The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-08
Mr.. WI AND HIS WIFE.
They Have shown Themselves TO he
Gentlefolk with Progressive Ideas.

Washington Post.
Mr. WI has been a keen observer Of the
difference between the manners and customs
of this country and his own. His observa-
tons have not been limited 10 his own eH-
elusive social circle. for he has keeniy en-
joyed mingling with all classes Of Amer
lean people, and has manifested 10 all the
gentle courtesy which marks the patrician
of every race and age.
He has shown particular interest In re-
gard 20 courtship and marriage I'm the
United States, and. comparing our observ-
ances with those OF his country. considers
that there is room for improvement in both
He thinks the young people Of China
should be permitted. under proper circum-
stances, to converse occasionally with those
TO whom they are affianced, and is equally
convinced that there is too much freedom
of association and too little Difference TO the
wishes OF parents and guardians in matrl-
monial affairs in the Western hemisphere.
In China persons or rank 40 not see thelr
future husbands or wives until the mar
riage ceremony occurs. NJ. Wa has related
in his inimitable manner how, with a little
planning and the assistance OF a Few
friends, he managed 20 obtain. at distance
of thirty feet. glimpse OF the young lady
who had been chosen 10 be his wife Mrs
WI, who is a sister OF Ho Vow, Chinese
consul general at San Francisco, was Un-
acquainted with English when she arrived
in this country; but she has been a ciligent
student and now speaks our language al
most fiuently. She is a typical high,caste
Chinese beauty and is finely educated.
Mr.. WI, who IS ardently opposed 10 foot
binding, desired in early manhood 10 marry
q young woman with natural feeti but,
though his parents searched for three
years, none of suitable rank and education
could be found. Ant-foot-binding societies
have been in operation in China since 1867,
and Mr.. Wa. who Is authority for the
statement that this strange custom origt-
mated in a dream Of an Emperor who ruled
that country more than thousand years
ago, says that il is waning in popular IA
Yor, and expresses the hope that IL Will
soon be thing OF the past.
Mrs. WI, despite her tiny feet. in many
respects is as progressive her husband,
and these cultured Asiatics have afforded
this city a most pleasing example OF do
nestle felicity. In this country Mrs. WI
has enjoyed the freedom which is the un-
disputed provocative of American women
On her return to China she will resume
the comparative seclusion and conServa-
tive social usages which prevail among
| Chinese women OF rank
Not the least OF this lady's pleasures in
Washington were its theatres. Among the
| most appreciative witnesses OF almost
| every standard play were Minister WI and
| his wife and son, usually accompanied by
| two or three of their attaches. At one OF
| the theaters a box was reserved for them.
1 by the season.
| WI Chao-Chu, the only child of this dis
| tinguished couple, is high school cadet.
| stands well in his classes. rides a bicycle,
| plays euchTe and speaks English like a
| native. He has learned TO conduct an auto
| mobile and entertains a favorable opinion
| of American Sunday-schOols. IL would not
| be strange If in future years this hand
| some, thoughtful-looking youth should re-
| turn TO the United States as the diplo-
matte representative of the China that is
| to be.