The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-05

NEW YORK, Nov 29.-Atter n residence
Of fifteen years in China, have returned
TO my native America burdaned with re-
sponslbility, but bouyed up with cnthusi-
asm over my plan for the establishment
in Picking of a great International ln5u-
tute. where the products of the clever
brains Of my c0untrymen can be exhibited
for the especial benefit of the backward
Chinese, who require only a fuller ac-
quaintance with the arts and sciences OF
the Western world TO enable them TO
stand shoulder TO shoulder with the rest
of mankind.
such an institute. located I'm the capt.
tai of the empire, will become an intellec-
tual center for the diffusion of enlight-
ening and liberal influences among the
mandarins and the educated classes OF
China. IL will also give an impetus TO
other undertakings among the Chinese
for their own development. IL Will fur
Their tend 20 promote frlendliness between
representative men in China and the
West, and by opening up the country and
intoxicating ideas Of progress, viii prove
beneficial 20 every nation having dealings
with China. Being thus widely beneficial,
both in intent and operation. the inst-
tute may rightly be termed international.
The plan has received the endorsement
and approval Of the Princes and Minis
ters OF tho Imperial board of Foreign
Affairs. including both the progressiyes
and conservatives. This is the first time
that such official sanction has been given
10 a scheme under foreign auspices, aim
ing at enlightenment and reform.
The famous Ii Hung Chang has given
me a personal letter. and other officials
fen Ia
ing. The missionary body both in Picking
and Shanghai passed resolutions COM
mendng the work. and foreign merchants
and consuls came forward TO endorse and
aid the scheme from Il business stand
point.
One-dfth OF the building fund has al
ready been raised IN China. The cons
tributors include persons Of different nat
ionalities and creeds. two-thirds coming
from individual Chinese both mandarins
and merchants. There are nine contribu-
tors OF 1000 taels each-about $3.50.
The institute will consist OF three build
ings. one will be the library building
In this will be collected English ANA
other foreign books for the special use OF
foreigners resident in Picking. IL Is also
desired 10 collect all the Chinese books
which are now in circulation. This library
will be a model for the Chinese IN other
parts OF the country. The second VIII pe
the museum building. At the outset 10 IS
desired 10 collect apparatus, machinery
samples Of goods. products or dlHeiehI
countries. models, drawings, paintings
etc. to illustrate the arts ana sciences
the inventions, and the trade OF dinereh1
countries. It is this kind OF a museum
that the intelligent and progressive chi
nese are anxious 20 have estaoHshen.
They desire 10 know why II Is thdt
other countries are superior 70 their own,
and what improvements would De heces-
sarv 10 bring them equal prosperity. Al
tory ards. there will be collections more
~ an educational and scientific character.
,rno third building will consist of offices,
recention rooms class rooms. and large
auditorium for lectures. concerts, etc.
with regard 20 the manner in which
expect 10 raise the money still needed.
NAV say that in general il will be
contributed by individuals interested IN
nromoting trade in the Orient or actuated
bv philanthropic motives. IL Is purposed
70 hold meetings In different cities, either
in connection with Chambers Of Commerce
or some OF the leading clubs and associa'
tons. and 10 have appointed al such
meetings local committees 10 advise ana
assist. The library building and the me-
scum will each cost about $4,000 The
main building will cost some $4,000. Be
sides that. money will be needed TO pro-
cure the equipment Of the library and tho
museum. Probably publishing houses Will
no willing 20 contribute certain number
Of their books for the library. and the
business firms TO contribute OF their goods
TO the museum. Very little money there
fore. will be required 10 make actual pur-
chases. Money. however, will be required
10 meet the worklns: expenses. say szoVV
10 10000 n year. TO meet this amount
{, "a purposed 10 secure a constituency
among prominent persons I'm different
cities in China. in the United States ana
in Eurone Anyone who for such a pur-
pose will contribute $40 or more a year
will be classed as an auxiliary member.
l have been delighted with the wiling
ness on the part OF many OF the chinese
mandarlns and merchants 10 contribute
10 this enterprise under foreign MANAGE
ment. Altogether raised I'm China Slo.v9''
two-thirds of which came from the ohi-
nese. Ii Hung Chang gave me 10 uh1er-
stand that il the International Institute
should become a reality he himself would
aid me Handsomely. saving that "a Few
hundred or few thousand dollars
wouldn't count. IL Hung Chhns ahn
other members Of the Board OF foieish
Affairs also told me in my last interview