The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-10-09
WELCOMETO TAFT
The Chinese at Shanghai Give
Him a Banquet
And Manifest Their Good Will
in Other Ways.
WOMEN WERE PRESENT
At a Reception rendered by the
business Men.
The Secretary Made Speeches
on Both Occasions.

Shanghai, Oct 9.-Secretarv of wa,
William H. Taft and the members OF
ms party arrived here on the steamer
Minnesota which is conveying him
ana the foreign residents of Shanghai
| united in giving the distinguished Wis
ltor the heartiest welcome, that ever
man. -, &c"
Mr.. Taft dedicated the building ~
the, Young Mems Christian associa
ton. He made a brief address in
"nlcn he said that the work of the
association among the Chinese was a
great step in the interests of civiliza-
TON and he was followed by several
chinese officials, who spoke in an
prevail OF the undertaking.
me secretary was given an elabo-
rae reception by the Chinese resi-
oents Th1s function was out of doors
IN native garden. The decorations
were most picturesque, embroidered
banners and multitude of Chinese
lanterns making the garden look like
Lalryland. The promoters of the re-
ceptlon were prominent Chinese mer-
chants representing forty-f1ve of the
guilds formerly in the boycott move
ment against American manufactur-
ers. me change of sentiment was
marked. A number of prominent
Chinese officials were present.
Speeches of welcome were made in
Engilsh by local Chinese business
men. officials and the representatives
OF the Vlceroy. The Cinnamon en-
pnasized the cordial relations existing
today between China and the United
states, saying the friendship of Amer
lea had been. evidenced by sending re-
lief to the famine sufferers, the sun
port OF schools and hospitals and the
waving by the United States of her
part of the boxer indemnity. In re-
ply Secretary Taft thanked the Chin
csc Tor their reception, which he said
grained him as an evidence of their
friendship toward the American neo-
pie and government
AT the conclusion of his address the
secretary was presented with a hand
some silver punch bowl This recep-
ton marked an epoch in the matter
OF the status Of women in China, for
the Chinese women of aristocratfc
families were present at the reception
and even presided at the table where
refreshments were served. This is the
nrst time such thing has happened
In China. This Chinese welcome to
the American visitor was most sig
nffcant and the merchants and high
officials present contrasted it with Mr.,
Tafts former visit to Shanghai and
the days of the American boycott
quet in the secretary's honor last
evening. At this entertainment the
foreign consuls and number of
prominent foreign business men were
present 1t was in every respect the
largest and most representative ban
quet ever given in Shanghai In reply
to an address of welcome Secretary
Taft made speech. which was listen
ed to with deep interest. He prefaced
his remarks by saying that he spoke
as an American citizen not as a repre-
sentative of the government
There is no doubt that Mr.. Taft's
visit to Shanghai will increase the
cordial relations between China and
the United States and add to the
prestige of American trade in the
Orient.