The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-09-23
II VISITS WASHINGTON.
China's Special Ambassador at the
National Capital.
HIS VIEWS OF THIS COUNTRY.


Prosperity and Progressiveness OF the
People Of This Country---Enlighten
ment for His Countrymen---A Dinner
Given to Him by Ex-secretary Foster.
WASHINGTON. Sept. 5.-Li Hung Chang.
China's Special Ambassador to the United
States, paid lying tripto WASHINGTON on his
homeward journey across the Continent.
he had busy time Of 1t. On the first day
OF his sojourn at the National Capital he re-
ceived numerous callers, visited the Capitol
and other places of interest. lunched with
the Chinese Minister, paid formal calls upon
Secretaries Carlisle, Lamont and Francis.
was dined by former Secretary John W.
Foster, made a speech and accepted tho gilt
of a bicycle from an enterprising representa-
tive OF a bicvcle mandatory.
Ii Hung Chnn9's party reached the capitol
about 9.20, and remained there less than nm
hour. No preparation was ma1e Tor his
reception. He was escortet IN succession
Room. Presidents Room. Senate Chamber,
Supreme Court Room. Rotnnda, Congress
sional Library and House OF Representatives,
when he asked to be taken In his carria9e.
In order not to be late at the Chinese Mini
ster's.
Elaborate preparations had been made by
Minister Yang Yu for the reception OF the
vicerov. The legation was decorated IN
magnificent style. Ii Hung Chang and Yang
Yu retired for long conference. Then there
was a general reception and at noon the
Viceroy and his suite were entertained at
nnboop In fha holl roorn
In the afternoon Ii called on Secretary
Carlisle. The Viceroy spent over an hour IN
discussion Of finance and tariff with the
Secretary.
In the evening the Viceroy was entertained
at dinner at the Arlington Hotel by former
Secretary OF State John W. Foster. the guests
including three members Of the Cabinet. the
Commanding General Of the Army and sew
:eral other notables In official life. At the
conclusion OF the dinner. Mr.. Foster M ex-
pressed the pleasure OF the company at the
visit OF Ii Hung Chang.
The Viceroy responded in part as follows:
"Though regret that nv time does not
allow me to make as long soiourn IN TINS
country as I wish. in order to appreciate
more fully the accomplishment and progress
OF the United States OF America as a Nation,
I cannot help during my brief visit here to
be struck and Impressed bvth liberty and
freedom enjoyed by the people; by the well
fare and prosperity In their agricultural, In
dustrial and commercial pursuits: by the
characteristics Of their classical. historical,
philosophical and practical literature: by the
manner of application OF the scientific dis
coveries and inventions for promoting the
happiness OF mankind. and by their display
of their artistic taste in the architecture OF
the public buildings, sculpture and painting
OF historical figures and facts.
"These impressions will carry home, not
only as sugmentations to my store OF knowl-
edge Of the fruits Of Western modern ei7illza-
tion, but as the means Of enlightening the
millions I represent, facilitating the intro
ductiou OF these very means and ends OF CIV
ilization into China, and matchmaking tue
oldest civilization Of the far East with the
most modern one OF the far West"
Then he proposed the health OF Mr. Fos-
ter. "the friend OF China"
The next days programme included a re-
ception to the heads Of the several bureaus
Of the various Government departments, a
visit to the Treasury Department, aud trip
down the Potomac to Mount Vernon, where
the Wceroy placed wreath on the tomb OF
Washington.
A peculiar incident OF the Yiceroy's visit to
Washington was the refusal Of Captain Aus
tin, who was in charge Of the detail OF police
that kept the crowds In order on Ii Hung
Chang's arrival, to allow any OF his men to
perform what he considered would be menlal
work In carrying the sedan chair IN Wnlon
the Chinaman was seated. In New York po-
licemen performed this office, but IN wash
ington 1t had to be done by porters.