The San Francisco call., 1899-07-09

~ TALL. Wiry man of about 35
:: : s :. &: :. : il i: f.: ': ::. :: i: Beg:
a class. wearing the conventional
queue and a very unconventional.
stubby mustache of ebony black. at
tired in a drab garment of finely tex
tured fabric. insignia of his office, this
gentleman sat before me in a room of
the Imperial Chinese Embassy on
Stockton street and gave his opinions
upon the result Of Lord Charles Beres-
ford's recent survey of China, which are
embodied in his book just issued, called
The Breakup of China"
Mr.. Vow is the next highest imperial
official in the United States to the Chi
nese Minister or ambassador at Wash
ington, Mr.. WI Tung Fang Mr. Fang
is, however. the head representative of
the Chinese Government for three ma
tions, the United States. Spain and
Peru-countries which might form
triangle in their geographical locations
and which would seem to be about as
inconveniently segregated and situated
for the supervision of one man as any
districts on the globe of equal area
could Well be. Still Mr.. Fang rules
Chinese life in the three nations and
Mr.. Vow is his second in command
Mr. Vow is a brother-in-Iaw of Mr.
Fang, the latter having married his sis
ter. The family is highly connected in
official circles in China, a brother OF
Mr. Vow at present being member Of
the Chinese Legislature and others
holding Offices Of distinction
Mr.. Vow was formerly foreign sec
retary of the legation in Washington
and was educated in England He is
widely versed in diplomatic affairs.
speaks the English language as huently
as one TO the manner born, and not
only has keen, practical views upon the
relations Of the two countries as re-
CARDS commerce, but is profound both
in political economy and diplomacy.
Mr. Vow is not alone at the embassy.
however, for it is the residence also of
Mr.. Shouting, Consul for California.
and Messrs. Wong, Chan, Moore, Wang.
Wan and Lao, who are secretaries and
attaches of the legation. Mr. Shouting
was formerly member of the Chinese
diplomatic corps at Washington and
has had long experience in foreign off,
cial life.
Mr.. Vow has resided in San Fran
cisco three years. His family is in
China, but will shortly Join him here.
While in Washington Mrs Vow was
one Of the most esteemed ladies in Of
fetal society and was foremost at most
of it's functions The paucity of sala-
ries Of Chinese officials, of which Lord
Beresford complains as being the chief
cause of the unsatisfactory condition
of imperial finances, does not obtain in
the diplomatic department. The salary
of the Consul General to the United
a hpGiNpS fees
These latter come not only through Of
ficiating in matters of trade, but in
conducting inquests OF arbitration
among Chinese subjects. There is no
consular court here, such as is held by
European and American Consuls in
various parts of Asia, for the Chinese
are accessible to the courts Of the
United States as aliens, but the juris-
diction of these latter cannot extend
outside the limits of the United States.
The effect Of the DEGREES Of Mr. Vow
operate over the person and property
OF the contestants ia China, although
as such they do not bind him in the
United States, except as a result of ar
bitrament and award in the usual form.
OF social life at the embassy there is
at present comparatively little The
absence Of ladies Is the cause Of this
After the arrival of Mrs. Vow, how
ever, this may be considerably changed
1t was formerly the custom for the for
eign representatives in San Francisco
TO give series Of dinners to each other
during the year, but for some mex
plicable reason this fashion has fallen
into allegiance. Now the Chinese Con-
sui General instead of having a din
ner, gives reception on Chinese New
Year, which occurs in February. To
this all foreign representatives and
their families are invited, as well as