Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-09-30
F0RnOSl.
ITS GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION AND coz.
pIrioN--sKrrcn or ITS HISTORY.

plroN--sKrrcu or ITS HISTORY.
Prom the Sacramento tCal) Union.
Formosa. the scene Of the present
difficulties between the Chinese and
japanese governments, Is nm island Of
10000 square miles in the China Sea.
between 22' and 25' 8O' n, and longl.
tudc 1902 60' and 1929 II, Itis about
2l5 miles long and 100 wide at rs
broadcst part. The whole coast Of the
island facing the main land and con.
siderable distance inland. belongs to
China and forms part Of the province
Of Fokicn, from which il is distant
ninety miles. The remainder Of the
island is occupied by aborigines. A
ridge Of snow covered Volcanic noun.
taine, called Muh Ran Shan. the high
~ snmniita Of which are supposed to
be $4,000 feet above the level of the
sea, intcisect tho island from north 10
south. The decliyitics are clothed with
luxuriant trees and pasture grounds,
which give the island very Beautiful
appearance, from whence Il derived its
Portuguese name, signifying beautiful.
On The west side of the island mum.
ber of mountain streams run down to
the sea, and the soil on the mountain
slopes is extremely fcrtileand well cul.
tivatcd The trade in rice. which is Of
superior quality, between Foimosa and
the main land, employs abont 300 YES.
sells. Wheat, millet, maize, sugar cane,
oranges pineapplcs, guavas, cocoanuts,
arecanuts, peaches, apricois, figs grapes,
pomegranates, chcstnuts, melons and
vegetables Of various kinds are also
grown in large quantities In addition
rice, camphor, salt, sulphur maize,
fruits, timber, and other products arc
exported from the island The com.
merce of Formosa is confined chiefly to
Fokien, and few other eastern prov
inees Of China, from which II imports
green tea, raw silk. and wooden and
cotton stuils. The domestic animals Of
the island are builaloes horses, asses.
goats, sheep. hogs and cattle, and the
eastern part is said to be infested with
tigers, lcopards and wolves. In lslS
a large area Of coal of excellent quality
was discovered near the village Of XII.
ion, in the northeastern part of Nthc
island. The aborigines, who are slen.
derby shaped, and Of olive complexion,
wear long hair and blaclien their teeth.
They are divided into different tribes,
have no written language, and are said
TO be honest in their dealings. but re
vengeinl when provoked. The Chinese
portion of the island is divided into
four districts, and the capitals named
Tai-wan-ioo. The Chinese did not
know of the existence of Formosa until
the year 1903, and their authority over
il was not established until the yeai
1853, since which time II has progressed
satisfactorily under their rule. Large
quantities of land have been purchased
by spectators, who encourage 0nigia
ton from the mainland and Offer con
siderable Inducements to settlers. Tn,
wealthy colonists are dissatisfied witt
the Chinese government, 70 whicl
they are fruitful source of uneasinesi
lrem the frequency Of tiielF 4ssEelt.--
Literature fiouIishcs ON the island ant
many of the residents Of Fokien sen,
their sons thither 10 be otncated. For
mosa has few available harbors, anc
the southern channel is remarkable foi
It's violont northern winds and heav,
seas. The Dutch became masters o
the island in 1862, but were expcllec
BY the famous pirate Coxings, who's,
followers ruled until tho Chinese oh
tanned possession. The climate o
Formosa is salubrious and its popnla
ton is estimated At 2,5O0,OOO.