PROGRESS IN CHINA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 89

PROGRESS IN CHINA.

A VISITOR'S REPORT. (Fkom Our Own Cohbjsspond'ent.? AUCKLAND, Februaiy 6. Ever since the Bo:ser movements, -aid a prominent Eastern official now \i«iting Auckland to a Herald representative yesterday, China has been mot ing, and the strides the Japanese have been making have aho contributed largely to the gr#at awakening. The latter factor has influenced her largely and brought about many reforms, while the success of the little brown man against the Russians has also played an important part in the process. Modern ideas are replacing the stultifying influences that have been at work in China for so long. China's greatest statesmen is Yuan Shih Kai, -who figured so prominently in suppressing the Boxer rising. He was sent to the province of Shan Tung as governor in 1900, aniT from the outlet he opposed this fanatical movement. Ho imited the Boxer leaders to dinner and openly evpreesed his belief in their boast that (heir bodies were imulnerable to shells. The leaders, when asked, were not very enthusiastic for a practical test. Yuan Shih Kai dealt the death blow to the movement, and since then he has been the first statesman in China, and has taken a leading part in all her creat reforms He is now connected with the Metropolitan Government. He is bent on reform, and I have no doubt that he will carry his point in the long run. The Chinese have realised the utility of railways. The train running between Pekin and Shanhaiquan is crowded every day, and the line is well equipped and the service good. This particular line goes on to Newchwang, a treaty port in Manchmia, and from there it connects with the railroad constructed by the Russians, and now in the hands of the Japanese. This leads on to the great Siberian railway. Another line, 500 miles in length, built by the Belgians, is in operation between the capital and Hankow. The inhabitants .have recognised that railways have come to China to stay, and for that matter the improvement in transit is welcomed. They arc beginning to realise that time is money. The concessions for another railway between Hankow and Canton, which were held by the Americans, have been purchased by tho Chinese. They have an idea that they can build the line themselves, but it is generally thought that foreign engineers will have to be called on to supei intend the building of the line. There has been a certain amount of industrial development, and cotton clothing and glass factories have been established amongst others. I have little doubt but that there will be a great development in industries in the coiirse of time. A great many Chines© are being educated as engineers and for other professions abroad, and though they are greatly handicapped for want of practical knowledge, all are intent on advancement. There seems to be a newborn spirit amongst the younger element in favour of progress. New schools are being established all over the country, and a wonderful impetus has been given to education ever since the Boxer movement died away. I attribute this to the earnest desire of the young Chinese to obtain a knowledge of modern science and the doings_ of the outside world. They see that China cannot be successful while she adheres to her antique customs and methods. Many foieign teachers have been engaged to instil modern ideas, and then a large number of the well-to-do Chinese go to America and England to be educated. In America, there is a Chinese mission supported by the Chinese Government. The institution is presided over by Dr Tenny, formerly of the Sientsen University, and hero 40 to 50 students arp alwaj-6 engaged in study. Military and naval science also receives attention. China is striving hard to follow the nations of the west.