The Washington herald., 1912-02-17
CHINESE JOYFUL
OVER NEW YEARS
"viYe la Republique" Glad
some Cry in Capital
Chinatown.
NEW CALENDAR TO CONE

The Chinese New Year broke in upon
the Celestial vision last night. Joyfully
they celebrated. and Oriental colonies
the world over-no matter haw many
leagues removed from Pekin--blossomed
out in flowers and songs and thanks
giving. just as their white brethren do
only more so.
washingtons Chinatown was ablaze
last night. and one lusty slogan was
passed around. a cultural raucous slo-
gan, which. Topped over into French.
runs like this:
''vive la republique"'
Never have these self-chosen exiles
from the elder mistress Of the Eastern
seas inaugurated the weeks carnival OF
Pennsylvania avenue. from Third TO
Sixth streets, been the scene Of more
riotous festivity. Lights in sequestered
chop suey cafes. in dark and devious
rookeries and caravansaries, in curio
shops. were all aglow. and clouds Of
smoke curled from many a party OF
yellow-skinned philosophers, who were
gloating over the downfall of the Man.
chus.
The Least Bit Excited.
This is the first New Year under the
republic and the last under the old
calendar, and It is no wonder that the
stole Oriental has been the least bit
corrupted with the American vice Of ex-
citement and voIubility.
Will the ancient Chinese calendar.
rooted In countless centuries be super
seded by the Gregorian calendar.
While the Chinese legation has been
officially notified that the calendar is to
ba ha bn II.-
believe that the Gregorian calendar is
TO be adopted, the republican government
has not designated the day marking the
beginning OF the new year. and until this
Is done. China's official representatives in
Washington will not celebrate.
The. dropping of the ancient calendar
and the adoption Of the new is in accord
ance with the democratic policy which
has been assumed by the new government.
and the people. falling in line. are eager
ly severing themselves from old Gus
toms in favor Of new, such as cutting
OF queues. purchasing American hats,
and beginning political activities.
Lem YOunE's Tale.
Lem Young. the weII-known proprietor
OF a Pennsylvania avenue chop suey res
taurant, was brimming over with repub-
lican spirit yesterday afternoon when he
declared that his countrymen in this city
are eagerly awaiting January /. when
they expect to celebrate New Years for
the first time on the same day with the
American people. Lem said he has ex-
perienced no sadness in witnessing the
passing of the last year under the cal
endar which has been used by his na-
ton for centuries. He asserted that the
Chinese in the United States welcome
every innovation tending to shape their
home government and customs after
those OF this country.
Interchange of calls, cards, and gifts,
Cessation OF labor, and feasting mark
ed last nights celebration. When a re-
porter noticed that the women were not
participating in the festivities, Charley
Sue, one Of the leading business men Of
Chinatown. remarked that the Chinese
have not yet advanced to the stage
where the fair sex is placed upon a
pedestal and worshiped. after the manner
that the American girl is adored.
Charley was of the opinion that Chinese
women soon will be accorded places Of
honor at all festivals and celebrations.
The flags Of the new republic which
were hung from Chinatown's windows
last night beside the Stars and Stripes
will not be furled for a week.