The times., 1899-04-16
MINISTER VII IS
GOING TO MADRID
Chosen to Represent China at
the Dons' Court.
VIII Serve Here and There in a
Dual Diplomatic Capacity.
Change Due to IL Desire to Have An
other Able Statesman Nearer
the European Capitals.

WI Ting fang, Chinese Minister to
America, has been selected to represent
his Government at Madrid as well as here.
vide his time between Madrid and Wash
iigton, living in the two cities so many
months each year. He will not, however,
move his family to Madrid, as he has no in-
tention, at present, of abandoning his per-
manent residence in this country AS a
matter of fact, his family and most of his
official retainers will continue to reside
here, while the Minister himself, accom-
panied by several secretaries, will make
flying trips TO Madrid from time to time to
attend TO the Spanish end of Chinese dip. o.
macy.
Minister WI will leave for Spain imme
dlately, starting at 10 O'Clock today. He
Will travel over the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad TO New York, from which point
he will sail for the Continent next Wednes-
day. He will be accompanied by Cnung
Mum Yew, Secretary Interpreter; Chow
lsz-Chi, Second Secretary, and Hsu Choo.
an attache of the Legation. Mrs WI will
remain in Washington. During the ab
sence OF the Minister Shen Tung ana Shou
TlnS, respectively First and Second Secre-
tarles, Will conduct the affairs of the Ie-
cation.
minister WI is regarded as one of the
most able, progressive. and broad minded
diplomatists in the Chinese dip.omatic
servise. and his dispatch to Madrid at this
time is regarded as being an attempt on
the part OF the Tsung-li-Yamen of China
10 nave capable representative nearer to
some OF the European political centres
me Madrid post being opened. Minister
WI was considered the best fitted man for
that position. he having followed the re-
cent diplomatic, naval, and military pas
sases at arms between America and Spain
with close scrutiny.
minister Wu is deeply interested in the
caoIed reports from Pekin to the effect
that Emperor William of Germany has an
elaborate plan on foot for the enthronemept
OF German King on Chinese soif
Although he has had no official adyIces
from his home Government, Minister Wu
does not doubt the accuracy of the press
dispatches. The initial step of Germany
IN this direction is believed to have been
taken IN the fall of 1897, when Germany
seized kiao-Chou. The particular province
which it is alleged is to be transformed
INTO this proposed Chino Teutonic king
dom is Shan Tung. Prince Henry. brother
10 Emperor William. and now In command
OF the German squadron in Asiatic waters,
is named as the prospective sovereign of
the kingdom
Close followers of recent moves on the
chess-board of the Orient regard the re-
cent action of Germany in dspatching
troops into the province of Shan Tung
with suspicion. When the action was taken
1t was officially announced that Germany
had no territorial aims in view and sent
troops into the province for the sole pur-
pose of protecting German interests dur
ing the fanatical attacks of the Chinese
on Christians and foreign engineering and
surveying parties. Diplomatic circles here
regard the Chinese situation with appre-
hension
The general opinion Is that events are
crowding headlong over one another and
tending toward a crucial climax to be
reached in the near future. The action of
Italy in the San Nun Bay matter, the ac-
ton of Germany in sending troops into
Shan Tung province, followed by the an
nouncement of gingerbread scheme for
the establishment of German kingdom on
Chinese soil; the hurried dispatch of Baron
Won Heiking. the German Ambassador. to
Kiao-Chou; the withdrawal OF the leave of
Sir Claude Macdonald, the British Ambas-
sador. and the endeayor OF Russia to gain
the ascendancy in Korea are regarded as
Indicative OF grave condition of affairs
Moreover. the Chinese military authorities
in Shan-Tung province are bitterly opposed
TO the German occupation, and have re-
quested the Empress Dowager to permit
them to use force against the foreigners
The Queen seems TO realize the gravity of
the situation and is endeavoring to calm
the native ire by issuing edicts and procla-
nations calling upon the people to restrain
themselves and cease their attacks on the
Christians. They have been told that while
Christians believe in religious doctrines
contrary to those of China, they are new
ertheless factors for good and should be
fairly treated and always respected while
doing good.