LI HUNG-CHANG.
Li is seventy-four, of pure Chinese blood, vigorous, of fine physique, full six feet high, of magnetic presence, with piercing eye, and a face indicative of mental strength and character. He speaks no language other than his own, dresses always in characteristic Chinese fashion in parti-colored silken robes, head shaved, and hair plaited in a cue, and he travels with his cooks and menial servants, preserving while on his journey, so far as possible, a Chinese dietary according to the customs of his country. This is the first occasion on which he has left Asia.
Our visitor's titles bespeak his eminence in his own country. First, he is Viceroy of the province of Chih-li, which includes Peking, the capital, and the whole of northern China. Next, he is the Senior Guardian of the Heir Apparent to the Chinese Throne, a title explaining itself. Lastly, the syllables "Hung-Chang" which are pronounced as part of his name, signify "Grand Secretary"—so that his name, translated into English, would be "Grand Secretary Li." His Three-eyed Peacock Feathers, Yellow Jacket, Third Degree, White Button, Black Feather, and other ornaments, which Europeans have been in the habit of ridiculing, each represents a decoration, or honor conferred for some act of brilliant generalship or successful diplomatic negotiation.
Li's career is strikingly interesting to young people. Not of distinguished parents, he first leaps into prominence by carrying off honors at an examination where there are twenty thousand competitors. The subjects are not, as with us, mathematics, geography, arts, and sciences, but the teachings of Confucius, theory of government, and Chinese poetry and history. Passing this examination promotes Li into official circles, and he becomes a compiler in the imperial printing-office. But the T'ai-p'ing rebellion breaks out, and the student is soon called upon to become a soldier. He raises a regiment of home militia, and enters upon the field of war. In less than five years he achieves honor and distinction, and then imperial Generalissimo Tseng Kwo-Fan appoints him on his staff.
Then Li is for the first time brought into closer relations with the Europeans. Shanghai, a port thrown open to European trade, is threatened by Chinese rebels. A number of wealthy merchants interested there subscribe for a foreign contingent to protect the city. Two Americans, Ward and Burgevine, and afterwards the English General Gordon, commonly known as Chinese Gordon, commanded this force. Li Hung-Chang acted conjointly with them, and the rebels were routed. Li promised Gordon that the lives of the rebel chiefs should be spared. As soon, however, as those unfortunates were turned over into Li's custody, they were promptly beheaded. For this, Gordon is said never to have forgiven Li.
Li is admired by western nations because he is the first influential Chinaman who has advocated the introduction of European civilization and reforms into the Chinese Empire. Since his advent to power, missionaries of every creed have been tolerated in every part of China, and, so far as possible, protected in their avocations. The number of seaports at which foreigners are permitted to trade has been increased. Some telegraph lines have been constructed, and even a short railway line is now in operation near Tien-tsin. The Chinese army has been properly drilled and equipped with modern rifles, accoutrements, artillery, and ammunition, their navy rehabilitated with modern battle-ships and gun-boats, their seaports protected by fortifications.
In China the displeasure of the Emperor is visited upon statesmen by depriving them of their titles and decorations. This misfortune has several times befallen Li. No later than last year, after the defeat of the Chinese in their war with the Japanese, this happened. His successful peace negotiations with Japan, however, during which he nearly lost his life at the hands of a Japanese fanatic assassin, brought about his restoration to royal favor, which he deserved.
Devotion to his parents and love of country are strong traits in Li's character. Some years ago he resigned office to attend the bedside of his dying mother. His every word and act are indicative of the latter trait.
Li's present journey is looked upon as an important step towards the throwing open of China to European progress, arts, trade, and civilization.