Evening journal., 1896-09-04
Ii TALKS ABOUT SHIPS.
Chinese Envoy Confers With
Cramp at Philadelphia.
BUT DID NOT VISIT THE sHIPYARD.

May Place an order For ChIna's Navy.
Ho Also Gets Some Information as to
American Railroads The Distinguished
Visitor at the National Capital.
WASHINGTON, Sept Ali Hung Chang
is now at the national capital, arriving
last night by special train over the Ponn-
sylyania railroad from Philadelphia. where
ho was entertained by the Union League,
visited Independence hall and called on
John Russell Young. Although he had
not had an opportunity TO visit Cramps
shipyard as was planned, III found Charles
Cramp, the head Of that establishment,
awaiting his arrival at the station IN Phil
adelphia. He greeted Mr. Cramp affec-
tionately and engaged him In conversation
for about ten minutes. In reply TO ques-
tion Mr.. Cramp told ii that he was not
ionly the president of the company but the
designer Of all It's ships.
''What have you dones'
Il have designed more ships and a great
er variety Of thom than any other man in
the world, was Mr. Cramps roply Ii
inquired closely regarding the class OF
ships built at the Philadelphia yard and
then said: ~ find that most of the nations
build their ships in England and France.
Why Is itf." Mr. Cramps response was
that there were various reasons for this
condition. As a general thing he said,
the countries that buy ships in England
do so at the behest of moneyod syndioates
and bankers who have financial interests
which make 1t moro desirable to them that
English shipyards bo patronized. Ii ex-
pressed over and over again his regret at
not being able to personally inspect the
great shipysrd on the Delaware and ended
the interview by inviting Mr.. Cramp to
visit him in Washington.
Interested In Railroads.
At the suggestion of Ii no attempt at
great speed was made. the trip being made
in hours and 30 minutes. At all OF the
stations along the route great crowds were
gathered the biggest crowds being at VIII
mington and Baltimore At the latter
city brief stop was made, but only few
people were allowed inside the gates. The
distinguished traveller was much interest
ed In everything he saw and frequently
commented on tho prosperous appearance
Of the villages and farming country
through which the train passed. He par
took of his first meal on an American rail
way train. This consisted Of Virginia
corncakos, chicken boullion and tea.
Strange to say, the supper was not pre-
pared by the viceroy's private chef, but
was gotten up by Frank Thomson's cook,
who is famous for his corncakes. III ate
with relish and declared himself satisfied
with his meal Lator on he selected George
w. Boyd, assistant passenger agent Of the
Pennsylvania railroad, as the object Of his
questioning, and for half an hour piled
him with queries concerning railroad
management and construction, average
life OF bridges, cars and rails, what quail
ity Of steel Is used and the salaries paid
the various grade Of employees. III asked
Mr.. Boyd how much he received, and
when given the figure declared that it was
not enough. He showed much knowledge
of railroad management and was evident
ly desirous of adding to his store Of in
formation on this subject.
Tonight ex-Secretary Fester is to enter
tain the earl at dinner. Tomorrow a TRIP
to the home of Washington at Mount Yer
non is planned.