The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1908-07-10

we had a pass to the palace. and
/ upon presentation of the same we
were conducted all through the va
i rlous chambers. In one of these is
stored thousands of dollars worth of
treasure of every description, includ-
Ing gorgeous diamond and pearl pend
ants, as we'll as a wealth of necklaces
or rare and priceless gems, together
with imperial robes trimmed with
solid designs of fish pearls, edged with
rub1es, sapphires and diamonds, the
delicate weaving of which looked, at
a distance, like fine lace, but as soon
as they were moved they flashed daz-
zllng rays in every direction. These
were embroidered onto garment of
matchless texture and hue, which in
itself would command a price within
the range of millionaires only. The
delicate tints and shades so harmon
iously blended with the jewelry as to
cause the most enviable effect, and
doubtless this was the aim of the
wearer. l have never seen anything
quite so beautiful in the way of wear
ing apparel as this robe, and the most
surprising thing about 1t is that it is
in such an excellent state of preser-
walton, there being nothing about it
to Indicate it's age except the deep
creases where it was folded. The in
comparable fneness of the garment
itself dispels all thought as to it's nom
genuineness, and the rough or natural
state of the precious stones tell their
own tale. 1t is truly wonderful
piece of handiwork.
Then there was the emperors crown
encased in huge sectional box, some
RIO in IL,
beautiful piece of work 1t is either
made of solid gold, or some metal
which serves as a good substitute,
and studded with more precious
stones, the value Of which is inestim-
able. 1t has flexible, or sort of coat
of mail hood, intended to partially
cover the shoulders, and this, too, is
wonderfully embroidered with pearls
in fantastic designs which would put
to shame any such attempt by the
present day purveyor of fashions.
There are exquisitely embroidered
kamonas, beautifully carved vases,
highly ornamented bronzes and in
Vulnerable small pieces of brass and
Woodenware in ancient designs, and
must not forget to mention the
swords, with their pearl and diamond
settings. There was also a queer
shaped bell, with a tone as silvery as
any chimes l have ever heard. 1t
had the appearance of a miniature fire
engine, and was made of brass. Other
quaint articles, ':too numerous to men
tiOn," filled box upon box, the ma
jority of which was not opened to us.
There is also fine portrait gallery,
but we did not see this, as our time
was limited. If one was to spend a
week in the place / am sure he would
come away without having seen it all,
so much is there to be seen. And it
would not be difficult matter at all
for foreigner to get lost within the
palace grounds. There are divers
passages and round about ways, con-
fusing to our Western minds.
1t might be interesting to state
right here that the Chinese have very
few straight lines, or paths, which they
follow. For instance, you will never
see straight path ACROSS country, or
a straight row across field, as they
think their spirit devils cannot fol-
low them if they make crooked paths,
etc. OF course 1 do not know If they
think the same about their passages
about the palace grounds or not, but
the thought struck me as significant,
as we kept winding in and out. The
buildings are very beautifully deco
rated, that is, the exterior decorations
are magnificent, but the interiors are
more or less blank and cold looking.
They go in for exterior ornamentatiOn
more, as is evidenced by the fancy
tiles which adorn the roofs, and the
weird and grotesque looking paint
ings on doors, pillars and all wood
work in general. They say that Pek-
ing has little to offer in this line which
is superior to Moukden, and certain
ly am glad of the opportunity afforded
me to visit this city, especially the
palace which 1 have just attempted to
describe. You will appreciate, of
course, that no description can con-
vey the impression a personal visit
leaves on one, but needless to say it
is all very quaint, beautiful and in
tensely interesting to one who has
never seen anything quite like it be-
fore.
We alsoo visited the tombs of the
Manchu emperor and his son, the
prince. The first mentioned is called
Tung Ling, and is situated about 8
miles east of the city, while the last
named is called Bey Ling and is stu
ated about three miles north of the
city. A detailed description of the
latter will suffice for both, inasmuch
as they are nearly the same, with the
exception that the tomb Of the emper-