painted. decorated young
Chinese women and Chinese officials TO the
banquet hall, where large table was flied
to overiiowing with Chinese and European
food. Prince Ching Princess Ching. ard
five other princesses sat al the liable
with US.
THE Empress 'Dowager and Princess
Ching were dressed in most exquisite en-
broidered. rich satins and silks, with large
pearl decorations. After this meal We were
invited into other rooms and offered ci-
garettes and tea. The table was cleared
away and we were invited into the hall
again. There sat the Empress Dowager and
We gathered about her as before. She
seemed bright and happy. Her face was
aglow with good will. There was no trace
Of cruelty to be seen.
in simple expressions she welcomed us.
but her actions were full Of freedom and
warmth. She arose and wished us we'll.
She reached both hands toward each lady
and then to herself. and said. with much
earnestness:
One family all one family
Everything she said was in Chinese.
She presented to each lady the Empress,
the Emperor's wife, who gave her hand to
each. The Empress is young and what is
called q beautiful Chinese woman. The
Empress Dowager babe each lady good bye |
and then went to the theatre. We soon
followed and listened to Chinese theatre
at its very best. After about an hours
stay, Interpreters explaining the plays, and |
being served tea all the while, We were'I
escorted back to the banquet hall and seat
ed as before at loaded table Of much
food. Again We were taken to other rooms
and the tables cleared away.
Once more we were permitted TO see the
Empress Dowager. She was very cordial.
and when tea was passed to US she stepped
forward and tipped each cup of tea to her
own lips She took sip. then lifted tie
cup on the other side to our lips, and caii
again: One family. all one family
Here she presented us more beautiful
gifts, all alike. After this wonderful dream
day we reached home at 5 o'clo.k.''