The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-21

! floor, at the top of which an old-fashioned
"Grandfather's Clock ticks merrily away
and rings out Justify every hour.
Probably no better index TO the characters
of General and Mrs. Foster could be found
than the so-calied MUSHROOM, which is, in
fact, a veritable museum of all that Is
interesting and rare from one side OF the
world to the other. General Foster shows
to his friends with considerable pride a
brick from the wall of China, picked up by
his own hands when acting for China as
its special representative in arbitrating the
matters of that country with Japan. This
Is rather more substantial and unga1nly
souvenir than most of the treasures, for
there are the most exquisite pOrcelaineS
from China, Japan. Ireland and other coun-
tries noted for their delicate ware. There
are tapestries anG embroideries, some OF the
latter glorious in the splendor of gold. sill
yer and silken threads. There are vases,
plaques, hangings, pictures, wood carving,
showing the most skilled workmanship OF
far-away countries. Then there is a big Jap
anese harp, crude but still giving forth the
most charming music. There Is scarcely
a country unrepresented in this fine collec-
ton. Many of the most beautiful speci-
mems were the gifts of Emperors. Kings
presented while General Foster was In the
diplomatic service. From the time of his
first foreign appointment as minister to
Russia General Foster begun his Wonderfui
collection, and il has continued 10 grow.
All that the architects skill could COM
mand was put into this room 1t is or maj
lighted from huge stained-glass skylight,
above which burns electric lights when
needed. This sheds soft, half-sunlignt
effect over the r0Om ana IL Is otherwise
lighted by tinted shades over the electric
lights skillfully arranged about the ROOM
Mrs. Fosters drawing room Is trife
less interesting. but is a study in the best
styles of French art Here. too, hang sew
eral splendid pieces OF Chinese and Japan
csc embroidery, gathered in the Orient.
Across the hall from these two big rooms
is the dining hall. where are often seated
the most distinguished people of the nation
al capital, and adjoining is the red sitting
room, which is a half-library from the tact
that low bookcases almost encircle the wall.
The windows OF this room overlook the
British and Austrian embassies, and down
fashionable Connecticut avenue FOR seVeral
blocks.
In marked contrast TO the honors heaped
upon General Foster by his country Is the
genuine simplicity OF his everyday ne.
While profoundly dlgnifled, there II hot IN
the city a more unpretentious host. He
makes no effort to startle his guests with
surprises. but rather adheres TO old-fasn-
While General and Mrs Foster are most
strenuous in their social life, and are con-
stantly surrounded by Ambassadors ana tor-
eign ministers they have never adopted the
custom introduced here by diplomats or en-
PERTAINING on Sunday. This day they observe
for church-gOing and absolute rest Ihey
accent no invitations for Sunday and ex-
tend none.
Sir LANG, the present Chinese minister.
is an old friend of General and Mrs. Foster.
and is fond OF entertaining them and being
entertained at their home in turn.
General Foster is closely observing affairs
I'm the far East. IL would not surprise any
one here il. at the end OF the Russo-Japan-
csc war, he would be called upon 10 assist
the Japanese government In the diplomatic
negotiations that will follow. General
Fosters work now Is largely devoted 10
the field of international law practice for
foreign governments before the State and
other departments, and also representing
them in complicated international negotia-
lions with other countries. He is almost
constantly in the employ OF Mexico and
China. IL is understood that he received one
OF the largest fees ever paid an internation-
al law counselor for services rendered China
few years 40