Stories from Deli

Deli Courant 23-03-1901

In response to an invitation from our Chinese Major Tjong Young Hian to attend a party at the house of Chinese Captain Tjong A Fie, a large crowd gathered on Saturday evening at Kasawan to head to the new house recently built on that street. The turnout was significant due to the generously distributed invitations.

On a previous occasion, we had already described the truly spacious and well-appointed new residence of the Chinese captain. This time, the place was once again filled with light and activity. Carriages rolled in, continuously bringing more guests—gentlemen in black, ladies in elegant attire—soon filling the spacious front hall where the hosts awaited their visitors and the dance hall above. A sea of light from countless tastefully arranged electric lamps and lights brought life and cheer to the gathering, which grew larger and larger.

We noted the presence of the Assistant Resident and the Controller of Medan, the Sultan of Deli and the Toengkoe Besar with their entourage, as well as many ladies and gentlemen from Deli, Langkat, and Serdang.

Once it was clear that the stream of guests had fully arrived, the ball began; the Manila band, stationed downstairs in the vestibule, played merrily, and soon the dance floor, no matter how large, proved too small for the many couples. One dance number followed another, interspersed with visits to the well-stocked buffets, allowing those who loved dancing to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Additionally, there was ample opportunity to calmly enjoy a drink or engage in a game of whist.

For those seeking more excitement, one could indulge in the noble game of roulette in one of the lower side wings. “Messieurs, faites vos jeux” (Gentlemen, place your bets ) and “rien ne va plus” (no more bet) echoed, sometimes with great calm, other times sharply accentuated, depending on the mood of the players. And then the clinking and shuffling of dollars, exchanging here, placing bets there, collecting winnings or taking small profits. It was a whirl of activity—going to the buffet, dancing, playing roulette, returning to the buffet, and so on.

Here an old acquaintance or a fleeting greeting, there a chat—in short, a convivial hustle and bustle of partygoers. And amidst it all, boys with trays and large platters of various pastries and sandwiches, all expertly prepared by our indispensable firm, de Boer.

Truly, the party was well on its way to earning the reputation of being a “great success.” The dance program was pleasantly interrupted by some recitations by the now-popular Mr. Van Meurs of Deli, who was kindly accompanied by one of the guests, Mr. v. d. V., who also received a thank-you in one of the verses. After the recitations, it was back to dancing, the buffet, or roulette, and so it continued.

The party would surely have lasted forever if everyone had not remembered in turn that there is a time to come and a time to go. Gradually, the ranks thinned, as this or that group of revelers bid farewell to the hosts. However, it was already beginning to get light before the last guests returned home to catch a little sleep.

Indeed, a word of praise must be given to the generous reception prepared by the Chinese leaders of this region for so many on Saturday evening. The committee, which took charge of organizing the event, also performed its task excellently. However, a single remark should find a place at the end of this report, not as criticism but as an observation. Why, on occasions like this, are not all Europeans on the East Coast who wish to come invited, or why is a standard not set for invitations and then strictly adhered to? If it were truly the hosts who invited, this remark would be out of place, but a party committee in our small society should invite either not at all or consistently.

The Party at the Chinese Captain’s House

De Sumatra Post 25-03-1901

Even before nine o’clock, several guests had already arrived, either on foot or by carriage, fearing congestion and traffic jams on Kesawan Street. Thanks to the good measure of allowing carriages to approach from only one side, however, there were no issues, and everything proceeded in the best order. At the entrance on the street, members of the party organizing committee awaited the arrivals and escorted the ladies over a plank walkway, covered with bunting and decorated with greenery, to the gate of the building and into the large front hall.

There, the Major and the Chinese Captain, dressed in traditional Celestial attire, awaited their guests. Immediately, we were struck by the good tone, order, and pleasant atmosphere that prevailed, which must have differed greatly from a previous occasion when the Chinese officers had invited Europeans. Perhaps it was with an eye to that earlier experience that this time invitations were sent to a limited number—though that number still amounted to several hundred—and not all residents were invited indiscriminately. However, the selection process seemed a bit arbitrary, as some people were present whom one was surprised to see, while others who should have been there were noticeably absent. Still, let us not judge too harshly: the task of a committee is always difficult and thankless in such matters.

As we mentioned earlier, order prevailed everywhere, including in the service, which in no way disrupted the pleasant, cheerful spirit of the hundreds of guests. We believe no one left dissatisfied or displeased; on the contrary, everyone must have exclaimed, “I had an excellent time!”

The two hosts continuously moved through the rooms to ensure that no one lacked anything. Every nook and cranny of the cozy house was utilized for buffets, dressing rooms, gaming rooms, and supper rooms. Everywhere, a cheerful crowd gathered. Especially in the large upper hall, where dancing took place, some lovely cheeks turned pale, and the ladies began to whisper, “Could the floor collapse?” To which their cavaliers heroically stomped the ground and assured them, “The floor is strong enough.”

After having refreshed themselves from ten o’clock onward with a beautifully arranged sandwich (in the language of Friend de Boer: “Supper and promenade?”), the seated supper began at the stroke of twelve. This was something more substantial, and apparently, a lot of Champagne was needed, as the popping of corks sounded like a troop of skirmishers. During supper, Mr. Van Meurs performed, and one of his innocent couplets even led to a minor incident, which is recounted elsewhere in our paper. After the excellent supper, dancing resumed, and we were particularly pleased to note that many ladies—and certainly not the least graceful—had refused to submit to the silly rule of wearing a high-necked gown. Instead, they allowed us, impartial admirers of the fair sex, a glimpse of snow-white arms, marble shoulders, etc., etc.—not to mention that they themselves felt much more comfortable as a result.

In connection with this anti-décolleté movement, allow us to quote a mischievous line from W. M. Thackeray, who wrote of one of his heroines: “She never laughed, for her teeth were not beautiful…” This explains many things, we might say. Understood, ladies? * * *

The party concluded around four or half-past four in the best order. The roulette table was a bit of a failure, as some who acted as bankers had no clue about the noble game of chance. With unparalleled generosity, they sometimes paid out sums they were not obliged to, while on other occasions, they pocketed the funds of widows and orphans with grasping fingers. One banker, in particular, made strange entries in his ledger, causing people to shake their heads at his generosity, while a malicious tongue muttered, “That X., what is he really? A millionaire who grows tobacco for fun, or a tobacco planter who is a millionaire for fun?” But this was just a minor blemish and did not mar the crystal-clear joy of the celebration.

A charming detail: We noticed many naive faces eagerly observing the ombre tables, hoping to see the “cozy club” play. But they were disappointed, as three of its members were absent. Presumably due to the recent tragic death of one of their comrades, the officers had largely abstained from attending the party, with the exception of Lieutenant Ström, who appeared with his wife. Apart from the Colonel, the Resident of this region was also absent. However, all the civil authorities of Medan were present, as well as His Highness the Sultan of Deli, the Toengkoe Besar, and many Native Chiefs.

It was a splendid and in every respect successful party, which the Chinese leaders may look back on with satisfaction.