The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-29

lie Shot Chinese in the War in China In
1868.

lie Shot Chinese in the War in China In
1868.
George Wilson, who was here with the
Primrose & Vests minstrel company,
has a unique history.
Mr. Wilson was born in London about
forty-sevcn years ago. His people were
well-to-do. and his father was in the en-
glncoring profession. When George was
quite a boy his father secured a govern
mont appointments which took him TO
Shanghai, China, and he tCOk his family
with him. George learned the Chinese
language. ATTENDED school and sometimes
worked. China. IN those days, was more
unsettled than 1t is now, and the reignng
dynasty treInblcd constantly, owing 10
the robelliOns which were constantly
breaking out in portions of the country.
The emperor was in constant dread OF
losing his life, when, early In the sixties.
"a man named Ward. who had been one OF
Walkers hlibusters in the American war,
went 10 China on sailing ship in the
capacity of a mate. Ward was an adven-
turer, and he saw a chance OF making a
big strike by enlistng lot of American
sailors ana such other Enghsh-speakins
rovers as he could secure building up am
at the head of IL.
He made overtures 10 the authorities.
but they did not take kindly TO his ideas,
and gave him no announcement. They
wanted The rebels killed but they did not
think the white men could do it, and they
declined 10 put up the money demanded by
Ward.
Ward mustered hundred sailors ana
former marines. and decided TO 80 10 war
on his own account. The town OF Sueh
Kong. some miles up the river from
Shanghai. was i'm the hands OF the rebels
then not nearly so numerous or so formid-
able as they became l&icr and Ward TOOK
his sailors, armed with what was theh
modern guns, up 10 Suen Kong and gave
bntfla to The rebels They did not under
stand fighting against men who shot with
guns from their shoulders, consequently
Ward was proclaimed victor, and went
back 90 Shanghai 20 Doe received with non
ors hy the officials.
They gave him money. and he orgahlz-
Cd the Chinese army, drilled it in the tao
uDs of thc American soldiers ana esl"p-
llshod the first thing that i'm any way APP
preached a real lighting body OF emma
mon Ward was killed in battle, and
General BurgeVine. q German succeeded
him. Hurecvine was shot 10y Whi't
man n the employ Of the rebels. at inc
battle off Foo CHOW and IL was then that
the Chinese Government. in 1853, having
learned the value of having Europeans
in command of the army, offered the
command OF the Chinese forces 10 Gen.
Gordon. then "a hero OF the Crimoan cam-
paign and located az the time of Bur
gcyine's death no Shanghai in commahu
of % detachment of the British royal en-
pincers. Gordon left the service OF Eng
land TO take command OF the chinese
army. and D, accepted the services OF an
the competent Ensllshmcn or Americans
or Germans De could get as officers.
Wilson was made "a lieutenant and was
,ttocbol TO Gordon's STAFF. lie remained
In me army over q year, and participated
in an the campaigns which Gordon made
during that time. Wilson was with MIN
M me stormlng and taking of 500 CHOW.
and he also saw him i'm other battles ana
skirmishcs. o,1
Wilson resigned from the army ana
,amo to America in q sailing vessel. lie
landed I'm San Francisco and drii'ed INTO
ronrert-han singing, became an actor
and later a minstrel.
War had no special attractions ioi W ll-
SON and he turned naturally 20 me snow
business. and has been az II ever since nc
ouit killing Chinese rebels.