The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-05
proceeded.

When dinner was announced Ii Hung
Chang was escorted by General Foster
to the post of honor. To the right Of the
earl sat Secretary Carlisle and TO mis- left
Justice Harlan of the suremc court. on
Mr.. Fosters right sat the Chinese min
lister, Mr.. Yang Yu. and on his left Min
is,er Romero of Mexico. The menu was
cimple. but elegant. lacking. however,
any dishes of distinct Chinese character.
1t was prepared by the American cooks.
The earl had taken his dinner before
the event of the evening, and partook
very sparingly OF what was before him.
and merely touched the champagne to
his lips. At the conclusion OF the dinner
Mr. Foster made few remarks, express
Ing the pleasure OF the company at the
visit OF Ii Hung Gliding 10 the capital
and other prominent cities of the coun-
try, and regrctting that his public and
urgent duties made his stay here short.
as he was about to undertake the re-
sumption of his long journey across the
continent and over the great ocean. the
company heartily Joined in wishing him
safe Journey and continued life Of use
fulness TO his country and the whole
world. The viceroy responded as fol-
lows:
IN acknowledging the hospitality ex-
tended to me by my old friend the Hon.
John w. Foster. have to thank him for
affording me an opportunity before my
departure from the capital of this coun-
try to renew once more the sincere ex-
preston of my gratitude and thankful
ness to the American government and
citizens for the welcome and reception
offered TO me as a representative of my
august master. the emperor OF China
and the personification or the Chinese
empire.
Since the establishment of our treaty
relations there have always been evil
Gances of good fellowship between our
two countries, but all these evidences
| dare say have now been eclipsed by
the cordiality and warmth displayed by
the American government and citizens
in welcoming and receiving my special
mission.
Though / regret that my time does
not allow me to make a longer sojourn
In this country as wish, IN order to APP
pieciate more fully the accomplishments
and progress of the United states Of
America. as nation. | cannot help dur
ing my brief visit here to be struck and
Impressed by the liberty and freedom
enjoyed by the people, by the welfare
anu prosperity in their agricultural in
duGtr.Sl ana commercial pursuits; by
the characteristics of their classical his
torical, philosophical and poetical 1T.
e:ature: by the manner OF application OF
the scientific discoveries and inventions
for promoting the happiness of manli.d,
and by their display of their artistic
tastes I'm the architecture of the public
buildings, sculpture and paintings of his
torlcal figures and facts. which my old
friend, Hon. John w. Foster, has been
kind enough 20 show me.
These impressions l will carry home.
not only as augmentations to my store
OF knowledge Of the fruits of western
modern civilization. but az the means OF
en!ightening the millions represent
facilitating the introduction OF these
very means and ends of civilization into
China. and matchmaking the oldest
civilization OF the far east with the
most modern one OF the extreme west.
81 have only one word 10 add that the
Hon. John w Foster in his manifold
abilities. has to me rendered most valu-
able assistance I'm Chlna's most critical
moment America. whether as n gov
ernment or as individuals. Is to China
friend in need. 50 she is TO her friend
indeed Gentlemen, ! propose the toast
60 the friend Of China, Hon. John w.
Foster"
Tre dinner lasted probably an hour.
and after a was over the guests remained
another hour or more IN social convcr-
sation. Ii Hung Chang afterward going
60 his room and retiring for the night.