Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1881

No. 154.
Mr. Angell to Mr. Evarts.

Legation of the United States,
Peking, April 9, 1881. (Received June 13.)

No. 134.]

Sir: I forward you herewith two very interesting papers on the subject of railways in China.

The first is a memorial of General Lin-Ming Ch’uan to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, recommending the construction of railways, for excellent reasons, which he sets forth very clearly. This general has for many years been conspicuous for his valuable military services, and is on terms of special intimacy with Li Hung Chaug. It is not improbable that the memorial was inspired by the viceroy. I think it was presented early in the winter. It is understood that one of the censors reported stoutly against the memorial, and that consequently it was received at first by their majesties with disfavor.

Soon after, however, it was referred to the northern and southern superintendents of trade, Li Hung Chang and Lin Kun Yi (of Nanking), for consideration, and the second paper inclosed is their report. I think you will find it a very lucid and cogent document. Probably no Chinese paper has ever before set out so forcibly the advantages which the introduction of a system of railways would bring to this Empire. I have reason to believe that for a time this winter Li Hung Chang was very hopeful that the general plan would be approved, and a line from Ching-Kiang to Peking would soon be begun. But the Emperor has decided that no action shall be taken at present. I am inclined to believe that railways will be built only under the pressure of some great military exigency. But they will come sooner or later.

I have, &c.

JAMES B. ANGELL.

[Inclosure 1 in No. 134.]

Memorial of Lin-Ming Ch’uan, a general in the Chinese army, in retirement, recommending the immediate introduction of railways as a means of augmenting the power of the country.

Your Majesties’ slave, Lin-Ming Ch’uan, &c., &c., upon his knees addresses the Throne: Looking upward, he implores the glances of Your Sacred Majesties upon a memorial reverently prepared, showing that as the situation of the Empire is daily becoming more critical, and as difficulties from without are pressing harder upon us day by day, immediate consideration should be given to the question of introducing railways as a means whereby to augment the power of the Empire.

Your slave’s merits sink into insignificance when compared with the abundant favors which have been bestowed upon him since his withdrawal from the army, in consequence of illness. Your slave, in the retirement of his garden home, has always studied the relations between China and foreign countries, with the result that he has often been awaked and brought to his feet in the hours of night to find his eyes streaming with tears from anxiety. He feels mortified at the thought that all his dog or horse-like^* exertions are inadequate to repay one ten-thousandth part of the favors which he has received.

Recently he had the honor to be summoned by Your Majesties, and in contempt of his sickness came to the capital. On his arrival he was further honored by being summoned into the Imperial presence, when he received full and complete instructions, his gratitude and respect for which your slave cannot find words to express.

Your slave conceives it to be the duty of an officer towards his sovereign to speak when he learns anything that should be known to his master, and, acting on this principle, he feels it his duty, with all diligence, respectfully to submit to Your Imperial Majesties, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, that the introduction of changes are matters which are attended with the gravest embarrassments, and the adoption of measures which may result in benefit or in injury to the country are considerations of the gravest importance.

The troubles which have beset China since she removed the bolts and opened her doors to engage in trade with foreign countries are by far more numerous and embarrassing than anything she has had to meet from her enemies since the earliest ages. These foreigners, in their dealings with us, are ever ready, on the smallest pretext, to create a dispute whereby they may deceive and oppress us, and when there is a quarrel between any one of them and ourselves, the others press around and eagerly watch for an opportunity.

Russia’s southern frontier (in Asia) is very extensive; so much so that it is contiguous to and interlocked with our northern, eastern, and western frontiers; we feel her grip on our throat, and her fist upon our back, and our contact with her is a source of perpetual uneasiness to our hearts and minds. But our long season of weakness and inaction disables us from making a show of strength, and our only alternative, therefore, is to patiently bear insult and obloquy. When a quarrel occurs we have to yield to her demands and make a compromise, regardless of money, in order to avert the dangers of war.

* A mode of expression designed to humble one’s self when speaking of favors received. (The dog can watch its master’s house, and the horse can draw or carry burdens for him.)

It must be remembered, however, that a long enduring peace between two countries is a thing that cannot be relied upon as a certainty, and that the wealth of a nation is not unbounded. If we make no departure from our present conservatism, what strength can we hope to acquire?

