Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-07-29
SEES HOPE FOR CHINA
Pledges of Reform Adhered
To, Says RockhiII.
AMERICANS WELL LIKED
Take Leading Part in Emperor's
+. Revival of Education.
PROGRESS LIKELY TO BE SHOWN
Varying Conditions Through Vast
Realm Delay Application of
Modern Ideas,

With hopeful views for China's future,
w. w. Rockhll. formerly minister to that
country. has returned to Washington pre-
paratory to leaving for ST. Petersburg as
ambassador.
During his four years residence in
Peking. which is but portion Of the
time he has spent in the orient, Mr.. Rock
hill has been close observer of the sit
uation in China. and returns to this coun-
try believing she is progressing toward
reforms in governmental administration
and is making an earnest effort to de-
velop her vast natural resources.
At the same time, he points out that
reforms necessarily work slowly because
of the varying conditions throughout the
vast empire. 1t will take years, he says,
before many even urgent problems now
facing China can be settled.
Reform Policy Adhered To.
Prospects of absolute adherence to re-
forms pledged by the late emperor and
empress dowager, harmonious relations
with foreigners and friendship for them.
prospects for temporary improvement
in the monetary situation, decrease IN
the use of opium, development of educa-
tional reform and the necessity of Amer
ican manufacturers taking more direct
interest in the trade of this country with
China are among the Impressions gained
by Mr.. Rockhil.
''The policy of reform promulgated by
the late empress dowager and the en-
peror some time before their sudden
deaths is being carried out by the prince
regent" Mr.. Rockhill said. And all OBJ
servers, / think, agree that the present
government will adhere absolutely to the
pledges given by them.
In every part of the country consider
able progress in harmony with the pro-
gram of the government is manifest to
the most casual observer
Friendship for Americans.
Considerable emphasis is laid by the
former minister on the consistently friend
~ attitude displayed by Chinese toward
foreigners of all nationalities, particularly
Americans.
During the four years he had charge OF
the American mission in China, said Mr..
Rockhill. but one serious outrage on mis-
sonaries occurred, and that was settled
promptly and satisfactorily by the Chi
nese government. The people are giving
their earnest consideration to the de-
velopment of the natural resources, and
although a great deal has not been ac-
complished, perhaps. still their EFFORTS
give promise of a constant development.
China, according to Mr.. Rockhill. is
willing and would be delighted to see a
tremendous increase in the volume Of
American trade.
Education of Masses.
Mr. Rockhill commented favorably and
with evident pleasure on the efforts the
Chinese are making toward the education
of the masses, and incidentally referred
to the promise of the government to ex-
pend the portion of the Boxer indemnity
remitted by the United States in the edu-
cation of Chinese students in this coun-
try He was sure this would establish a
strong bond of amity between the two
nations.
The action Of the United States in this
matter has been universally commented
on favorably by the native press and by
the people. Americans are taking by far
the leading part in the work of educa-
tional progress.