New-York tribune., 1908-09-23
CHINESE EDITOR HERE
Says HIS Country and america WiU
Benefit by Close Relations.

Ii Sum Ling. editor of THE Chinese Mall of
Hong Kong. and active member of the Pro-
gressive Chinese party, arrived here yesterday on
the steamship Kroonland. from Antwerp on the
last lap of trip around the world. A group Of
his countrymen, students in American colleges,
went down the Bay a tugboat to welcome the
distinguished visitor, and they gave a series of
American college yes in his honor, which evidently
sensation for Ii Sum, and he seemed
little surprised at the enthusiasm of the re-
ception. The editor picturesque Oriental
dress, consisting of a light blue elaborately
embroidered tunic, with roomy boomers and
high shoes At the Hotel Knickerbocker, where
he is staying. Ii Sum attracted more attention
than even the gaudily arrayed carriage attendant
He will remain in New York about week. and
then go to Washington where he hopes to meet
President Roosevelt. After his visit there he will
continue to San Francisco, whence he will sail
for home, completing his globe encrcling tour.
Lii Sum Ling speaks English fuenty, and he dis
cussed length the conditions in China and the
relations between the empire and the United
States, toward which. he said, his people very
friendly. He spoke in favor of commercial ali-
ance between the two nations.
~ want to make ii clear" sad Ii Sum, that I
going around the world simply editor of
a Chinese newspaper, anxious to personally observe
Western methods and civilization. l make this
statement because it has been charged that am
an eTnissary sent abroad to foment antagonism to
a particular power. China is, / believe, rapidly
awakening and beginning an era of regeneration
based on Western civilization and I consider it
necessary that should acquaint myself with its
ways. We know in China that the American people
are our friends and that this country has no de-
sire to enCroach territory. The action Of
the American government in returning a large por
tion of the Boxer indemnity and in contributing
more than million dollars to the Kiang-Fu fam
Inc fund, believe, created in China a sentiment
Of gratitude and good will which will be worth far
more to the United States than the money in
volved- China purposes to this indemnity for
educational work. Our people want TO reorganize
China and develop natural resources in a peace
ful way but unfortunately. efforts to do
are apparently resented and provoke an aggressive
attitude on the part of some of the powers
My idea is that as long China's independence
Is undisturbed. long she is left alone de-
velop her own natural resources in peaceful way,
and long the Far Eastern interests of the
United States, politically and commercially,
not threatened. it will remain purely a commercial
contract which tends only to further the CONNER
cial prospects Of both countries. In for the
open door and the most favored nation treatment
for your trade. China would probably expect your
advice and aid, regards the reorganization
which has been started. / believe it is very clear
that in contracting such agreement America
runs no risk of future entanglements strained
relations with other powers while she would GER
tainly secure a good market for her products"