The Washington herald., 1908-03-08

Wu-Ting-Fang. as bubbling. refreshing.
democratic, inquisitive, and energetic as
ever. is back in our midst
He arrived last night, surrounded by
an extensive encourage, and went from
the railroad station 10 the Chinese Lega-
tion, which was built through his efforts.
but was not completed when he was re-
called to China.
With him. Mr.. WI brough a long roll
of parchment. covered with Chinese char
acters. which meant that he was again
accredited 10 the government of the
United States as envoy extraordinary and
minister plenupotentiary.
1t was like getting home. to the lively
Chinese diplomat. No head Of any foreign
establishment ever enjoyed himself more
than Mr. WI did on his first mission
to Washington.
While he worked hard and had plenty
of troubles he made many friends. OBJ
tanned vast amount Of information. and
had numerous friends. He was popular.
and no man in his position ever got half
as much newspaper advertising as he
did.
Likes the Americans.
In the legation building. Mr. WI last
night, in his excellent English, talked
about things in general.
Il like the Americans so much that 1
have almost been accused of being an
American he said. Il like your people.
and they have always seemed to like me.
That's why ] came back"
Mr. Wu's flowing silken robes did not
suggest America. but his frank. ready
way OF speaking did.
Members Of the Chinese Legation. who
had remained in Washington after the
departure of Sir Chentung Lang Chang.
who succeeded Mr. WI, and who was
succeeded by him. met Mr.. Wa at the
Union Station when his train arrived
from Chicago The great station had
been built in his absence, and as he came
into the huge cOncourse from the train
sheds he paused a moment TO look
around. As he did SO. a newsboy thrust
an evening paper in his hand. with:
Talk about the war between China and
Japan
Mr.. Wa was much interested in the
dispatch from Tokyo, saying that an ulti-
matum had been sent by Japan to China
for the surrender Immediately of the
Tatsu. the Japanese steamship seized by
China on the charge of smuggling.
Coupled with this was another demand
for an apology.
Has Not Been Informed.
I know but little OF the diflcuIty.
said Mr.. Wu. but I cannot bring my
self 10 believe that it is serious. can
say nothing definite in regard TO the stu
alton until 1.-The press dispatches are
either confirmed or contradicted and
hope il will be the latter"
The Minister said he had no advices
from his government on the troubles
awaiting his arrival. As the immediate
difficulties into which the countries are
reported to be involved had developed
since his departure from Pekin. he ex-
pressed Ignorance to the claims of the
two nations
Japan and China were on the most
friendly terms when left my country.
am Of the opinion that no serious diff
culties have arisen. If wrong, China will
apologize"
Minister WI discussed the situation in
his country.
In a country where great reforms are
in progress said he. there are bound
to be conflicting parties. We have men
who are opposed TO tho policies of the
government just as you have them in
this country. but there is nothing serious
IN that. There is no revolution threaten
ing in my country.
"Well, 1 am glad 10 get back ex-
claimed WI, as lie switched the war talk
to personal affairs.
Is Growing Younger.
.'Do / look any older?" he asked some
of his old newspaper friends. NO. 1 am
not older. Do you know, 1 grow younger
instead of older
Then Mr.. WI would recall some of the
old friends he had when in Washington
before, and laugh like a youngster at
his grandmother's on a visit.
Among the first callers AT the legation
was former Secretary Of State John w.
Foster. now counselor of the Chinese
government. He informed the Minister
as 20 the American impression Of the
situation between China and Japan
Mr.. wu will call on Secretary Of State
Root tomorrow and ask the pleasure of
having the President receive him.
Almost an entirely new staff was
brought to Washington by the new Min
lister. Mrs. Wa will follow in about two
months.