There are those who speak thoughtlessly of going to war. In this connection your slave would beg to observe that the essential point before going to war is to ascertain the condition of the enemy’s forces. Russia has built railways which run from Europe to the neighborhood of Hao Han, and she purposes to build one from Hai-Shen weei to Hui Ch’un, and the reason why she did not proceed to send troops recently, when the quarrel with us commenced, is not that she feared to encounter our soldiers, but that her railways were not quite completed. Your slave foresees that, before ten years are passed, some immeasurable disaster may be looked for from that quarter.

Now, Japan is an extremely small country—like a pill. Her rulers, however, have adopted western mechanical arts; and relying on her possession of railways, she attempts now and again to be arrogant—like a mantis when it assumes an air of defiance—and to despise China, and gives us no small amount of trouble on the smallest pretext.

Your slave is much grieved and distressed when he thinks that if the present time is allowed to go past without measures being taken to strengthen our country, how vain it will be to repent when it is too late.

Although it is true that the proper way to proceed to strengthen our country is by drilling troops and manufacturing arms, &c, regularly in their turn, yet it must be confessed that the immediate construction of railways will be the mainspring of our country’s strength.

It would be difficult to enumerate all the advantages that will be derived from the possession of railways; such, for instance, as facilitating the transportation of the grain-tax, affording prompt and effective communication in the distribution of relief, the extension of commerce, the furtherance of mining operations, the suppression of lekin stations, and the improved system of traveling. But the principal advantage that will be derived from them is the more effective method of transporting troops, and this consideration renders it important that their introduction should not be delayed.

The area of China’s territory is very great. Her northern frontier stretches out to a length of 10,000 li, and is conterminous to the confines of Russia; moreover, there are foreigners of many nationalities resident at the treaty ports, who are engaged in trade with our people. To draw a line on our frontier and guard it against invasion is a matter which, in spite of our desire, we are unable to do. “Although we ride about on a fleet horse, and do not spare the whip, we are unable to come up in time.”^* If railways are built all parts of the country, north, south, east, and west, will be within easy communication, and in case of war we can form our plans according to our observations of the enemy’s movements. It will be easy to come to a given point in a few days, although the distance be 10,000 li, and a million troops can be brought together at one call; and such irregularities as confusion and hurry when troops are ordered to move and obstructions and delays in the transport of materials and supplies, and similar vexatious embarrassments will be removed. The strength of an army consists in its troops being united, and a state of division means weakness.

China numbers eighteen provinces; her troops are not few, nor are her supplies insufficient; but the troops and supplies of each province are under the control of its high provincial officers. The affairs of each province being thus confined to its own limits, the result is the division of interests that should be united in one mutual and common concern. In case of war each province has barely time to concert its own plans, and when called upon to furnish troops or supplies has not the means wherewith to meet the demand. They are unable, moreover, to come forward with the necessary relief in times of adversity, although an edict be issued from the Throne visiting the responsible officers with severe punishment. With the construction of railways the power of the country will be concentrated, its arteries will flow unobstructed, the number of soldiers may be diminished, supplies curtailed, and several regiments converted into one effective corps. In the protection of our frontiers and seaboard, the necessary materials, such as artillery, &c., can be transported with surpassing rapidity [literally between the dawn and twilight]. Troops garrisoned at different stations can be converted into an effective active battalion, and the strength of the eighteen provinces will be brought into one center. One soldier may be made as efficient as ten. Hereafter the army and commissariat will be under the control of the central government, which will become the seat of importance, while the provincial administration will remain auxiliary and secondary, and the efficiency of the army will not be exposed to be impaired and obstructed by the failures of provincial officers.

In the present state of our affairs the expenditure required for the defenses of our frontiers makes a sensible diminution in the revenue of the country, the prosperity of the people is fettered by the lekin excise, the wealth of the country is being monopolized by foreign merchants, and the riches of the land are daily diminishing. There are signs portending some great calamity. But if railways are constructed the profits to be derived from their working will suffice for the maintenance of troops. Some of the lekin stations may be abolished after due consideration, and the worries caused by complaints of foreign merchants regarding transit passes, &c., will be avoided. It would be difficult to devise any other plan more eminently calculated to benefit the prosperity of the country and to further the happiness of the people.

