The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-02-16
FOREIGNERS IN CHINA.
shanghai, the Metropolis of the Eastern
Hemisphere.
Special Correspondence,

Especial Correspondence
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 2S Shanghai is the
foreign or European metropolis of China 1t
is not the largest city by perhaps "A dozen, but
located at or near the mouth Of the Missis-
sippi of Asia, the Yang-tse Kiang, and
upon an entirely safe and fairly capa-
cious harbor, has come to possess high do
gree of commercial Importance. As result
there is n resident European population of
about 5000 and counting the foreigners al
ways in the harbor aboard vessels, and tour
lists, there are upon an average 10000 for
eigners there all the time.
OF this population very large percentage
are men. Not every business man in China
is married. The reverse, in fact, appears to be
the rule, Every bachelor represents sepa-
rate establishment and keeps house" on his
own account. Not all of those who have
families keep their families in China with
them. For various and obvious reasons it is
not desirable place to rear children.
The foreign residents are divided on
sharply defined lines into classes and cliques,
according 10 nationality, occupation and the
amount Of money one has OF nationaities
the English predominant in numbers, wealth
and self Importance. The Americans come
second, while France and Germany are about
equally represented Denmark, Sweden,
Norway and other countries have smaller
delegations.
On sharp curve of the Woosung river,
which forms the harbor, stands miniature
London, while adjacent on either hand, sep
arated from the British concession by canals,
stands a section of New York and Paris.
The river front is substantially paved with
cobble stones, and the "Bund,n ms 1t Is called,
is beautiful driveway. The streets are
smooth, though generally narrow, while the
houses are large, substantially built and
rather imposing. The yards are large and
handsomely decorated with trees and flower
ing shrubs There is an air of great pros
perty in the general appearance of the for
eign city on cities Elegant cabs and private
equipages driven by European coachmen
carry the people through the streets. The
hotels, of which each concession" or settle
ment has one equal to the best anywhere,
are large and well kept. Other smaller hotels
are also found, where seafaring folks and less
pretcntiouS travellers find lodgings The prin-
cipal hotels charge from 50 to So per day.
There Is one tine theatre, where an occasional
wandering troupe holds forth, making this
stopping place en- route To and from the
United States or Great Britain to Australia
and cities on the coast in India. Now and
then minstrel" troupe is organized
out of the crews of "men-of- wars men and
the houses at these performances are al
ways large.
The prices for reserved seats are generally
s., while general admission is 81. This gives
to the aristocracy a sufficient distinction and
to the box Office" a suiliclency of funds. IL
it were not 50 far between stands any good
attraction could make money 10y going
through that circuit" making the first stop
at Yokohama, Japan, next at Shanghai,
then Hong Kong and thence to the Indian |
coast cities a week AT each place Is not too
long to stand, as attractions come only at
long intervals. The church of England main |
tains cathedral where prayers and chant
psalms and hymns are read for the spiritual
welfare of the people There is also Il chapel |
where the Gospel is dispensed for the benefit
of "dissenters' from the established church. |
Taken all in all the contrast between Chinese
and western" civilization and methods Is
sharply drawn between the Shanghai Of
Europeans and the near by Shanghai of the
natives
While the foreign natonalities fraternize |
in general way, there is but little sympathy |
and sharp rivalry between them. They
are all there for the same purpose, viz, to get |
the silver and gold of the natives, and hence |
conflicting interests cause jealousies and these
rivalres in business lead to sharp tricks in |
trade There are a number of very |
extensive mercantile establishments. These |
upon native traffic. They cater to the
wants of resident foreigners and upon |
vessels touching there for trade. The latter |
comprise an important constituency. Atone |
time counted no less than 300 foreign vessels |
lying in the harbor, and at no time is the !
harbor clear of these ships, They require |
stores and repairs and create business for the
merchant These stores are stocked with |
every branch of merchandise. Anything |
from paper of pins to great ship anchors, |
dry goods and wet goods" hardware and |
furniture, every conceivable article found In |
the combined shops of London or New York, |
are here found in one establishment The mar |
kets of the world are calledupon to supply the |
wants of the foreigners-butter from Den
mark, milk CONDENSED from Sweden and the |
States, flour from California, etc All the |
smaller inland ports look to this place for |
supplies. except the few articles of native |
growth which are used Is. n. Ton.
Mis- Name Is Won Der Aw Hay.