New-York tribune., 1908-05-06
PLEASED BY WU'S WIT
AUDIENCE PLIES QUERIES.
Chinese Minister Talks to Cn1c
Forum About HIS Country.

rate was not only thoroughly awake, nut 'iie'
that his sense Of humor was at its oldtiine h'sh
speed gear. II was the last of the CIVIC foruiii
meetings this season, and Carnegie Han was
filed AT the close there was a haf houI
hand shaking OF the diplomat and many con
gratulations for the witty manner IN Which le
answered the questions asked of him a1ter 'iie
speech.
Minister WI who viii remain in town until
Tomorrow is TO speak in Chinese at the chi
nsse theatre i'm Doyers street this afternoon
before being entertained at the Lotos Club to-
night Since the Doyers street theatre re-
ceived its largest free advertising without the
aid of g press agent al the time when the Hip
Sings and the on Leongs shot up each other
with "44s" there some doubt whether
Minister wu would appear. although his speech
was to be for the benefit OF the newly organ
lied Confucius Society. which is made up Oh
educated Chinese promoting the doctrines OF
Confncius The Minister said. however, that
he would be at the theatre to-day, and when
told by A reporter of the late shooting he re
piled with pleasant smile, Indeed, that is
interesting"
When informed Of the completion of a gen
eral arbitration treaty between Japan and the
Lifted States and its having been signed at
Washington yesterday by Baron Takahira, he
was much Interested. He read the late dis
patch twice and then his single comment was;
Minister W. however. more talkative
when he replied to the questions written by
members Of the audience and sent up 10 the
stage after the speech. His appearance was as
picturesque as ever. for he wore cream colored
silken robe a red embroidered jacket and a
round black cap that adorned with red
button and = large ruby surrounded by dla-
monds
The first question was almost drowned out by
+Ia t~ar1 SO
of the rapid increase in the population of China
as compared with other Countries The dlpio-
mat ioined in the laughter. but replied quickly;
As the gentleman must he satisfied that the
rop1lation is increasing. | must say that IN my
opinion il has not increased so much in the last
ten years as it did formerly. This has been due
TO famine and disease
Another person of inquiring mind wanted /"
know what Minister Wa thought Of the theory
of some geographers that China was drying up
and would soon be uninhabitable except in the
southern part. Also he wanted to know whether
this ,,o1,ld not mean that hundreds of millions
of cinnamon would invade other countries Tor
a chance 20 exist.
China has never been drying up before. said
The minister and I think that if she should
there would be no immigration, for the popula-
ton would be drying up too"
OF course the question popped up as to wheth-
wage a yellow peril war Western nations
Minister WI said he did not think an alliance
likely in the near future" and that as for any
struggle China stands for peace
When asked whether If China became power
ftI enough she woud1exclude American citizens
as Chinese are excluded here he replied ear
nestly: ---
we do not think You do. and although we
have been called the heather Chinee' we re-
he e
open and It viii not be closed again"
We believe Caucasans and Asiatics are of
one blood he replied when asked about race
problems. and tnat there is a difference in
color only"
As to the wearing of the queue. the minister
said: Every has his own opinion l do
not care TO express mine in public
Asked whether he thought socialism was to
have its first real trial in China he replied that
he thought if it came at all it would be after
II had been tried in Europe America. To the
question as to what he thought of the chance of
an awakening of India he said he did not know
about the Indians. and added. L am no
prophet After he had good humoredly taken
up other questions he given rising vote
OF thanks.
Minister wu. who was introduced by General
,,ewart l. Woodford, chairman OF the meeting.
said
Nearly forty years ago. Wen FIsang. who
minister Of the Tsungh Yamen Nhe Foreign
Ing of the slowness with which China was moyy,,
ing said that once she began 10 move she would
avalanche: and to-day Ne are witnessing me
realization Of his words There are many forces.
some %d ~ 49, iiIsa1," for ZeaTs 10 which this
awakening may be ascribed, but want OF tl'me e
does not permit 10 mention more than Few,
nor to dwell them at great length, First and and
foremost = the spread OF edueatoi7 DI LIE
knowledge of men and Of affairs OF the world
After telling how Chinese students went to
foreign countries and poured back into the faith
erland a food Of learning, he said:
Nor must omit TO mention the services of the
branch Of il. whose indefatigable efforts in the
establishment OF educational institutions and IN
tle oifuslon OF ,, % t,,re s 80 ieneJ
The whole Empire Of China
Referring 10 the struggle between the party
favoring the Capitalization OF power il the
Peking government and the other demanding
autonomy for the provincial authorities, the
:--akcr said:
In view OF the complicated nature OF China's
foreign relations. which make II imperative that
the voice Of the Peking government should Do
supreme in in which foreign interests In
volyed and in view OF The importance Of the i'm
perial governments holding unrestricted action
in carrying Out the items on its programme Of
present At least there ShOuid De oflIy one master
IN the house Of China The course OF events seems
to show that this policy IS gaining ground. which
my country. With the introduction Of Western
sphere OF duties or lhe Imperial government has
been cOrrespondingly enlarged. Where formerly
SIX ministries or departments were suihcient ten
are now necessary, Tie newly created ones being
that OF Foreign Affairs. OF Education. Of AgrcuIt-
larry Posts and Conrnunica lions The mere
mention Of their names, think. is sufficient 10
give you q conception Of the duties which
have deVolEed on our government.