The reasons why Russia is overbearing in her relations with us, and why Japan underrates us are to be found in the fact that China has only one corner of her vast possessions protected, is afraid to face difficulties, and is incapable of rousing her energies, because possessed of an inordinately pacific disposition. Bat the day when an imperial edict is issued sanctioning the construction of railways it will be manifesting our desire to strengthen ourselves, and the life and energy of our country will instantly be roused. This intelligence will startle those countries, and, while in the first place, we shall find it easier to agree to the terms of a treaty with Russia, on the other hand the insidious designs of Japan will insensibly disappear.

Sometime in the current year, the viceroy, Li Hung Chang, memorialized the Throne praying for the sanction of a telegraph line to be laid along the coast. Telegraphs are one of the essential requirements in the operations of an army, and if constructed as auxiliaries to, and in conjunction with railways, there will be a large saving in expense as well as increased facility of supervision. If any difficulty be encountered in raising the requisite funds for the construction of railways, and doubts arise as to our inability to proceed with the work, your slave thinks that the plan of inviting contributions from the mercantile classes is not unworthy of consideration, but if this plan be unfeasible in consequence of the wide dispersion of these classes, the contraction of a foreign loan is the only plan worthy to be considered, if there exists a desire to avail of the present time, for the construction of railways.

If the contraction of a foreign loan in aid of the government be held to be an impossibility, a loan for this purpose may be considered an exception. It is a means whereby a source of profit may be opened up, and the money expended will be represented in the materials and plant. These are considerations which will induce the foreign banker to gladly accommodate us with the loan.

The government will have no difficulty in repaying the debt. As the interest asked will be small and the time for repayment ample, it may be liquidated with the profit of the undertaking. The mechanics of the west are expert in manufacturing railways, and are moreover eager for an opportunity of displaying their skill in our Celestial country. Your slave believes the present Occasion is especially opportune and one that should not be missed.

Two lines of railways are urgently needed in China. One to go from Ching Kiang through the provinces of Shantung and Chihli, having its terminus at Peking; the other to go from Hankow through Honan to Peking. There should be besides this, two northern routes, one from Peking running eastward to Shengking, the, other running westward to Kanhsu. But as it will be difficult to undertake all these lines at once in consequence of the enormous outlay that will be required, your slave would suggest and prays that sanction be given for the construction, first, of the line from Chin Kiang to Peking, to be in connection with the line of telegraph which it is proposed to lay this year. As the provinces of Shantung and Chihli cover a large tract of territory through which this railroad will have to pass, and as stories are likely to be current about its interference with the family graves and homes of the people, much opposition to it must be expected from those who are ignorant that the government roads are broad, and that the space required for the permanent way will be little more than 10 feet, and that the railway will in no way interfere with their homes and graveyards; but if obstacles do present themselves in the way of the line, it will be easy to avoid them by a slight detour.

Your slave, while engaged in extirpating the rebels in former years, traveled all through the empire, and has frequently traversed the provinces in question. He is therefore perfectly familiar with the condition of the country, and the circumstanses of the inhabitants; he would not dare to be careless or reckless in forming his opinions, so positively.

Should this business, which so closely concerns the efficiency of the army, and is so intimately connected with the weal or woe of the empire, be honored with the sanction of Your Majesties, your slave would pray that an edict be issued instructing the board of foreign affairs to take the matter into immediate consideration and to memorialize in reply. If, however, indecision and procrastination prevail, and the business be regarded as a thing that can be put off to a future day, it is much to be feared that after the treaty with Russia is signed, the construction of railways will be indefinitely postponed, like the case of the “man who wanting to build a house, concerts his plans with passers in the street,”^* and also that the lesson taught in ancient history by “sleeping on straw and tasting the bitter gall”^† will become a vain waste of words, and that the day will never come when an effort to strengthen our country will be made.

Your slave has written out the reasons which have prompted him to make this request for the introduction of railways as a means of augmenting the power of the country in a memorial, reverently prepared, which he now submits to the Throne. Prostrate, he prays Your Majesties, the Empress Dowager, and the Emperor, to cast your sacred glances thereon, and to announce your pleasure regarding the feasibility or otherwise of the recommendations set forth therein.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 134.]

Memorial of Li-Hung-Chang and Lin K’un Yi, northern and southern superintendents of trade, supporting and supplementing Lin Ming Ch’uan’s memorial on the introduction of railways.

