The National tribune., 1900-07-12

ate, which gave him distinguished posi-
tion. He was appointed Minister to the
United States in place of Tsui Kwo Yin in
1898. There was especial interest in the
arrival of Mr.. Yang Yu, because he es-
tablished the household after the manner
wives OF two OF his secretaries with him,
who always assisted in doing the honors
of the house.
The first Minister'S wife whose reins
were at all loosened that she might en-
Joy somewhat the freedom of a free coun-
try, was the wife of Tsui Kwo Yin.
For time she got not even glimpse
of blue sky or breath Of Gods pure air
except through virtually prison bars and
windows; but gradually the cords loosened
and she was permitted to take q drive
with closed doors and drawn curtains.
The first call that she was licensed to
make was on Mrs. John w. Foster, the
wife of the legal adviser Of the Minister.
This perfunctory performance was an
nounced to Mr.. Foster by q notification
that the Minister and his wife would call
at a certain day and hour, and the modest
request was made that the male members
of the house should leave the premises,
whether a part Of the household or SER
wants, during the visit Of the Minister'S
wife.
At the appointed hour the august party
arrived at Mr.. Fosters residence. A maid
servant conducted them into the drawing
room, and all the prejudices of a Few
thousand years, more or less, were strictly
adhered to by the hostess.
But this was merely the rift In the open
door that was soon to follow, for very
soon the female contingent of the Minis
ter's family, with their little boy, were fire.
pont Circle.
His Excellency, WI Ting Fang. came
to Washington in place Of Mr.. Yang Yu.
1t is stated that WI Ting Fang owes his
position to Ii Hung Chang, in whose sery-
ice he was for 10 years.
The story runs as follows: After the
war between Japan and China Ii Hung
Chang suggested to the Foreign Office
that no man should be appointed Minister
to a foreign country who could not speak
the language OF the country to which he
was accredited. This was agreed to at
the time Yang Yu's term in America ex-
pired., The Minister at st. Petersburg
was clamoring to be removed. Yang Yu
was considered most sagacious diplomat.
and the lot fell to him. Then Ii Hung
Chang saw his opportunity. His friend.
WI Ting Fang. spoke English, and had
applied for the place. His claim was
pushed, and he had strong backing.
bringing Mime. WI. It viii be remem,
bered that rumors Of discomfort among
the official household were current Ia the
newspapers. Among others, that Madam
WI was OF too frugal mind to suit the
secretaries, and they sent complaints to
China. II had been the custom for the
Secretary to pay all bills by check, and
everything passed on as smoothly as a
marriage bell; but when Mr. WI made
his wife paymaster Of finances of the Le-
CATION, and every bill Of any amount had
to pass under her scrutiny, the Legation
took 1t In high dudgeon, and they asked
relief from being under the foot of q
woman, no matter how small the dimen-
sions; perhaps the smallness made II the
more humiliating.
:, A disciplinary dispatch was sent from
the Home Office to the Minister.
And then the Secretaries complained bs-
cause Mr.. WI lacked dignity and reserve
and, like his teacher, II Hung Chang
asked TOO many personal questions. Every
asked "how old they are"
IN the summer OF this discomfort Mr..
W. moved from 2701 18th Street to 1884
street, new reason for more discon-
tent, and EFFORTS were made for his recall.
itis own reasons for moving We're valid.
and all the grumbling availed nothing for
Minister and Madam WI are still doing
business at the old stand.
He has made himself very popular IN
Washington, and Madam WI Is respected
by all who know her.
They entertain literally, and all Wash
lngton is glad to accept of their bosDi-
tality when their doors are officially
opened to the public. And we feel very
sure II MIR. Wu's voice could have been