Semi=weekly graphic., 1899-01-25
USE OF BICYCLES IN CHINA.
Much Used by Foreigners in the Cit-
 fes an the Coast.

Much Used by Foreigners in the Cit-
 ies an the Coast.
 Consul General Goodnow at Shang- hai reports that the trade in bicycles in China increased very rapidly during the past season and gives promise of even more rapid expansion during the season now opening. Prior to 1897 very few bicycles were in use on tho Chinese coast, while now, in all ports where cycling is possible, the habit is becoming almost universal among for eigners.
 Society here" says the consul gen. sral, lis dominated by the English, who claim that no man or woman can hope to endure this climate unless they de- vote considerable part of each and every day, rain or shine, to outdoor exercise and sportl1 Horseback riding has been universal among those who can afford that luxury; others take long walks daily. The bicycle appeals to all-rich, middle class and poor and all classes are using 1t. The city of Shanghai is perfectly flat, and some of the roads in and immediately around the settlements are good. Each na- tionality has generally bought wheels made in their own home country, and at first the English wheel, with brake, mud guard and heavy tubing, predom- mated. I believe that now the more graceful and lighter American wheels have the larger sale.
 No wheels are made in China, nor do I believe they can be made here. No wheels are brought in on a less rate of duty than those from the United States. There are no native roads, as we understand that term. There are narrow paths for the pedestrian or the horseman, but generally not wide enough for vehicles; dusty in dry weather, muddy iE wet, and rough all the time, they are practically impossi- ble for wheeling.
 Few Chinese have as yet taken to the wheel. Their clothing is not adap- ted to exercise. and especially not to the wheel No man above the coolie class, in middle and northern China, appears in public otherwise than in long elothes-i e., an outer petticoat reaching to his angles. The few young Chinamen who riGe here either leave off this outer garIaent temporarily or turn it up and fasten 1t at the waist. They also bring ths long queue of hair over the shoulder and fasten it at the waistband. Their trousers are as long and full and baggy as the average woman's divided skirt in America, and l have not yet seen Chinaman ride without a chain guard to keep the trousers from catching and tearing. No Chinese women ride. l have seen it stated in American and English pa pers that it is now common in Shang- hai for Chinese ladies to ride in the streets. Nothing can be farther from Che truth. The Chinese women of the better class are kept in absolute seclu- sion from men other than those of their family. This rule has not been broken In the slightest degree. Even in the missionary schools, where the daugh- ters of the merchants and mandarlns are educated, no man Is allowed to see the girls.
 The customs report of 1897 shows that in many important products the imports from the United States have Increased at the expense of imports from other nations. We are nearer to the market, freights are less according ly anu the feeling of the Chinese. pee pie is more friendly to Americans than to the people of any other nation. Now Is the time to push our trade on this coast. l do not believe that any other method will give better or more ner- manent results than an exposition of United States products at Shanghai"