The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-07-26
CHINA IS CRUMBL|NG
HO Tung a Hong Kong Banker
Predicts Revolution.
Internal Strife About to Destroy
the Reigning Dynasty.
ALITTLE BOOKS WORK
One $50 Years Old Contains
Seeds of Revolt.
Ii Hung Chang the Richest Man
in the World.

SAN Francisco, July 26--Ho Tung,
Chinese banker of Hong Kong, who
figured in the unsuccessful negotiation
in England to float the Chinese war loan,
arrived from the Orient ON the steamer
City of Pekin, and is enroute to New
York and London. In discussing the
effects of the war he says the official
days of Lii Hung Chang are mum bered,
and inclines to the belief that the coun-
try may be engulfed in a revolution He
bases his prediction of internal strife
not only upon the general discomfort.
but upon the superstition of the masses.
E'If revolution does arise" he said, Il
think little book published about 450
years ago will be one of the causes in an
indirect way For centuries the book
has been prohibited publication or circu-
lation. and yet great many people know
its purport. Lou PAX Wong, prophet
and a grand secretary under the Ming
dynasty, was the author of the book, and
he wrote it in answer to a question put
to him by the first emperor of the pres
ent dynasty.
Familiar with history and having
faith in its lessons, he thought that as
other dynasties had arisen, flourish ed
and then disappeared from the scene of
political life in China, his also would
some day follow the same course. SO he
asked the professor how long his dynasty
would live. 1t was in answer TO this
question that the book was written. 1t
contained prophecies and hints of what
the future would bring forth, and among
other things predicted that the dynasty
would disappear during this century.
Some prophesies in the book have
practically come to pass, fact that has
Impressed itself upon many supersti-
tious mind. 1t is for this reason that
the book may have a great influence at
this late day upon the masses if circum-
stances are propitiOus at the time of any
incipient uprising. Still, would be
surprised to hear of a revolution. The
best thought of the nation desires to re-
habilitate the country and its interests in
q peaceful manner under the Mining dy-
nasty"
Ii Hung Chang's enormous wealth,
said Ho Tung, has much to do with the
viceroy's declining popularity. Besides
there is a stain on the honor of the fam
lily, as the viceroy's brother was compell-
ed to resign from Office on account of a
general belief that he was corrupt
The Chinese believe Ii Hung Chang
is the richest man in the world, and that
his wealth has much to do with his tenac-
ious grip on Office
HEEx pressed in American money he is
Supposed to be worth $5OO.OO0,O0O. He
is the owner of great rice fields and in
Vulnerable pawn shops the latter being
considered good and very profitable in
vestments They are licensed by the
government and are numbered by thou
sands. These are, as a matter of fact,
in the nature of great banking institu-
tions with an enormous percentage of
profit.
Ho Tung says that John W. Foster,
who was one of China's representatives
in the recent treaty negotiations with
Japan, was paid 100000 for his services
bU tt Hu0O CbaOn