The herald., 1896-07-20
CHANCE FOR CALIFORNIA
Ii Hung Chang As a Special
Providence
THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT
Placing Orders That Make the Work.
men Happy
Three Cruisers Are Ordered and San Franz
cisco May Snap One Of the Piums
Other Plans

The question of international interest
at present-at least from material
standpoint-is the triumphal peregrin-
ations of Ii Hung Chang. the Chinese
viceroy, millionaire. statesman and di-
plomat of the fiowery kingdom.
The cable and telegraph wires have
been kept hot since his arrival in Rus
sia to witness the coronation ceremon-
les of the czar, and his arrival in this
country in the early part of September
next is being eagerly awaited by those
who desire to have a direct interest in
the distribution of the Chimes loaves and
fishes.
1t has been given out in general way
that the Chinese premier intended in
making the trip to the nations of the
western world, simply to CLEAN informa-
ton regarding western methods. In the
rapid march of events that have caused
Japan to rank among the first-class
powers, have caused Russia to gain a
foothold in Corea and brought the north
ern bear paving about the western
boundary of the celestial empire, 1t has
been made apparent to Chinese states
men that obsolete methods must be dis
carded, and the knowledge of the west
used to maintain the integrity of the
empire which has been and may soon
again be threatened. In other words as
the law of brute force generally obtains
China, with it's 400, 100000 of inhabitants.
ought to be the biggest and most power
full brute of all, and to this most desira-
BILE end-from the Chinest standpoint
the energies of ii Hung Chang and his
conferees are bent, and the nations or
the west are perfectly able to assist and
are also perfectly willing.
That the present triumphai tour OF the
Viceroy is not one altogether of inSpec-
tion of western modes of government.
manufacture and trade is 2HSarent from
the fact that extensive orders, N certain
lines, have already been placed in Ger
many. Mr.. J. Il. Griswo! ID, who is con-
nected with ~. English ..ouse having
branches at Horg Kong. Shanghai and
the straits settlements, had something
to say yesterday regarding this matter
and based his assertions on recent ad-
vices from London.
THE viceroy." he remarked. while
doubtless bringing all the intelligence
and native shrewdness, for which he is
celebrated. to bear during his trip. Is not
touring for this purpose only. To large
extent he knew before he left Chino what
he wanted, and he is now visiting the
markets of the world and, to some ex-
tent at least, is placing orders for future
delivery.
Emperor William, when welcoming
Ii Hung Chang, upon his arrival in Ber-
lin, made allusion to the fact that he
hoped the viceroy would see his way to
patroniZe German industries. And the
guest from the Orient did see his way
The Stettin Vulcan yards received an
order for three large cruisers, length
are light draught Vessels IN cofisidera..
ton of the character of the coast at
Tientsin. Each cruiser will have two
engines, indicating together 1900 horse
power. and yielding speed of l91s Knots.
The decks will be armored ana their
armament will consist of guns or 10 GEN.
timeters caliber s guns of 1O.5 cent1me-
ters and guns of 81 centimenters Each
cruiser will also be equipped with !
Maxim guns and a boat cannon or
centimeters. The first cruiser will be
delivered in fifteen months. the other
two in eighteen months"
ut will thus be SEEN" continued Mr.
| Griswold, that the viceroy will appear
whenever he goes in the nature of
| special Providence. In England and thi.
country, too, it is quite likely that or
| ders may be placed for war vessels. Ii
fact, I may say that some negotiations
in this direction have taken place will
the English builders. although have NJ
knowledge yet of any orders being
placed. On assurances received, how
ever, large amount of capital Is beini
| invested at Shanghai. Three new mill
are in course of erection ana TWO NOR
are to be built.
THE immense population of Chin'
would afford splendid market If onl,
western methods were adopted. NOV
this is in large measure, to be done. an
would have been done long years ago
Lii Hung Chang had had his way. Blu
he is a man that towers in intellectua
perception above the brightest of hi
countrymen and his country until no'
has scarcely been ripe for such radics
changes.
But when giving the viceroy cred
for ability of the highest order-for it
to be remembered he rose from the rank
of the poor people and is now one of tn
richest men in the world-it must not
forgotten that he is a Chinaman frs
.. last and all the time. The exploitatio
of the Chinese empire he desires to
carried on by his countrymen. In pu
/, chasing in a foreign market 1t is nece
sity that compels, and in permitting TO
eign capital to invest in various ente
prises on Chinese soil. it is for simil;
, | reason. AS time goes on the benefi
accruing will be so apparent that Il
, | mandarin and mercantile class will con
closer together and expand and car
+ on the various branches of industry i
: augurated by the foreign element.
Is some such idea as this that is stirrii
! the mind Of the educated Chinese, and
$ will thus be seen that it is sought
: maintain to as large extent as may
!. possible the old time isolation of t
e empire. That with the advent of ra
: roads, telegraph lines and all the mark
: advantages that the west can give. the
: ideas will be modified or altogeth
g swept away is more than likely"