The Washington times., 1904-09-11

their post with Cassabianca-iii0e fidelity,
are the CouEers.- who have made for
themselves a name in history by the
mere accident OF fate and their own
plucky 9emeanOr in perilOus days. When
the, riots were quelled they exhibited no
fear of future trouble, they made no ef-
fort TO leave, and their brave and cheer
full bearing has not been without good
effect upon the Chinese government and
people.
Today, the willy Dowager Empress
showers presents and attentions upon
Minister Conger and his wife, until
the recipients are almost embarrassed
thereby. Not a birthday in the Conger
household passes without presents and
delicacies coming from that astute
ruler: not a holiday rolls around but
brings its gifts to the American lega-
ton from her diplomatic majesty.
On Mr.. Conger's last birthday. mules
heavily laden with tokens OF the En-
press esteem. were sent 10 him, and so
much silk, crepe, and bric-a-brac has
been presented to Mrs. Conger that she
is at her wits end 70 know how TO dis
pose OF al the pretty knicknacks sent
her. since their QuaTters-in an old Chi
nese temple-pending the completion OF
the new legation buildings. are necessar-
/ lily restricted in space.
There are. in the Conger household,
three very cunning little pugdogs. sent
TO Mrs. Conger by the Dowager En-
press, which have been taught 20 do
some entertaining tricks. After dinner,
when there are guests present Mrs.
Conger has the dogs brought In. and
/ put through their antics. by the amah.
who Is very proud OF the pretty little
creatures and the admiration they ex-
cite.
Legation Guests.
| Besides the charming dinners given to
the residents Of the American compound
by Mrs. ConRer. there are also many
distinguished Cinnamon who are guests
at her home and she even has the honor
OF calling 10 her hospitable board, semi
occasionally, Chinese court ladies OF
high birth. who have never until re-
Gently. been permitted such a liberty
On these occasions the Chinese ladies'
who are. OF course, OF the "small-footed
| type-come 10 the legation closely yelled
and in sedan chairs, and Il IS almost
superhous to add, no profane masculine
eyes are permitted 20 view their charms
At Mrs. Coager's dinners the tables
are decorated with great good taste
| with flowers and quantity curious de
/ signs in confectionery; also vegetables
! are cleverly cut TO simulate flowers
Mrs. Conger's tea is Of the finest kind
and is sent by the Empress, who pride.
herself on using only the most exquisite,
~ favored leaves. This tea is no more
Ike the beverage we commonly drink
! than home made roOt-beer Is like the
best imported champagne. Pour boil
ing water over #. and a fragrant aroma
| permeates the room like some rare in
cense; and the taste IS delicious, smooth
and rich-iike the taste Of some peculiar
flower The sweetmeats served, are
also from the Dowager Empress, but ar,
not always so satisfying as the tea
To use the words Of an American CUES
at one of these functions: Il did no
Ike the taste OF any Of the candies. bu
ate some Of the least Nasty
Except at the purely feminine parties
no guest Is more commonly seen at tn,
Congers. or more warmly welcomed
than Mr.. Nealy, the architect of the new
American legation buildings. He wa
sent. nearly two years ago, from III
supervising architects office. by gu
Government 20 plan and rebuild the lie
cation buildings, so unhappily destroyed
during the Boxer troubles. Mr.. Nealy'
position is unique, in that he has no as