One of the most interesting colebrations ever held in Tientsin was that of Friday, 28th July, in honour of the anniversary of the birthday of the Emperor, particularly the great formal: reception in the evening, to which were invited the foreign military and consular officials, the heads {of business firms, and others. The day began with the reception of some 5,500 students, who were received by the Viceroy in a pavilion specially erected, an event which seemed to mark an advance in the growing spirit of patriotism which is becoming manifest more and more rapidly in China, as is evinced by some of the features of the American boycott. Later in the morning, and lasting until noon, the Viceroy held public reception, which was largely attended by the foreigners from Peking and other places, as wall as the Tientsin j community generally. The evening recoption was for invited gnosis only, and was a magnificent and prineely affair... 'The extensive palace was elaborately decorated and brilliantly. illuminated by clecteicity, generated by. the, Viceroy' own plant, varying in effect from the in-{tonse light of the larger lamps to' the }tiny bulbs which peeped from. banks of {flowors. Throughout.the whole length jof the larger halls, on either hand, wore tables landed good things to out, white an army of servants circulated the throng with trays of champagne, mineral rs, cigars and cigarettes. "In such ital surroundings the mass of gay foreign uniforms, toned and sot off by the many plain black evening dross suits, contrasted with the gorgeous summer arumes of the Chinese officials, rich in bright colours, gold dragons sud embroidered birds and animals indicating the various ranks, offered a spectacle not soon to be forgotten. Music was furnished by the Viceroy's: own band, consisting of about forty native musicians, who have had years of careful training by foreign l whose performance was more than creditable, both with press ings.. Nor wore many forms of ontertainment neglected. In one largo halt, a stage had been erected, where a continuous performance was given by a multitude of actors: and actresses, as well as noted singers; parts of many Chinese; historical plays, melodramas, and comedies being rendered during' the evening. One girl was pointed out to me as sufficiently famous to receive $1,000 monthly for her services on the stage, while many others, both mon snd women, wore stars" proportionately well paid and equally famous, Some of the actresses appeared a little startled by the form of foreign applause given, since clapping the hands is unknown' in China, where the highest form of approval is marked eby cries of "hao, hao" (good, good). Te is worth noting that the presence of females on the stage was -unusual. Not only has this been considered the lowest form of employment for women (though by io masus unknown), bat it has been unlawful as well, a law enforced in the cities, to sume extent at least. For such an exalted character play sil singers aba fora eoeption gives jceroy Yuan to employ these actresses
anew status to the question in this district,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.