The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-25

Others before him, under similar circum-
stances, have found on their arrival at
Picking that all doors were barred against
them and all ears deaf TO their representa-
tions. The returned minister could only
associate with men of his own degree,
which, stated, is OF the lowest Access
to subordinates of any higher rank can
only be secured by profuse payments OF
money. Having bribed his way through
ante-rooms and ante-chambers, reaching
half a dozen successive ranks OF aunkeys
and lower officials, consuming months or
time and requiring thousands OF dollars
in cash, he will be no nearer the officials
who control state affairs than he was when
he began. Absolutely ignored and appar-
emily forgotten, he may spend wearying
years in attempt at vindication, and in
the end utterly fail.
1t is easy TO see, then, what is likely 10
be the finish of Minister Wu's career as an
official of the Flowery Kingdom. There is
not one chance in a thousand that he viii
be placed in any responsible position at
home, or that his admitted great talents
and the stores of knowledge he has pain
fully acquired will be Of any benefit what
ever 10 his country or his suffering coun-
trymen.
1t is possible. and, indeed, probable. in
view of Mr.. Wu's known astuteness ard
the evident precautionary measures he has
taken that on ascertaining what his fate
will be at home he may be able 10 escape
from China, and If permitted by our laws,
return TO this country and take up his per-
manent residence here. He would certain
ly be most heartily welcome, and IL all
his fortune should be exhausted I'm the
process Of seeking justice and vindicati0n
at home, he need not fear for ample re-
sources of self-support in this prosperous
country.
1t has long been known that Mr.. WI
has deadly enemies at home among the
cabals and cliques with which official life
there is infested. The fact that he was
educated in England is basis enough for
much national animosity- He was a stu
dent at the Middle Temple in London in
1876 and was then known by his unpr0-
nounceable name of Nc Choy. Subsequent
ly, after he returned TO China and was
employed in law at Tien-Tsin, he followed
the custom of adopting an official name.
Tingfang is said TO mean Hail, ira
grance," and Is intended TO indicate that
the one so designated Is just and emf
nent a Iaw-giver that the sweet SAVIOR OF
his reputation fills the court"
But his enemies, not content with the
prejudice that could be easily attached TO
his foreign culture, not long since started
the story that he was even British cit
iZen. having taken out papers as such while
serving as a magistrate in Hong-kong.
This. ii is alleged. was done i'm 1892 when
he was performing magisterial duties dur
ing the period that his great friend. Ia
Hung Chang, was undergoing his taste OF
adversely and disfavor. IL Is claimed that
to protect himself Mr.. WI then enrolled
British citizen.
He may have 10 answer this accusation
with the others. thus adding 20 his dan
gers and perplexities-
OF being accused OF pro-American leanings
than of being a desperate and despicable
Briton. One who has seen him AT a c. A. X
campfire, singing Marching through
Georgia with manifest spirit and UNDER
standing. partially appreciate the pro-
cess of Americanization that has gone on
for five years
His son. little WI" Washington
High School cadet. marched with his bait
talon in the inaugural parade OF 1901. and
saluted President Mckinley with aliothe
gusto and aplomb of a native Yankee
All these things 20 10 discredit and de-
grade the sagacious WI Tingfang with the
powers at the Picking imperial court who
control his future destiny.
WI has gone TO his doom-he can already
see his finish"
Whether by decapitation. by seif-discm-
boweling at the order OF the female tsfant.
by exile TO the living death OF some
obscure village" or by the immoistion %
endless. wearing. wearying neglect I'm pesti-
lent antechambers vainly suing for an audi
ence, he will. IL he remains I'm China. reap
the thrice-embittered penalty inflicted on
those who rise beyond the contracted sphere
OF a torpid and rotten nationalism.