Omaha daily bee., 1885-04-03
rise in open mutiny to resent the out
RAILWAYS IN CHINA.

RAILWAYS IN CHINA. %7sss
The introduction of the railway and
the telegraph into China is Of compare
lively recent origin. The first line of
railway, twenty miles long, was built In
1876 between Shang hal and Woosun,
but since that time there has been but
very little, If any, railroad construction
In the country, owing to the decided op.
position Of the people, who, for some
reason or other, have not.been,st all favor
able to such enterprises. 1t Is, there
fore, somewhat surprising as well as
gratifying to learn that a change has re.
Gently taken place in China in regard to
railroads, and that the government is
considering q proportion to construct a
complete system of railways to spread
overl the entire kingdom. We can
only account for this change Of sentiment
with reference to this great modern con-
venience by the fact that a large number
OF prominent Chinese have been educated
in the United States, and having become
acquainted with the operation, methods
and benefits of railroads, they have urged
the building OF such roads In their own
country until at last the government has
concluded, Notwithstanding any objec.
lions hat may exist among the people.
to undertake the grandest enterprise of
modern times. 1t may be also that the
progressive spirit of their neighbors, the
Japanese, is at last exercising awholesome
influence upon the Celestial empire. The
railroad project of the Chinese govern.
ment contemplates a expenditure OF
about 5000, QUO, 900 at the very start,
which, calculating the cost of construc-
ton at $4,000 a mile-although rail.
roads can probably be built in China
for q much less cost than this-will pay
for 10000 miles of road. The Chinese
legation at Washington has received in.
structions to thoroughly investigate the
prospects of inducing an organization of
enterprlslng American capitalists to
undertake the whole job for a round sum
of money. If this can be done, the
Chinese government will submit just
what 10 wanted, and then the American
syndicate Is expected to send out en-
gtneers and skilled railroad builders to
make estimates of the cost, the time re-
quired, and to furnish other in
formation. 1t would seem that
the Chinese government means
business, as It's agents In this country
have already begun to act In accordance
with the instructions and are In consul
tation with New York capitalists. 1t is
to be hoped that this scheme will be sue
csssfully consummated. If an American
syndicate undertakes this gigantic work
it will prove a great benefit to this country,
as all the supplies will be purchased In
the United States, and employment will
be given to a large number of skilled
men. 1t will certainly open up big field
for American enterprises, and will afford
an opportunity for us to get a commercial
foothold In the vast empire that will un-
doubtedly prove immensely profitable.
At the same time this rail way project
will create a complete revolution In the
business affairs and in the customs and
habits Of the Chinese. The railroad Is
bound to modernize them with a wonder
full rapldity. The Russian government,
it is said, Is In full accord with the project
and will extend the railway system of that
country so as to form a connection with
the proposed system of China. 1t will
be seen, therefore, that the contemplated
enterprise Is one that Is likely to be
carried out. The government In con-
structIng the railroad will give employ
ment to a large number of laborers, and
In owning the read 1t can operate 1t
equitably and justly. 1t has the advan-
tage from the start in making the railroad
a government institution, and systema-
tically operating 1t as any other branch
or department of the government.