Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1896-09-03
Ii HUNG CHANG.
sketch of Americas Distinguished
Oriental Guest.

All New York Is doing homage to It's
distinguished visitor, Ii Hung Chang,
who arrived Friday, and is the honored
guest of the greatest Americans OF the
| city. Surely no one acquainted with the
life-work of this remarkable man can
feel that the honors heaped on him by
this and European countries are unde-
served.
Ii Hung Chang was born at 500 Choo
in the Hofei district. of obscure parents,
but of full Chinese blood. Under the
laws OF China his humble birth WAS no
hindrance to rise in the world, and at
the age OF twenty seven he had passed all
the examinations necessary to attain a
rank which many able men cannot reach
at middle age He now entered the i'm
perial academy OF scholars, the most ex-
elusive learned body in China, and study
ing there six years, became one of the
most admired writer's in the empire.
The great Tae-ping rebellion which
broke out in 1851 and ended fifteen years
later at the cost OF fifteen millions of
lives. called the scholar from the academy
to the battlefield, where he was attached
to the staff OF the commander in chief
In less than five years it is recorded that
he had received 1.-The white button OF the
sixth grade, the black feather, and the
brevet of judicial commissioner" for the
great service which he rendered.
He was steadily promoted to the COM
mand OF large forces and when the rebel
lion WAS crushed there were conferred up
on him the offices OF junior guardian Of
the heir apparent, and encouragement
OF Nankin, the hereditary title OF the
| third degree, the dou ble-eyed peacock
feat her. and the yellow jacket. In 1866 he
was made imperial commissioner to sup
press new rebellion. He WAS so success
full that the titles OF senior guardian Of
the heir apparent, and assistant grand
secretary OF foreign affairs were added to
his list. In 1870 he became Viceroy of
the most important satrapy OF China,
with the additional Office of senior grand
secretary, which differs little from that Of
prime min lister.
His work in civil life Is as brilliant as
his military record has been. The duties
OF his Office brought him in contact with
statesmen, merchants and travellers from
the West, from whom he obtained new
ideas OF civil government, with deep
interest in railways and the telegraph.
To obtain assistance at home he sent thir
ty bright Chinese youths to the United
States for education. soon following this
with a school OF foreign arts and sciences
at Pekin.
Now he has established telegraph lines
extending over 10000 miles IN length,
connecting all the capitals and trade CEN
tiers, and several lines OF railway in the
most important parts OF the empire,
while the modern war machinery which
China possesses was bought through his
advice.
Encouraged by him, Chinese capitalists
have invested at home in the man ufacture
OF cotton goods, steel, silk, and glass and
the building OF railroads and steamsh ships.
A IL this and much more has been done by
a man, living in one of the most backward
countries in the world, with the encour
agement of less than score OF his brother
officials. Ii Hung Chang is the greatest
hlnaman OF all time.
The writer sought out the intelligent
Chinese laundryman who does business
on Water street in Ellsworth, and in
quired the right pronunciation OF the
distinguished visitors name.
The name Ii Hung Chang was written
in English and passed to the wielder OF
the fiat iron. At first he said mo abe"
But in minute he comprehended what
was wanted and slowly gave the pro-
nunciation. 1t is Lee Hooung Jooung as
neatly as it can be expressed in English.
Don't call it Lie Hung Chang any longer.
ado you know who he is?" | asked Of
the celestial His face relaxed into a
smile.
"He alice samee king OF Chiney," he
saic.
SIS he good mani"
"Yes, he glood man." and walking to
the wall he pointed to a Chinese picture
in colors and singled out a figure at the
head OF possession, as the great premier.