The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-09-12
THE WEEKS NEWS.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8.

AFTER spending some days in New
York, visiting West Point and other
points of interest, LII Hung Chang de-
parted for Philadelphia, we're he was
cordially received and made an interest
ing visit to old Independence Hall. He
next made brief visit to Washington.
SECRETARY CARLISLE and Treasurer
Morgan escorted the Viceregal party
through the vaults of the Treasury De.
partment, showing Ii S150.00O,00O in
gold and silver coin, which did not seem
to impress him, but when the bond is
sue division was reached, he manifested
great interest, and piled his guides with
questions.
When $4,000 bond was shown him
he nudged ex-Secretary Foster and asked
him if he had any like that. In the cash
room Mr.. Morgan presented the Viceroy
with dollar bill of the new issue, num-
bered "74," corresponding to his age, and
this incident brought out the fact that
today was Secretary Carlisle's birthday
and that he was 81 years old. which led
Ii Hung Chang to remark that he was
young man. Down in the redemption
division the Viceroy destroyed $4,000 in
old greenbacks with evident delight.
Then Secretary Carlisle entered the
carriage with him and the party we're
driven to the Bureau Of Engraving and
Printing, where all the operations of
money and stamp making were viewed
with the greatest curiosity.
At the Capitol, when he viewed the
historical paintings in the rotunda, he
studied that of Washington resigning
his commission with greater attention
than any others, and caused extracts of
the first Presidents farewell address to
be translated to him.
When the Viceroy returned to his
hotel at noon the rain began to fall
heavily, and it was Immediately an
nounced that he would cancel all fur
Their sightseeing and remain in his
apartments until he had to leave for his
train. Luncheon was promptly served
and followed by the inevitable siesta for
an hour. A handsome wreath which
had been ordered for the Viceroy to take
to Mount Vernon and place on Wash
ington's tomb was sent to the Chinese
Legation with instructions for the Min
lister to perform the act of homage as
the Emperor's representative.
The special train bearing Ii Hung
Chang and his party arrived at Niagara
Sunday, amid heavy rain. Shortly
after 3 o'clock the sun struggled through
the clouds and the visitors spent two
hours in inspecting the wonders OF Nj
agara. At the electric power-house the
distinguished visitor had his first exper-
fence with American electricity. the re-
suit being as startling as it was unexpect-
ed. With his usual curiosity and desire to
make personal investigation OF the ma
chinery before him he poked at switch
board with his walking stick. The met
al ferule closed circuit instantly and
Lis stick was violently thrown from his
grasp. He was naturally much aston
ished at the effect of the sticks contact
with the switch board, but fortunately
he suffered no damage beyond good
scare. The deep interest Lii shows in
railroad matters convinces those who
paid attention to the subject that his
principal object in visiting this country
is to study American railway construc-
ton and management. with view to the
adoption of some of the features in
proposed general extension of the Chi
nese railway system. In fact. the vice.
roy has intimated that he is negotiat-
ing for the service of an American civil
engineer. who. if he accepts the offer
made him. will go to China in the near
future and take charge OF the railway
extension scheme now being outlined
There are only about 200 miles of single
track railroad in China at present; only
three trains are run each day, and there
is no traffic at night. the system being
80 crude and the liability to accident a
constant menace.
Ii HUNG CHANG was amazed at the
knowledge which everyone in England
aud America whom he met had of his
doings. why" he said, "how can they
have found it out? There are millions
of people in China today who do not
yet know of the war with Japan"
Ii HUNG CHANCES parting tribute to
the American people was given to the
United Associated Presses for dissent
nation. He said:
THE three foremost men in history
have been Napoleon, the Chinese Emper-
or Yao and Washington.
Napoleon created an empire which
was speedily destroyed.
"Yao created an empire and then pro-
ceeded to rule over it.
Washington built up great nation.