Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-08
CH|NA'S YOUNG men
Spreading the Leaveno Of Mod
ern Ideas in the Empire.
SENT AWAY TO STUDY
MINISTER LANG BROUGHT A
NUMBER TO AMERICA.
New Diplomat Imbued With the Same
Progressive Sentiments as His
Illustrious Predecessor.

lister of China to the United States, was
seen by a Star reporter today at his resi-
dence corner of 18th and Q streets Min
lister Liang did not wish to discuss the
question that has arisen in relation to the
propriety of the use of the title Sir by
him. 1t is known that the acceptance or
that title was approved by the Chinese gov
eminent at the time 1t was conferred upon
him, so that it's use cannot be said to be
unauthorized. ......
Chinese. Educational Movement.
Minister LANG speaks of the educational
movement that is going on in China with
the greatest interest, and shows that ne
is imbued with the same broad ana pro-
gressive ideas that marked the public ut
terances and the acts Of his predecessor
Minister WI. Minister LANG In his views
resembles in some respects his popular
predecessor. though there Is great diner
ence between the two men.
Minister WI was always ready with
shaft of wit as a means of replying to some
question. especially when 1t was one that
did not quite please him. He was given
to plying questions to those who quesuoneo
him to such an extent that an interview
with him was apt to turn out to De an IN
terview by him with his interviewer.
The words Of Minister LANG are appar.
emily more carefully chosen Ihere Is no.
the same spontaneity that characterlzed
talks freely, though showing the exercise
of care in his statements. HIS manner Is
very much that of an American, ana ms
command of English Is complete: he not
ONLY expresses himself correctly, but never
falters for the right word to give just the
shade of meaning he desires to express
He shows the characteristics OF success
full diplomat.
Young Men Studying Science.
Speaking of what is being done by China
In the way Of giving young men the advan-
tages of foreign ideas. he explained that
while in Japan he learned that there are IN
that country 700 Chinese students attend
ing English schools. that give them the
same opportunities that are accorded the
Japanese Some of these students are sent
there by the government of China, but two
thirds of them are the sons of rich China
men, who themselves pay their expenses
They do not seek polite education
merely, but are taking courses In scien-
tifc branches that will be Of benefit in the
industrial development of China AS rule
they seek to become civil or mining en-
gineers. The railroad interests OF China
are rapidly growing. so that there Is an I'M
mense demand for young men who have the
necessary skill. The demand for trained
men in mining is also SO great that en-
ployment will be waiting all of the young
men who return to China qualified for such
work
The imperial eQlCt Dy WHICH SONeEAoIS VI
provinces were directed to send young men
abroad to be educated was not specific In
commanding any special number that
should be sent from each province. The
governors Of provinces will send whatever
number they find themselves able to look
after.
Students Brought Here.
From Chill province there will come to
this country twenty-five students. and it Is
Ia fs,.-
Minister Lang brought to this country with
him twenty-five students. twelve Of them be-
ing sent by the government, while thirteen
of them are the sons of rich Cinnamon, and
they come here as would any other private
student. These students will all take SCI
entif1c courses after they have passed
year or two in preparatory work These
young men have all studied English and
they are proficient in mathematics. They
are sixteen or seventeen years Of age
A preceptor has been sent here in charge
of the students. and they will be under his
general direction 1t is not likely that they
Will be kept together, because of the better
results that can be obtained by having
them In different institutions. so that their
contact with Notwithstanding peonle will
be encouraged. Later ten Students viii
come from Hankow province and eventu-
ally there will go abroad from China ctr
dents from all of the twenty-one provinces
The larger and richer provinces will send
greater number than others of smaller
resources s"iiel
II Is quite likely that within a wear mr. ca
.here Will De studying in this country and
IN the several leading European countries
over zV chinese students. This will he In
auuition 10 the more extensive educational
Moik OF the chinese going on In lamar
4 ms reIers to the government students and
tnose OF the provinces. In addition TO that
IL Is now impossible to know to what on
extent the sons Of rich Cinnamon will he
sent ABROAD for educational work
Minister Liang's Family.
Minister Liang has at least one very
strong bond Of sympathy with President
Roosevelt Like the President he ia the
father of large family and the lover of
children His wife died two years ago.
leaving seven children. Four of these chill
dfen were left in China in the care Of tho
minister's mother. Three of them he
Drought with him to keep him company. One
Is young lady of sixteen years, the two
boys being seven and nine years of age. re-
spectively.
Not any of the children speak English
IN short time they will have an American
tutor or governess. and after they have
acquired English they will probably be
placed In schools Of the city. The younr
lady Will be social favorite as soon as
her father thinks it Is time for her to leave
her studies, as she is bright and yiyacious.
Minister LANG expects to be in the new
legation building on 10Th street within ten
days AS he will move so soon from his
present quarters he has not unpacked his
belongings. except so far as has been an
SOlutely necessary II NAV ho tbot 10 III,