The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-26

I which would be a mansion in Washing ton or Chicago. It's grounds cover more than 10 acres. and are surrounded by walls so high that you cannot see over them. Wide drives lead through the lawns, and .he whole is kept like park. One of the buildings, devoted to Sheng business offices, is as large as that or 8 government department. Among the others are residences, occupied by Sheng and his wife and his relatives and ser wants. All are beautifully furnished. and some have a great framework in front of them, over which mating can De stretched in summer to shut out the sun. There is no sign of the poverty which we associate with the ordinary Ce- lestial. sheng belongs to the rich. and, like his class he years satins and vel vets and entertains In great style. His butler always has champagne on tap, and among the dishes served at his feasts are pigeon-egg stew, shark fins and birds nest soup, the latter costing sev- eral dollars plate.
 It was in the finest of his buildings that his excellency received me. It is Q combination of Chinese and foreign architecture, built of gray brick. three stories high, and of vast extent Pass ing through wide hall l came into a court, over which, on framework Of poles, mating was stretched. This was surrounded by rooms. most of which are intended for receptions.
 The servants led us into a large parlor, furnished in Chinese style Heavy chairs of black wood, inlaid with mother of pearl and wonderfully carved, stood against the walls There was dvan at the back, and in the center of this a low table. upon which two guests could rest their elbows as they sat there and chatted. There were Chinese paintings on the walls and here shone out beautifully written text of the Chinese classics In the center of the room was a table. This was of carved lockwood. It had no cover, but, with view to my reception, 1t was set with refreshments of various kinds There were cakes. fruits and candies, and other dainties were brought in during the audience.
 I was able to meet Sheng Kung Pao by an introduction from Dr. John c. Fergu- son, an American who Is high in the confidence of the leading Chinese officials. He was for long time, and is now. one of the confidential foreign advisers of Sheng, and he has been associated in 8 similar capacity with the viceroys of Nangking and Wuchang. He accompanied me to the palace and performed the cere-
  left me with Sheng and the interpreter. Tete-a-Tete With Chinese Millionaire.
 We had but short time to wait. His excsllency came in through a side door and as Dr. Ferguson presented me he reached out his hand and shook mine in American fashion. He used the right hand. giving me strong grip with his long yellow fingers. Al he did 70 hs looked me straight in the face, and his bright black eyes seemed to be searching my soul. Indeed his eyes were 50 keen that the remainder of his personality was thrown into the background, and it was some time before I took h the details. Then I observed that the eyes belonged to an old Chinese, of medium height and stooping shoulders. They shone out of a sallow complexion. over high cheek bones and from rather thin face His excellency was dressed in long gown of blue silk. He had q black silk hat on his head. the rim of which was turned up all around and out of tho back of which ex- tended . broad waving feather. He wore a white turnover collar and his coat had buttons of gold.
 The great nnancier smiled as he greet- ed me. He led mo across the room and motioned me to sit down at the table, giving me . chair at his left. which 10 the seat of honor In China. Az we sat thsrs. our elbows almost touching. rested