Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-10-05
QUEER THINGS IN CHINA
THE LAND IN WHICH WOMEN AND
PIGS RIDE TOGETHER.


Abroad-Comfort on the Water.
A squealing pig on one side of Chi
nese wheelbarrow, balanced by
woman on the opposite side, the entire
outfit propelled by stalwart resident
of Boxer land, is not an uncommon
sight on the thoroughfares of the Ce
lestial empire. The woman is COM
placent-the sQueals of the swinish
passenger not even attracting her at
tention.
The wheelbarrow is used as a means
of transportation in Central and Low
er China, where horses are scarce. 1t
is the vehicle of the common people,
the sedan chair being used in all sec
tions for officials and Chinese of some
standing or great wealth. To one
unaccustomed to riding in Chinese
wheelbarrows the sensation is not
comfortable one. 1t does not COM
pare with an American barrow.
The carrying of the woman and the
pig in the same load is not foolish
custom. 1t is n part of the routine
work. The pig is a most important
animal in China. 1t must be taken
from place to place, perhaps to- mar
ket, or perhaps to the Chinaman's
home. The wheelbarrows are built to
carry a load on each side. 1t is quite
essential, that a load Of n hundred
or more pounds on one side be bal
anced by some weight on the other
side, and thus it is made to serve IS
carrier of both passengers and
freight.
In some parts of the Empire n Chi
naman precedes the wheelbarrow and
helps pull it by a rope, while the
Chinaman in the rear holds the han
dies and pushes it along This prac-
tice prevails specially at Kiangsi.
HUMAN LIVERY STABLES.
Human Chinese livery stables are
one of the sights to foreigners on first
entering the Empire. The men who
carry passengers in sedan chairs or
other vehicles and those who carry
baggage are, with the vehicles, quar-
tered in convenient parts Of the cities
ready to serve the public. Foreign
ers who would adapt themselves to
China and the Chinese, or those who
care to travel extensively, must be-
come used to the modes of travel in
that country, although these modes
are among the strangest and most
uncomfortable in Christendom.
COMFORTABLE VEHICLE.
The common people of China are
denied the privilege of riding in the
large sedan chairs, which is the most
commodious means of transportation
in China. 1t is carried by two men,
who raise the carrying pole to their
shoulders and walk briskly, making
four miles in an hour through the
average range of country. This chair
is lightly built, handsomely decorated
and fitted up with cushions.
Travellers declare that of all the
strictly Chinese turnouts, the large Sc
dan chair is by far the best, and that
once accustomed to it, the foreigner
can really ride with some comfort.
This, however, cannot be said of all
sedan chairs. The smaller ones are
built in such manner that cramped
position must be assumed the moment
d pdScsllSer takeS MS seat.
HOW THE EMPEROR TRAVELS,
The Emperor and some of his high
officials use different styles of chairs
on different occasions. Often he rides
in one of peculiar shape, in which he
sits high above the heads of the bear
ers. This style of chair is built ex-
pressly for the purpose of exalting the
ruler in the eyes of his people, and
that he may better command a view
In his travels.
THE CARTS OF PEKIN.
In and about Pekin horses are used
to considerable extent, but owing to
the crudeness of all the transportation
equipment to which they are attached.
as much comfort can be taken in a
wheelbarrow as behind a steed. With
all their skill in the manufacture of
so many things beautiful and useful,
the Chinese still lack the handiwork
which goes to make a suitable rig
Tor q horse to draw.
TAnd yet thousand two.wheeled
carts may be found in Pekn waiting
~ "Si VIC tAc puDllC. Iue WneelS OF
these carts are in many cases a solid
piece OF wood cut in a circle and fixed
upon an axle, resembling much some
homemade carts for children found
u Uncle Sans country. Chinese carts
are minus springs. The owners at
tempt to supply this deficiency by
means of cushions. The driver sits
close to the horse. Passengers climb
in and get out at either side of the
box-like contrivance which holds them
in place when the vehicle is in mo-
tion.
COMFORTABLE BOATS.
But of all the Chinese modes of
travel none equals in Importance the
boat. The great waterways of the
country are the redeeming feature of
all that is next to unbearable on land.
The maritime architecture of the Ce-
tpctin1s ic II