New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-08-13
A TRIP THROUGH CHINATOWN
THE DISTRICT IN GALA ATTIRE IN
HONOR OF THE PRINCE

At the Postoffice Postmaster Van Colt re-
ceived the party in his private ROOM and took
them to the gallery which surrounds the main
floor of the building and overlooks the dis
tributing boxes and mail order desks. Prince
Chen examined the system in detail and was
particularly interested in the stamping ma
chine, which cancels fifteen thousand stamps an
hour. Mr.. WI devoted several minutes to learn
ing how the letters were received, sorted and
distributed.
Leaving the Postofice. the visitors started for
the Brooklyn Bridge Prince Chen being unable
TO ascend to the top of the Park Row Building.
as had been planned. account of an ACCIDENT
to the tower elevator.
The drive across the bridge and back occupied
twenty minutes the driveways being cleared
for the purpose During the trip Mr.. Reynolds
explained how the great engineering feat was
accomplished. When he explained that they
were only crossing from one borough OF the city
to another. Prince Chen remarked through an
interpreter:
You Americans are wonderful people. You
are SO busy. l am not used to much hurry
Your buildings are all so big, and there are so
many people in them l should think you would
be in each others way.
When the party reached the centre of the
bridge Mr.. Reynolds explained that many peo-
pie had successfully jumped into the water from
that height.
Il believe YOU Americans could do anything, -
remarked the prince
A drive through the financial district, In "hlch
the prince saw the Stock Exchange, the SUB
Treasury and the important skyscrapers. fol-
lowed the journey across the bridge ana 'i@'i
the procession started for Chinatown.
In many respects the brief drive through
hottest was from a spectators point OF view.
the most interesting part of the princes WISH
The street was brilliant with flags, Eelio"
dragons contending with the Stars ana stripes
for supremacy. while other striking decorations
were the symbols of the Lee family red on d
white square. the special flag that high Chinese
officials have the right to hang from theii
dwelling houses, and the 25-foot strings OF nre-
crackers. In the street and at the doors. win
dows and balconies stood throngs OF Cinnamon
all Interested hut all intensely serious.
From Chinatown the party returned 10 the
Waldorf. where dinner was served in the royal
apartment at o'clock.
The prince entertained Sir Chentung LANG
Chenr Minister WI Ting-fang, secretary
PIERCE and A W. Bach.
The start from the Waldorf to the Grand Cen
traI station was made at I:f3 o'clock. y com
mittee of the Chinese merchants was driven
with the party 10 the station
Montreal Express He was escorted 10 his car
by Mr.. Peirce and Mr.. Reynolds. He shook S..x
them both warmly by the hand. and then Sir
LANG, speaking for the prince. said:
His hiehness desires me to tell you that II Is
with deep gratitude IN his heart that he now bids
farewell to the hospitality OF this nation tic Is
sorrv mai his stav here has brief and says
that IL il possible ne will visit this country dur
ing thc 81 Louis Exposition. He desires me TO
thank YOU gentlemen personally and the people or
the Unit cd States. and its noble Chief Executive
president Roosevelt for their hospitality Tie de
sires that you again express his gratitude and
,bat ~ his government President Roosevelt and
Secretary Hay for the friendly feeling which this
country has felt toward China.
MI Peirce said in reply:
Tell Prince chen that We have been honored by
his visit 10 this country and hope that he VIII re-
urn 10 nay us another visit and that his stay may
be longer next time.