Evening journal., 1895-07-27
Ii Hung Chang.

II Hung Chang.
There has been much said in the
newspapers Of this country about the
distinguished Chinaman whose name
heads this article A great deal OF this
newspaper talk has ridlculed the Chinese
statesman, but since he was visited by
General Grant In bis trip around the
world there has been considerable
interest manifested In him by the people
Of this country, and outside Of the fun
poked at him. by newspapers, there Is no
doubt that there Is much genuine respect
felt for him by Americans
Hon. John W. Foster who has been
conspicuous, as An adviser to the Chinese
Government. was undoubtedly selected
for that important position by III Hung
Chang and since his return TO this coun.
try has increased our stock Of knowledge
about the great Chinsman. As Mr.
Fosters relations to Ii we're OF the most
intimate nature all that he says will be
read with decree Of confidence not al
ways placed upon narratives Of this
kind
Mr. Foster says: Having been close
to Ii Hung Chang for several months, I
am able to sxy he is one Of the greatest
men that ever lived President Grant
made no mistake In the high estimate
which he put upon Lis ability and char
acter. He Is states man who would
make his mark in any country In the
world through the force of his intellect.
"The high officials of China are ell
men Of great learning, ability and most
polished manners. OF all those most
high in rank ii Hung Chang Is the most
liberal and progressive, Notwithstanding
the fact that he had never been outside
his own country before be went to Japan
to negotiate treaty Of peace.
Even u is necessarily restricted TO
rome extent by the peculiar views main.
tained in his country, By the isolation
which has existed through all the ages
We had 3 rather touching example Of
this at shlmonoseki Ii did not want to
leave the ship which had carried us
thither. Whether he had superstitlous
fear Of the assault which 80 nearly cost
him his life after he did land, or
whether he was reluctant to set foot
upon the shores Of foreign nation, do
not know, but lac was reluctant to .save
the steamer.
when he was wounded by the young
Japanese Ii bore himself like a hero. /
held his hand while the surgeons we're
probing for the ball, and though in
great pain he bore the ordeal with for
tituds. The bullet was never found,
and is stu IN the viceroy's face, though
It gives him no trouble. The day after
the murderous attack the brave old man
noticed some blood stains on robe
which hs had worn, and when some one
said to him that this blood had beer
shed FOR his country his eyes filed with
tears and he said, with much emotion
4 would give my life also II that
would avail anything.
''still more pathetic was the humllia
tion felt by the Roble viceroy after b,
was hurt. He could display persona
courage Of the highest order, but h,
could not rid himself Of the traditions o.
his RAGS. say tin all praise Of the man
and not In criticism, that he felt himself
disgraced because he had been wounded
by g common man. He fslt that thi
stain upon his person could never agail
be wiped out and that lie would neve
again be able to hol5 his head hlgl
smoug bis peers u was With great siin
Guilty that applied the logic Of on
civilization to his case.