The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-07-02
WI GETS BACK FROM SPAIN.
THE CHINESE MINISTER TELLS or
THE FEELING THERE.

Tie Says That There Ia Little Animosity
Against Americans Now-Sphnish Think
We VIII Have Our Hands Full In
Quelling tho Philippine lnsurrectioh.
WI Ting Fang. who is China's Envoy Extraor-
binary and Minister Penipotentiary. not only
to the United States, but also to Spain, returned
yesterday on the st Louis from his first visit
10 the court In Madrid He was met at the
pier by Chung Pao Hsi. the Chinese Consul at
this port. and was driven 10 the Chinese Con-
sulate at ~ West Ninth street. where he had
luncheon with the Consul and severalmemhers
OF tho Chinese Legation at Washington, who
had como on 10 welcome him back to America.
The Minister speaks English fuently. and
surprised soma of his hearers at the consulate
by his keen observation of manners and Gus
toms. When asked how the Spanish people
were taking their defeat. he said Speaking
unoffcialy and only MS n quiet observer OF the
people while in Spain. | should say that the
Spanish people fully realize the mistake they
made In getting into war with the Jnted
States. They are becoming reconcilod to tho
new conditions. and the mere intelligent class
are taking the matter phlOsophcaily. feeling
that in having made the best defence possible
in the circumstances Spain had maintained
her rational honor"
DO the Spanards think that it will take tho
United States long to suppress the insurrec-
ton in the Philippines ~ was asked.
THAT is still tender question with many OF
the Spanish people. They do not wish to pre-
dict trouble for the United States. But the in
ability OF the Spanish army in the Philippines
to capture Agunados forces leads many
Spaniards to believe that the United States has
entered upon Just as difficult an undertaking
as Spain had on her hands nj the close OF tho
war Others who seem to appreciate the
greater capacity Of the United states tor
4i.t in any will military sasap or hs
United States to restore order aud tranquility
in the Philippine Islands than would have
ton But as said. 1t is a delicate question.
and in official circles in spain the matter was
philosophical manner, in which the Spanish
people are accommodating themselves men
with which AMERICANS are now treated every
whore in Spain There Is no such feelinE in
Madrid against Amer icans to-day as there was
during and at the CLOSE OF the war. The fair
ness with which the Spanish prisoners. from
Admiral Cervera down. were treated nv the
United states authorities is largely r."sponsi-
bic for this return Of good feeling The sol:
diers. as they spread among their people. told
Of their treatment, and il had a wholesome
the Americans if victorious would show little
Minister WI said that it was his first visit to
Madrid. He would have gone last year to pre-
sent his credentials To thy Queen Regent. but
inappropriate; ~ lie sent a representative to
take charge Of Chinese interests IN spain; The
Minister Shlu tndt no would not WISH SPAN
every year unless there should be some n"ces-
sIty, for his personal attendance at the court ot
Madrid.
"Chna's interests with the United states
are growing so RAPIDLY" cun'iuUed the
Minister. that it will be necessary for me to
spend most OF the time nj " ashiugtOn Amcri-
cans are beginning u realize the great conf
mercial value Of closer intercourse with
China The American trade in China Is in
creasinR faster in proportion than that Of the
English. was atte-ted hy Lord Charles
Befesford recently; Now. the only thing which
surprises me is that American tourists. who
abound in all European capitals. do not
go more frequently to the Orient. |
found in the hotels in Londoa and
Paris Americans who. year after year.
take in the very same places in England.
France, Germany. and Itaiy. | asked them
Why. after having seen these same places so
often, they do not fora change go to japan or
China. whar" the customs, the people anu the
civilization are 50 different. One wag from
this city said: II all the American tourists
should g. to China and Jaran for n change tho
European hotels would have to close up
Maybe when the trouble in the phippinesi Is
over there will be a rush of tourists to your
hew possessions. and then japan and China
will receive the attention they deserve from the
tourists,
The Chinese Minister said that he would go
TO Washington this afternoon.