CHINA TO-DAY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 220, 10 June 1908, Page 6

CHINA TO-DAY.

THE REAL RULER. Eastern Tiles to; hand in Australia last week stated that Sir Robert Hart (Inspeetorbeneral for the Imperial Maritime Customs of China) passed. through Holigiiong on May 5, in the steamer Yorck, bound j S 6 -, , In ,.? n 'interview, Sir Robert stated that he did not know whether his health would permit of his returning to China. Ho regretted leaving China at this time, as that country was entering on a now pliaso of its existence- He would like to stay and observe this, after 54 years' semeo in China. Continuing, he said: China will bo a great nation, despite'the mistakes which may be made on tho way to greatness. Questioned concerning tho control of the Customs Department, he remarked that it was at present under nativo control, and Europeans were excluded. There was a movement slowly towards full control bv China, but this could not be effected until foreign loans were paid off. Reference was mado to tho anticipations of many that tho present dynasty would crumble undor tho olforts of revolutionaries, and Sir ' Robert; smiled. In reply, .lie said: " When I camo to China, in . 1854, tho dynasty was "then reported to be tottering, and it has been tottering, cvor since. There Ts a strong hand at tho holm—no, not Yuan Shi Kai, or the Emperor, but tho Ein- . pross-Dowager. She is still tho real ruler of China." Sir Robort Hart was too unwell to land in Hong-Kong, and was visited 011 tho steamer by the Governor (Sir Frederick Lugard).