The herald., 1896-08-10

apparent qualification, which served to
exhaust the charge, and the servant
blew out the ashes, refilled the bowl,
relit 1t, and offered the stem to his supe-
rior. This was repeated three times.
Following his smoke he asked as to
the facilities and the cost of shipping
heavy baggage from New York to Van
couver. Having satisfied him upon this
point the correspondent inquired wheth-
er Ii desired to see the leading silverites
and gold standard advocates regarding
the question of money during his visit
to the United States.
Viscount Lii replied to this that his
father was anxious to learn all that was
possible about America but that his
time was so short and that he had so
much to do while in Washington that he
hoped those persons wishing to have in
terviews with him would arrange for
them with the Chinese minister at
Washington.
Here another caller was shown into
the private parlor and Ii Hung Chang
arose with bows and handshake indi-
eating that the interview was at an end.
ONEROUS SOCIAL DUTIES.
4 WASHINGTON, Aug. 9.--Although
no official steps have been taken toward
the reception of the illustrious Chinese
statesman, Ii Hung Chang, who is ex-
pected to arrive in the United States
during the latter part of the present
month, the matter has already received
the attention of the state department.
1t is unfortunat that the prospective Wis
1t of the Chinese premier was not known
early enough to enable President Cleve-
land to apply to congress for an appro-
priation of funds to defray the expense
of entertaining the illustrious guest in
suitable fashion, or at least in such man
ner as will not b9 in objectionably
strong contrast with the display Of hos
pitality made by the European govern
ments, because Ii Hung Chang comes
not as an individual but as an ambassa-
dor extraordinary. There will be no es-
cape possible for our national authori-
ties and they must do the best they can
with means at hand. This means re-
course to the extraordinary fund Of the
state department and while this is not
in a flourishing condition, never having
exceeded $4,000 n these later years,
doubtless the officials would feel author
lied to go beyond the limit in the pecul-
lar conditions that exist and rely upon
congress at the next session to defray
any bills incurred in excess of the appro-
priation.
AS Ii comes bearing personal letter
from the emperor of China to President
Cleveland, 1t Is not clearly to be seen
how the latter can avoid the necessity
for trip to Washington to meet the
ambassador in person. though this
would interfere sadly with his summer
plans and involve a premature opening
of the White HouAe, which is now closed
| in all portions save the offices. 1t is just
possible that Secretary Olney may serve
as the representative of the president on
this occasion, and some color is lent to
this belief by the fact that the secretary
come to Washington about the date now
set for Ii Hung Changs coming. If the
precedents in such cases are followed,
some officer of the army or navy, or per-
haps a representative of each will be
| detailed to meet the nations guest in
New York and devote himself to insur-
ing the comfort of Ii Hung Chang while
in the United States; travel with him by
rail and acting as intermediary between
him and many visitors who will wish to
greet the distinguished Chinaman.