The sun., 1908-06-28
DINING WOMEN DELEGATES
AMSTERDAM MAKING THE WO-
MAN SUFFRAGISTS AT HOME.
Delegates to tIic International Congress
Have Unusual Chances TO See the In.
timate Side Of the quaint Old City
some Reports From Other Countries


Some Reports From Otier Countries.
AMSTERDAM, June 2o.--At all international
meetings held In Europe much more time
10 given to social festivities than 10 allowed
in the United States. Perhaps this 10 not
niways carried to such an extent as at the
last International Peace Conference, which
In The Hague Is referred to as the Eat
Congress-
As a rule sessions OF the Woman Suffrage
Alliance are held only mornings and eve-
nings, leaving the afternoons free. Foreign
ladies have confldentially told us that when
they went to conventions In our country
they were surfeited with work and famished
for food. Well, our hustling proclivities
must indeed seem little strenuous to them.
and 1t is also true that we do not give them
as much to eat as they get at home. At
these meetings the women OF all countries
look more rosy and solid than the Americans,
and they declare tharit is because we are
underfed. but we prefer to think II Is the
difference In climate and the temperature OF
the houses in Europe that gives the ruddier,
healthier appearance. and also the fact that
they live much more out Of doors.
Our private opinion Is that American
women are more apt to carry their youthful
figures into middle life than are those OF
other countries. and this is worth some
sacrifice.
We are all. however, deeply appreciative
Of the cordial hospitality which we receive.
II gives US glimpses Of home life that even
long sojourn as tourists would not afford.
The most elegant residences in Amsterdam
are situated on the banks OF the widest
canals. some of them facing the street. with
the garden at tine back slopipg down to the
waters edge and protected by dense shrub
berry; others separated from the canal by
the paved street and a row Of tall trees,
with walled in garden behind. In either
case complete privacy is assured which
seems impossible for American homes
Along the Kezer's Gracht and Heeren
Graoht Emperor's and Gentlemen's s Canals)
are long rows of what are known as pa
trcian houses, most Of them about 800 years
old, dating from the opulent days of the
Dutch Republic. They are built Of small
finty bricks with splendidly carved stone
facings and cornices, the five or six stories
running up to the high pointed gables
characte eristic Of Holland architecture, and
they show not the slightest sign of decay.
The massive front door of what is really
the second story opens out on "stoop'
with steps on either side down to the street.
Here in olden times the rich merchants
smoked their pipes in the evening while the
ladies' of the family gossiped back and
forth with their neighbors.
Few bridges crossed the canals in those
days and the ships were anchored in front
ef their doors laden with merchandise,
much OF which was hoisted up into the
spacious storerooms under the roof.
The nobility then as now lived for the
most part in the country, but these merchant
princes. these patrician families, formed an
aristocracy whose prestige still fingers
Some of the mansions are occupied by their
descendants. others have gone into the
possession of those who are founding new
families but the old regime has passed
away. Scores OF bridges now span the
canals. forbidding entrance to the ships
but giving the populace easy access to
these pleasant tree and water bordered
streets, and the patrician has fed to his
garden.
The houses are lifeless and impassive as
monuments. Itwould be the height of bad
form for face to be seen at the window
and when an occupant must emerge the
door is quickly closed after him by the
solemn faced butler and the house resumes
its air Of mournful and exclusive desolaton.
There is, however, charming family life
within, and this we have several times been
permitted to share at the dinner parties
which have been given for us.
One especially to be remembered was that
at the home Of B. L. Gompertz, now the head
Of the great backing firm OF Wertheim Il
,.,k IL svlI Ik,srs, e
chairman OF the committee Of reception for
the congress. The hall and reception
rooms on the first floor are richly adorned
with pictures. statuary and almost price
less bronzes and porcelain. while the draw
ing room on the second floor Is famous for
its mural paintings. the work Of noted artists
nearly two centuries ago. "The price OF
ono Of these panels would buy any house in
Amsterdam a guest told us. They line
three sides Of the room from the floor to the
high ceiling. which also Ia richly decorated
and the largo windows on the fourth side
overlook the lovely garden.
There were present members OF both
houses of Parliament. the leader Of the
Liberal party, university professors. for
elgn Consuls and presidents Of various
boards. After q sumptuous dinner all
passed into the garden. where scattered
among the flower beds against dark back
ground Of trees and shrubs were little tables
each containing handsome electric lamp
and bowls Of pink, white and red peonies
Here coffee, Rqueurs and cigars were served
and conversation was continued till nearly
midnight-in: English, though oil were
Dutch except the American women-and
about us was the silence OF the forest
although we were out Of doors in the heart
Of city OF 600 600 people.
The opening reception Of the international
suffrage meeting now in progress was
held at the Couturier. the Sberry's Of Am
sterdarn, with the usual splendor Of such
affairs. A pleasing variation was a capita
little play in blank verse. -The Council o.
the Gods given by a party Of young people
from. The Hague. Jove summons the
gods and goddesses to know the reason o.
the terrible strife going on in the worlc
beneath, whose noise penetrates his realm
Mercury says: Il guess but. Mr.. Chairman
I'm not sure, that tbs tho ladies' making
all the row." In the midst Of the discussion
a mortal woman begs admittance. sets forth
the grievances inflicted on those Of her 80,
by man, and ends: and so, great gods.