New-York tribune., 1907-07-04
PROGRESS in CHINA.
Minister, Before Departure, Says
Officials Are Sincere IN Reforms.

Washington. July 81 have been through
great many trying experiences in my life. but the
saddest all. 1 think. is leaving the United states
and the many true friends I have made here"
These were the words OF Sir Chen-Tung Lang
Cheng the Chinese Minister. he sat In the
library OF the legation to-day Just before his
departure for the railroad station. from which he
left the citv for San Francisco. He will sail from
there on the steamship Korea on July p for horle-
II am deeply sensible OF the courtesy and kind
ness which have been shown to me throusnous no ny
career here by the American people. continued
the minister. Il hardly say enough 20 express
my deep appreciation OF all that has been done,
both by the government and people to make my
stay useful TO the Chinese people and pleasant
to me-
ditions in country. and noted with evident en-
thusiasm the progress which Is being made
throughout the empire along various lines Parti-
ruarIy this the he pointed out in the pub
lie schools in which the various provinces are fol-
lowing lead of Chilli. the metropolitan provinces
Of China, under the Viceroy Yuen Shi HI. IN tnse
province. which took the lead IN all reforms ad-
vocated by the government. he said there had
been 32s5 schools established in the last three
years. II the sincere desire OF the government
he declared. 10 give every attention TO the de-
veIopment OF the educational system. so that the
Younger element might get all the advantages TO
be derived from It The government felt. he said.
that no reform could be successfully accompllShed
without educating the younger generation thor
oughly.
In Chill Province he continued. the officials
are making experiments along the line OF local
government and are trying to interest the people
thoroughly in it, Incidentally. they have started
there schools for training policemen. and the re-
suits have been very gratifying. L mention thess
facts simply to that the people are progress
ing gradually but surely toward the more modern
methods OF Western civilization The Emperor al
ready. you aware. has issued decree which
ultimately has in view the meeting OF cOnstituSnr
assembly But there many things TO De done
before anything of this kind be reality The
people have be educated up 10 it. But the En-
peror and the government officials who are carry
ing policies have the welfare OF the people
az heart. and sincere in their desire TO give
them constitutional government when the time IS
ripe for it."
VIII YOU. in your official capacity in the For
eign Office. continue 10 advocate the policy OF the
open door by the gOvernmentr' was asked
China will continue her open door policy, was
the reply Her greatest interests demand an ad-
hesion to that practice. which already has proved
helpful to her There must be an open held and
q fair chance to everybody who wants TO trade
with our people. The government relies upon the
building of railroads and the development OF the
interior as essential element necessary to its
progress The complaints and opposition which
manifested themselves so vigorously fifteen or
tyrentv Years ago against progressive ideas and
methods In that direction have entirely disap-
peared.
Young Chinese TO American colleges. and shall
do all IN my power 10 advance this practice.
Thirty years ago II was common for parents TO
send children from eleven 70 fourteen years old
to American schools. But now many OF those sent
are over sixteen and range up TO nineteen years
of age think the former practice was the bet
ter one for the younger ages the children were
received in and became practically msuloers Of
families with whom they boarded In this way
they absorbed much OF the spirit and homo hfs
OF the people which is great bsnent 20 them
have been very much gratihed by some recent sta
tistics given 10 by President Eliot OK Harvart
University showing the excellent records made BY
Chinese students. The governments keeps Iins'
on the students who come to American colleges.
! and when they graduate there are offers for re-
muneratlve employment in China always open 70
, them
Finally l want to say that China has never
been so quiet as during the last twelve months
There have been difficulties OF consequence DUR
ing the last year. and there have been no reports
of murders of missionaries. Naturally. IN great
country like China. there Is always feeling OF
unrest With the development OF the interiors
tbroIrh the construction railroads and the inn
provements OF the rivers. the government In futurs
wears will be in closer touch with its people. thus
affordng an opportunity for remsdyins their fs
and .guell!ng opposition
The minister accompanied by his family, Mt.
C,hu an attache Of the Chinese consulate at New
York and Mr. Lang Chen. an attache OF the Chf-
nesa consular service in Cuba The party occupied
ths special car Courier. attached TO the Western
Fxpress on the Pennsylvania Railroad