New-York tribune., 1909-09-16
WI RETURNS CHEERFUL
SEES GOOD TINES AHEAD.
Recalled Minister Dodges Peary-
Cook Controversy.

DR. wu Ting-fang Chinese Minister to the United
States and three other countries. who recalled
recently while official business in Peru, arrived
here last night from Colon on the Royal Mail
Steam Packet liner Oruba. He brought back a
high opinion of the polite Peruvians. as he called
Them and most optimistic impression of the good
he believes will with the opening of the Pan
anna Canal
Minister WI laughed heartily when he was told
that number of reporters were waiting to see
him in the reading room. and he made his way dl-
recty 10 that part of the steamer. lie shook hands
with each reporter and made some comment On Iiie
paper he represented.
81 have some mail-to look over for a minute
he said, "and then, gentlemen. will be ready 10
answer any question you may care TO ask Ai'eI
reading his mail Mr.. Wu invited out on deck
to pose for n hashlight picture. When this was
over he returned to the reading room, and sinkhS
into a lounge said: Begin, gentlemen; am
ready"
He explained that as he was accredited TO Cuba
Mexico and Peru we'll To Washington ne look
the first opportunity of visiting Peru that had come
TO him since his appointment as minister
Asked how he found the people of Peru, Minister
WI said "Oh. they are exceptionally cordlai'
pleasant and so polite. Every country has its own
peculiarites and its own way of doing business.
Poteness is a marked popularity OF the Peru
vians They are of the Latin race. What noticed
particularly was that they were so polite-some-
thing like own people
An awkward pause followed this last utterance.
and the minister looked quizzically at the men
about him. Then. as one of the group was about to
speak. MIR Wu continued his observations by say
ing: Your people not rude. l do not say that
they are not polite. and. anyway, present company,
don't you see is always excepted"
The Chinese Minister would rot he dragged into
the Cook-Peary controversy. He had heard frag
mentary reports that the pole has been discovered
He seemed to know more Of Or. Cook than Of
Commander Peary. and explained that as he was
not a scientific he could not give opinion
Let me see." he said. Both these men are
Americans. are they not2 Well. then. why do they
quarrel?'
Asked what he thought the discovery would
mean to the world Mr. WI said: Il can't say.
What Is your opinion? This is the twentieth
tury. and I prepared to see many wonders.
Nothing is impossible TO your people in this age
I think within n few years shall be able TO fly
with the facility with which ride When
we know how TO live. how to regulate lives.
will be able 10 do anything. We will be able 70
accomplish apparent wonders when we are more
advanced. when We develop our energy along scien-
tihc lines"
suggested the Chinese Minister frowned- He
seemed panied at the mention of war. and
said: Il hope battles VIII more be fought
among nations Why should We fight? II you and
have a difference OF opinion a quarrel we
take IL 10 court for settlement. II individuals
settle differences this way. why should nations go
to think slowly and surely coming
10 a universal peace"
Minister Wu dwelt some time on the future OF
his countrv saying that she trying to
bring al out reform by degrees and needed time
we have many things 10 reform in China" he
said. but we need time to put house in order.
Chna's doors wide open for every one Every
one is welcome. There Is no discrimination against
race religion. for policy IS liberation"
Concerning his recall the minister said: Il
received brief cable while Lima that was
to return China. The Minister to Italy re-
ceived HE about the same time. All I can say is
that 7 have to obey orders 7 do hone howevAr
that I VIII be permitted 70 20 back 10 China by
way OF Europe. There few countries there
that have not seen. I like travel. and have
some plans OF my own In 1902 had planned Just
such trip when I received an imperial edct TO
20 home by way Of San Francisco"
Asked II he had anything say TO the Ameri-
can people before leaving their country Minister
WI chuckled Yes. I have. but won't say i,
until am really going back TO China" he replied.
Il will be here for at least two months yet"