The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-01-25
ASSURED
OF REGARD
FOR China

Washington, Jan. 25.-China's Imperial
commission, sent to the United States
to study American conditions, social, edu-
cational and industrial, was received for
mally by President Roosevelt yesterday
at the White House.
The commissioners. Tai Hung Chi one
OF the most eminent scholars in the Chi
nese empire, and Tuan Fang governor Of
the Province of Human, accompanied by
Chentung Liang Cheng. the Chinese
minister Charles DENLY, chief clerk, and
Professor jeremiah w. jerks " Cornell
university. representing the state depart
ment, and ten members OF the comnds-
sioners' suite reached the White House
about 2;30 b. m.
AT the north entrance to the mansion
they were received by Colonel Charles 6,
Bromwell and Commander Key. the presi-
dents military and naval aides.
In the Blue Room Secretary Root FOR
maly presented the commissioners TO
President Roosevelt. Tai Huuug Chi ad-
dressed the president and presented an
autograph letter from the Empcro' OF
China. The presid@N replied as follows:
WELCOMED COMMISSIONER.
"In the name OF my fellow countrymen
| have great pleasure in welcoming you
to the United states. Entertaining as
we do feelings of sincere amity and or
the highest regard for your great people,
whose progress In invention and discovery
stretches back through the centuries TO
eras which TO the communities or the
west are prehistoric, We who stand among
the younger nations are glad OF all oppor-
tunities 10 bring our peoples closer to-
gether and TO diffuse anon geach other a
better knowledge OF mutual interests
"a
THE kindly sympathy OF this country
for the eastern empire has found many
opportunities OF expression In late years
and | trust that the new century VIII
bring a larger realization OF our common
desire for peace, prosperity and advance
ment of China.
"I appreciate the friendly sentiments
thus testified by your sovereign 10 whom
/ ask you 20 make known my sincere
wishes for his maJesty's health and wei
fare"
The letter OF the Chinese emperor was
written on delicate parchment and en-
closed in handsome case covered with
saffron-colored silk The letter, as trans
lated, reads In part:
THE EMPEROR's LETTER.
with the increasing years OF friendly
intercourse the relations between China
and the United States have become closer
and more intimate. The United states
government has long been known for its
excellent organization, by the adoption OF
new principles OF government with satls-
fatcory and beneficial results.
"As we contemplate the existing condi
ton of affairs with n firm determination
20 improve the present order OF things,
we desire TO avail oursen Of your close
friendship and neighborly kindness to OBJ
tain the necessary information for COM
parison with a view To proper selection.
Therefore, we have appointed Kai
Hung Chi, Junior vice president to the
board OF revenue, and Tuan Fang. COVER
nor of the Province OF Human, 10 be COM
missioners, with instructions 10 proceed
TO the United States and study the polite
nj system OF your country.
" eWrtust that your excellency Will re-
ceive them favorably, 80 that they may
be able TO study the theory and practice
OF your governmental system 10 :he beat
advantage and obtain the necessary :n-
Formation for further USE
After few minutes OF informal talk
the president led the way TO the srate
dining room. wnere tea and buffet
luncheon were served. Before the COM
missioners left the White House the presi-
dent presented TO them a de luxe edition,
suit.baly autogra phed, OF his messages and
papers as president.