The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-09-03
Ii Talks of the Chinese ExcIu.
sion Act.
Unjust Because Cinnamon Are
Better Than Irish.
SLAM FOR REPORTERS.
Says If They Are the Best They
Are Poor.
Talks Of Chance For Foreign
Capital In China.

New YOrk, Sept. 3.-In his interview
with representatives of the neWspa
pers yesterday, Lii Hung Chang, speak
ing of anti-Chinese legislation by the
United States said:
I wish to say more about the ex-
cIuSion act. The exclusion act is a
most unfair one and most foolish, be-
cause it is admitted by all who have
studied political economy that competi-
ton, and competition alone, will keep
a market in good health, whether the
market is one of commerce or labor Put
aside from your minds that am a, high
Chinese official and mandarin and look
upon me as a man who is studying the
best interests of America I say to
you that to exclude cheap labor or
cheap commerce from your country is
unfair and against the best interests of
your country By excluding the Chi
nese and taking the Irish you get in
ferior labor and pay superior prices for
it.
"A Chinaman lives a more simple
life than an Irishman, and the Irish
hate the Chinese because they are the
possessors of higher virtues. Is this
fair to exclude my countrymen? If any
gentleman wishes to advance any ar
gument in support of the exclusion of
the Chinese, [ will be pleased to hear it
and answer it
No reporter cared to argue the cues
ton with the ambassador and the fol-
lowing was put to him:
Is there any favorable outlet for
American capital in China ?''
Wealth." said the ambassador, ''is
only produced by capital, but it must
be understood that the Chinese con-
JInue IN control of their own country
Gen Grant. who was the best friend 7
ever had, gave me a piece of advice
once and that advice proved to me to
be good, and I will always follow it. He
advised me to invite all capital to Chi
ma, but he also advised me that any en-
terprise in China must remain in con-
troll of the Chinese government We
must maintain sovereign rights to con-
troll all railways or other works of great
improvement of any kind in our coun-
try
Are you the best representatives of
your paPers?' he asked, because you
papers"
rs your visit to this country one of
commercial or of political significance?
he was asked.
this question and he evaded it by say
ing the time had arrived for him to at
tend to other matters and he must de-
clare the interview closed.
The viceroy is, however, lunch inter-
ested in getting American capital to go
into China. In his talk with Coils P
Huntington, the railroad magnate, the
viceroy questioned Mr.. Huntington at
great length about the operation of
railroads and steamships and tried to
impress him with the great opportunity
for investing in China He pressed Mr..
Huntington to visit China and become
have important results, as it is said
that Mr.. Huntington promised to accept
the viceroy's invitation
After the interview Earl Lii called on
Mayor Strong at the city hall and then
proceeded by way of the bridge to
Brooklyn, where he visited the navy
yard, Prospect park and other points of
interest. When the vicerOy reached
the Brooklyn end Of the bridge fully
10000 persons were there to welcome
him.
Mayor Wurster was introduced by
General Kruger and he entered the vice
roy's carriage. In the meantime the
crowd cheered Justify.
The party proceeded to the navy yard, |
where q salute of 10 guns was given |
The government works there were ex-
amined and the party drove through
the city to Prospect park. After 3 de |
ightful ride through it the Union
League club was visited. Governor
Morton and others were there to vel
come him and a brief reception with
short speeches was given. The trip |
had been very firing on Lii Hung Chang
and he took short rest in the club
house. A luncheon was served, after |
which the viceroy and party took car |
ria es and returned to the Waldorf. He |
retired early, so as to gain strength Tor |
his trip to Philadelphia. Large crowds |
lined the streets of Brooklyn through |
which the trip was made and cheered |
the vicerOy heartily.