Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-28
The Ministers of Commerce.

Minister Wu has not been advised of the
appointment of Yuen Shi Kai as minister Of
commerce of the Chinese empire, although.
in his view, such an appointment would not
be unlikely. Yuen Shi Kai is the viceroy of
Chilli province. When the late Lii Hung
Chang was the viceroy of that province ne
also held the title of minister Of commerce.
At that time the title was practically only
honorary, as his manifold duties as vceroy
prevented him from devoting serious at
tention to matters affecting the empire out
side of his province. Minister WI, while
he SAYS he has no definite information, be-
lieves 1t probable that Yuen Shi kai may
have received the title of minister of com
merce precisely as Ii Hung Chang received
and held it.
The ministry Of commerce to which Min
lister Wu has been appointed, is special
board. whose duties relate to the empire
as whole. He will be in association with
Chang Chi Lung, and perhaps with others,
the title Of each of whom will be minister
of commerce. Yuen Shi Kai may be one
of these. 1t Is the hope of Minister WI
that Yuen Shi Kai has been SO designated,
as he is a friend of Mr.. WI and states
man and a diplomat of ability and distinc-
ton. 1t seems the more likely, however,
that the title conferred upon him is of an
honorary character and that, in common
with other Chinese viceroys, he will have
to do with the ministry of commerce only
so far as the operations of the ministry
may affect the particular province OF which
he is governor.
Mr.. WI has also received a cablegram
announcing that he has been appointed one
of the two members of a commission to ne
gotiate commercial treaties with foreign
powers. He will be at the head of this COM
mission and will have associated with him
Mr.. Lu, who, until about a year ago, was
the Chinese minister to Germany. AS Mr.
WI has been ordered to proceed directly to
Shanghai. it Is probable that the headquar-
49, ,;r,r;, hai ", hot oft
Minister WI will be accompanied to
China by Madame WI and some members
Of his personal suite but whether he will
leave his young son In this country mas
not been determined. He desires that his
son shall have a good American education
and he may conclude to leave him in the
United States, at least for time.
Minister Wu expresses great regret at his
sudden recall from this country, although
he is not unapprecative Of the honor done
him by his government. He says that the
American people have been most kind to
him, and that he will carry away with him
the pleasantest memories of his soJourn in
the United States. He always had en-
deavored, he said, to promote cordial rela-
tions between this country and China, and
that effort would be continued when he re-
turned to live among his own people.
In official and diplomatic circles the news
of the early departure of Minister Wu was
received with sincere regret. For years he
has been one of the most popular members
of the diplomatic corps.
The New Minister.
Mr.. WI expects to leave the legation In
charge of the first secretary, Mr.. Shen
Tung. Minister WI has received no ad-
vices indicating the probable time Of the
arrival in Washington of his successor,
Minister Liang. Mr.. Liang appointed
minister to the United States early last
summer and subsequently made a brief trip
to this country as a member of the suite
Of the emperor's cousin. The time of his
arrival in the United States will be depend
ent entirely upon the orders of the Chinese
foreign office.