The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-03

probably at least sixty feet in length.
The table linen was simply exquisitely
white and very fine damask. The appoint
ments were very plain, consisting of sill
yer candelabra in great abundance, low
silver epergnes scattered here and there
and filed with yellow and red flowers
edged by feathery ferns. AS we entered
the dining room. standing behind each
char was a native servant. in turban and
long flowing robe of red, trimmed with
gold-LOrd Northbook's state livery. Each
one of these servants wore full black
beard. reaching nearly to his waist. with
the result that the tout ensemble was not
only pleasing but dignifed. To the best
of my recollection the number of guests
was sixty-eight. The only ladies pres
ent were Lady Emma Barring Uord North
brooks daughter) and, think, friend
who was visiting her The Prince took in
Miss Barring. who sat on his right, Lord
Northbrook being on his left l need not
say that there were a number of
midas most distinguished men. both civil
and military at the table, as well as the
Prince and his brilliant staff and suite.
Everyone was in full dress, and the din
ner. which of itself was as good as posi-
BILE, was not beyond others l have eaten,
but the service was most decidedly beyond
them all, for behind each of the sixty
eight guests the servant whom we found
there on our entrance. did not stir, save
to hand US our plates, rearrange our
lDI fnrEc nd pla
and occasionally wave plume of feathers
over our heads to keep of the fiies-which
were not there. Sixty-eight other male
servants in red and gold livery with
turbans and flowing gowns, all bearded
like the pard Gaze and went as the
courses were served-moving absolutely
MISUNDERSTANDING US viands and wine
with a CELEBRITY that left nothing to be de-
sired. The dinner was served on china
and silver and gold plate. The spaces be-
tween the columns back of the table were
filled with towering palms, immense Cey-
Ion ferns, and large, bright Towering
plants, the names OF which did not
know. From the vestibule leading into
the hall a superb military band just
breathed exquisite music. Fancy. if you
can. a more perfect dinner! The noble
room with its towering white columns,
backed by the green palms and great ferns
OF India; the exquisite table with its
setting OF glass. flowers. silver, and gold;
the brilliantly dressed guests; the state
ly Indian servants behind each chair. the
noiseless steps of the others, who seemed
to glide to and fro as silently as though
they were shadows, and in and out among
the palms in serving US. and the soft
sweet strains of music that. stealing in
from the vestibule. only accumulated. but
did not mar. the low hum of conversation
that ioated around the hospitable board.
Monday. January 1. 1876, in Calcutta
was simply perfect day. It was a day
that had been long looked forward to by
both the European and native official con-
tingent, for it was the day appointed for
the meeting OF the Grand Chapter of the
Order of the Star of India; an order in
stitIted By Queen Victoria in 1861. at
which the Prince OF Wales was to preside
as Lord High Commissioner. duly appoint
cd to that position by Her Majesty Queen
Victoria
It represents to the native princes
and leading chiefs OF India as well as to
the European members of it in India. the
highest and in some respects the most
important recognition by the sovereign OF
their services in India, and it IS especially
valued by all the native princes upon
whom it has been bestowed. as 1t gives
them q prestige among each other that
nothing else does, or can do. The most
elaborate and perfect preparations had
been made for it. An immense Durbar
tent had been erected on the Madam, a
large plain, upon which Government
House fronts, and was located at a point
nearly a mile distant from It. It was 50
constructed that the side toward Gov
ernment House was thrown completely
draped back to give a perfect view of
everything In its front, sky line and all.
About the centre of the floor OF this Dur
bar tent WAS another tent within il. This
was the Chapter tent OF the Prince OF
Wales and the Viceroy. 1t was more OF
a canopy than tent. 1t was open on
all sides by the canvas being draped
against silver pillars, which supported the
top OF the tent. which was lined with blue |
silk edged with silver fringe. Under
meath this blue silk canopy were placed |
two large arm chairs. standing on a slight |
dais which was covered with cloth of
gold.
The arms OF each of these chairs were |
covered with silver, and they were up |
holstered In blue satin-blue being the |
color of the Order. At the top OF the |
back OF the chair. or throne, to be occu- !
pied by Lord Northbrook was crown
embroidered in silver. while on the !
chair TO be occupied by the Prince OF |
Wales the three plumes of his crest |
were embroidered In the same manner, |
for in India, prince and prospective heir |
to the throne though he was, the Prince !
could not outrank the Queens Viceroy. |
Just back OF, and circllng to their right |
and left, rs far as the main entrance to |
the great Durbar tent. were ranged the |
seats for the Companions OF the Order. On |
the right and left. In front of this row OF |
seats. were large chairs set at close in |
tervals for the Knights Grand Com |
mander OF the Order who were to take |
prominent parts in tho approaching cere- |
mony. Just back of these two lines of |
chairs. arranged In amphthea trical form, |
and rising tier upon tier to the capacity |
of the tent. were seats for nearly if not |
quite two thousand spectators.