The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1901-11-29

the hand, or more likely rest his hand
upon your arm in a gentle, caressing
way when taking leave. He had an
abrupt and at times turbulent manner
with capacities, | was told, for vehe-
ment anger-and there were occasions
when the courters and high people
would seek safety in flight. LII was
never vouchsafed to me in this condi-
ton, was always a stately, imperative
person, with 4 capacity for asking
questions, and given to mockery and
banter and unique views OF Western
affairs. He welcomed talk running
into narrative, did not disdan gossip,
liked TO hear of the customs OF other
lands, rclished anecdotes OF eminent
men-Lincoln, Grant and others. He
had read international law, and | re-
member his handing me copy OF
Wheaton in Chinese, and asking me to
point out the passages in which
Wheaton had laid it down that negro
should have more privileges in Ameri-
ca than Chinaman. The Eiccroy in
tended this criticism as an offset to
some demand | was presenting, for in
his soul he cared no more for the emf
grafton question than the average
American does for the Digger Indians
of Lower California.
LIS COURTESY.
Ii Hung Chang was princely in his
courtesy considerate, strove to divine
some way of comforting favor, would.
| if possible anticipate your wishes, and
| do it oif-hand He would send his
steam yacht so miles to render a SER
vice to the ladies of the legations.
His industry was incessant, and he
kept in touch with everything. He
would innocently read telegrams pass
ing to Pekin through Tientsin, and if
at all vague would send inquiry to the
receiver as to their meaning. | re-
member that forei On Minister heard
of tie death of Il member Of his family
through message Of coincidence from
the Viceroy, which arrived before the
dispatch containing the news. The
dispatch lad been intrusted to the
Viceroy, and was belated in its deliv-
cry. This tendency of the Vceregal
mind to keep informed by other peo-
pies kilograms was, if rumor were cor
rect, utilized 10y some Of the embassies.
1t is said that when negotiations came
to a hitch they would be advanced by
a confidential message of a warlike
through the Tientsin Office, advising
him to prepare for serious business.
SHARP PRACTICE.
1t is the custom that when either
parent dies the sons shall resign honors
and employments to repair to the an
cestral tomb, and there in sack-cloth
and ashes mourn for long period.
When | was in China as Minister there
was speculation in political, and especi-
ally Opposition, circles as to what
would happen upon the death of the
Niceroy's mother. She was then in
extreme old age-up in the nineties-
and in tie course of nature must soon
pass away. This meant the resigna-
tion Of the Eiceroy-his enforced re-
tirement from all office and political
revolution.
1t came to pass in time, and Ii hur-
mothers grave. His brother, Viceroy
at Wu-Chang, accompanied him. Lii
had finally gone, and then what? OPP
position had full sway, and before the
season of sorrow was over his place
would be filed and his power a men,
ory. Suddenly like a bolt from the
blue, came decree frcm the throne,
signed with the vermilon pencil, COM
mlnding Ii to lay aside mourning and
at the end OF three months resume
tilice Such Il decree was without
precedent. TO suspend the mourning
rite in Chinese eyes was as if the Pope
were TO suspend one Of the saciaments.
But the Empelo or was sacred and the
conmald was supreme. His brother,
Lii Hang ChanL, was permitted to re
main at the tomb and do tiial rever-
ences Lii Hung Chang returned to
; T!entsin.
| was at Che-Foo when the sum-
mons was issued, and one morning
saw the Niceroy's yach, come into the
harbor. | sent my duty, and said that
if a visit would not be an intrusion
upon his period of mourning | would
90 on board ana pay my rcSpecIS.
His staff officer came with not only a
5 cordial invitation, but the expression
t of an earnest desire on the Niceroy s
part to see me- When met the Vice
: roy | saw the signs Of mourning He
f looked like a starving beggar. He
t wore the coarscst raiment. His beard
e and forehead had not been shaved and
v his queue hung down from a clotted
f mass of hair. Lines of sorrow streaked
:: his face, and his hands were grimy as
e if he had been lying in ashes. a few
:. days later when | met him at Tientsln
! the beggar's mien had vanished and he
n was again the SumptuylIS and well ap