The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-09-23

two secretaries spoke excellent English.
which they had learned In America
Ii Hung Chang as He Appears Today.
Within a short time / heard a commo-
ton, and looking out through the door |
saw four Chinese officials carrying an
open chair across the court. In the chair
sat Chinese giant, his great frame COW
cred with silk gown Of blood red and
his yellow face half hidden by an official
hat, out of which floated great peacock
feather.
As the bearers came closer could rec
ognize the features OF Ii Hung Chang,
who is now so aged that he is carried
from one room OF his palace to another.
As his chair was set down and the bear
ers, selling his arms, raised him to his
feet, could see that he has put on flesh
since he took his trip around the world,
and that he has developed stomach
which shows a visible swell when he sits
down. On that day IT lay in a great wrin-
kle over his belt, almost covering the
golden buckle. set with diamonds in Chi
nese characters, which fastened his
gown.
The viceroy was supported by his men
as he crossed 10 the table where ! was
standing, and upon my presentation he
gave me his long. yellow hand to shake.
AS he looked at me his fat Chinese face
lighted up. his piercing black eyes twin
killed. behind their almond lids. and I
could see that he remembered me. He
took a seat al the tea table and mo-
toned me to the chair at his left. which
is the place of honor In China.
He then began to ask questions, and
soon showed that his fairness hns not
touched his intellect. He has the same
inquistorial powers which he displayed In
the United States. and put one query af-
ter another as to my age, wealth and
business. My only way OF getting In
question was by lacking II on to one of
my answers or by responding with
similar question TO his excellency. SO that
when he asked me whether / was maxi
ing much money | replied
mot much. your exceliency for vice.
roy. but fairly well for private citi-
zen
That must be great deal" replied
III Hung Chang "You Americans have
a high standard OF wealth You are so
rich that what seems a fortune among
other peoples is considered as nothing
among you"
But. your excellency." said I. st is
currently reported that you are enormous
~ rich. How about that2"
Yes, | know II Is reported" replied
the Chinese millionaire "hrt. alas, it is
not so. Most of my riches comes from
the statements in your American news
pdptfs. luu nave nldue mo rlcn. whereas
| am comparatively poor. so poor, in
deed (this with joking chuckle), 50 poor
that | think you rich American editors
might raise a fund for me. Can't you
start one?'
II fear not. your excellency." said I
laughingly but perhaps IL you would
make a statement of accounts the matter
might be laid before the American people.
But we really believe that you are rich.
As for me, II had one fftieth what you
have should be well satisfied"
How much do you think have. them"
said the viceroy. GIVE me the amount
in figures"
Well, your exceliency." said I. at Is
currently reported that you are worth
one hundred million dollars in gold. II
| could have two millions l should think
Il great deal"
Yes. and 1t would be a great deal"
said the vieeroy. Il really don't think |
could afford to give away two millions"
Discussion of Public Questions.
The question OF age next came up. and
after had told Ii Hung Chang how old
was asked him a number of ques-
lions about himself and his habits He
Is now seventy eight and feels that he Is
growing old rapidly. Stll he is able IA
work, and he puts in from ten TO twelve
hours day. He rises at G. has n c,,p
OF broth and Is then shaved and dressed
He reads the newspapers for an hour
ana then eats breakfast consisting of
rice and spoonful of beef extract. After
this ne receives special callers and holds
audiences until H. He has a great deal
OF mall ana this has probably been In
creased during the war. lie attends TO