The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-07-30
REcoLLEcTIoNs OF Ii HUNG
1t Was Habit With Him Not to Take
Back Seat.

Back Seat.
Undoubtedly the most striking charac-
teristic of the late Bismarck of China"
was his consummate sans-gene. At home
or abroad viceroy Ii would never consent
to taking back seat 1t was quite in
vain that Picking aristocrats of Tartar
origin continually poked fun at his lack
of Manchu blood and humble parentage.
reminding him of the days when ne not
only picked the rice for his school teacher
fathers midday meal, but more often
than not did the cooking as well. With
the dowager empress friendship and pro-
lection and his own extraordinary sup
ply of craft and shrewdness, Ii Hung
always managed to come out ahead. Even
when the overoficious diplomat got him
self into such a scrape that his imperial
friend could not blind her eyes to it and
saw herself obliged to deprive Ii of his
titles, position and the coveted decoration
of the twO-eyed peacock feather and the
yellow mantle. to the horror of august
mandarins, he still refused to eat humble
pie. Although at this time the old man
held his head high his position was far
over an awkward moment that ne sue
ceeded in obtaining permission to make a
western tour under the pretext of study
ing European civilization and placing
large orders for guns. boats and ammu-
milton.
During this voyage European digni-
taries came in for .. slice of the China
mans independence. The first sample OF
it was displayed at Moscow, whittier he
went to represent his country at Nicolas
lis coronation. 1t was the night of the
gala representation at the opera when all
the boxes were filled with the cream of
European aristocracy. The signal OF the
car and czarina' s entrance having been
given, the orchestra at once broke into
"Boje Tiara Krani," the Russian nation
al hymn. OF course this brought the en-
tire audience to their feet. To the sur
prise of everybody and Indignation of nu-
merous Winter Palace grandees, however,
il was observed that one guest remained
seated. Indeed, the independent Ii went
one better, for not only did he remain
glued to the crimson velvet armchair,
but. in spite of black looks from all parts
of the house, he persisted in keeping on
his violet silk headgear. The master Of
ceremonies then stepped around to the
viceroy's box to teach him lesson on
court etiquette, and in his most affable
manner informed him that everybody
was expected to stand up. Just tell that
man. replied Ii in frigid tones to his in
terpreter. that 1 am not everybody. and
I will leave my seat when the perform
ance is over. not before" Nor did he.
er court at defiance. When dining with
King Leopold at Laeken not only did he
show his 'sans-gene' by insisting that
Chinese dishes should figure on the menu.
but the meal was hardly finished before
he cIamored for his long pipe. This
brought. he asked leave or ricense OF no
person. and to the horror Of all present
Immediately began sending large clouds
of smoke into his fair neighbors face.
Though smoking is forbidden at the Bel
gian dinner table, Leopold II. sought to
remedy matters by having cigarettes
passed to his guests.
Another characteristic which Count II
tas he insisted upon being called while
touring abroad gave ample evidence Of
during this journey was suspicion. and
this nowhere more than in Paris. he liv-
ell in constant fear OF being poisoned. In
vitation after invitation was turned
down Even when he did consent TO
leave his hotel apartments and dine al
the Chinese embassy. he took the precau-
ton Of having his cook go along and pre-
pare the meal As Ii wore very pre-
oious button on his cap. the French chief
of police deemed il wise 70 have him
Swallowed" and very much 50. for a
landau Of detectives invariably followed
the old celestial wherever he went OF
course Ii. who saw everything over his
glasses with the coachman after his ex-
days but the third. when driving to the
Elysee in company with the French min
ister OF foreign affairs his curiosity sol
the better q him. Looking intentiy II
the minister. as was his custom when he
particularly wished 20 be enlightened.
on some point be plumply inquired who
these fellows were. But The minister was
as cute as he. Without moving & muscle
he replied: Your exoellency. they are
members af the French academy. They
they but ike n the mighty empire II
which yon are 50 glorious they would
wear the crystal button. Il Is Tor you-
honor that they have been attached 10
your suite. Had Il Hung bat seen these
sage members Of the academy ciiuSiag
glasses with the eoschmsa after his ex-
ceIIency mad been safely deposited AZ hls
hotel the cunning CEsnanaa would have
been dispelied- D. Z. 2.