Your Majesty’s servants, Li Hung Chang, northern superintendent of trade, and Lin K’un Yi, southern superintendent of trade, upon their knees address the Throne: Looking upward they implore the sacred glances of Your Majesties upon a memorial reverently prepared, showing that in obedience to an imperial rescript, a satisfactory consultation has been held upon the subject of railways, and that as their construction is a question of the foremost importance in augmenting the power of the country and promoting its prosperity, measures should be immediately devised whereby to raise the necessary funds for their construction, and steps taken in the first place to appoint a competent person to make a careful study of the subject.

Your servants would humbly state that they had the honor to receive from the grand council who had privately communicated to them the Imperial Edict of December 3, as follows:

“Whereas Lin Ming Ch’uan has memorialized Us regarding the formation of railways, and has recommended that steps be taken for the construction first of a line from Chin Kiang to Peking, to be in connection with the line of telegraph which Li Hung Chang has asked for permission to establish this year, the purport of the memorial being to recommend the adoption of measures whereby to augment the power of the country.

“Let Li Hung Chang and Lin Kun Yi carefully consider the proposals set forth therein, and let them memorialize the result of their deliberations.

“Let a copy of Lin Ming Ch’uan’s memorial be made and forwarded to them.

“Respect this!”

Looking upward your servants behold with unspeakable respect and submission their sacred Master’s anxiety concerning the present troubles, and his untiring endeavors to devise plans for rousing the energies of the country, and incessant efforts to obtain information on every side.

Prostrate, your servants beg to make the following observations:

In the earliest ages, when mankind were first created, the nine divisions of China were subdivided into some ten thousand different states, each of which had its own habits and customs. Although within a few hundred li of each other, they were divided and had no intercourse with each other. When the sages came into existence, men learned to scoop out logs of wood and convert them into canoes; wood was hewed into paddles, and with the aid of these paddles and canoes they crossed over to places which were before inaccessible; oxen were yoked to carts and horses were mounted; heavy burdens were dragged to great distances, and thus all parts of the world became benefited. It is over 4,000 years from that time to the present, and all parts of the country, north, south, east, and west have the same doctrine and the same literature; a condition of things that may rightly be styled flourishing.

The nations of the west have always studied the arts with minute care, and they all manufacture steamboats and railways. Although the earth is about 90,000 li in circumference, they are able to surmount all obstacles and travel through almost every part of it. They have superseded the boats and chariots bequeathed to us by the old sages,-by putting forth new ideas and producing inventions which appear to be heavensent for the benedt of mankind.

In these latter years China has derived no small amount of benefit by imitating western nations and building steamboats. The human intellect becomes enlightened after it has been obscure. Rough materials are transformed into utensils for use. Communities get united after being divided. These are the natural results of the laws of nature, and it is neither wisdom nor force that can restrain them.

Railways first had their origin in England in the working of coal mines. In the first year of the reign of Taokwang the tracks, which were to keep the wheels of the cars in control, were first laid down, and from that time the invention gradually improved. They were used in transporting coal and iron to the markets for sale, and the profits realized were very great. Their use was subsequently extended to every branch of industry and trade, and England came to be the champion of Europe; France, America, Russia, Germany, and other great nations then followed suit and built railways, and it was only after they possessed them that they were enabled to encroach upon and usurp the land of their neighbors and open up and reclaim wild territory. As the populations of these countries increased, and trade flourished, they had to extend their railways in order to meet the improved circumstances of the times. From that time the two continents of Europe and America became accessible from all points of the compass, as each had constructed some hundred thousand li of railroads. Troops ordered to a given point reach their destination in a day, and news and tidings travel with the rapidity of wind.

The daily increase in prosperity and strength that has marked the progress of these nations throughout the last forty or fifty years may be ascribed to the fact that they possess steamers that plow through the sea, and railways that make traveling by land exceedingly convenient.

Now, to speak of Japan, she is a small, insignificant country, yet she possesses railways that run across the whole of her country. Her idea is that by adopting western mechanical improvements she will have it in her power to despise China.

Russia has railways that run from Europe to within a short distance of Haohan, Kiachta, and neighboring places, and she is about to build a line from Hai Shen Wei to Hui Chun. The frontiers of China and Russia are contiguous to each other for some 10,000 li If we build some railways now while it is time, the present force of our army will be amply sufficient to protect our frontier, but without railways all our endeavors to protect that frontier will be futile, even though we increase our troops and supplies.

China’s isolation in being without railways, when all other nations possess them, may be aptly illustrated by supposing those who lived in the middle ages to have discarded the use of the boats and chariots of their time. They could not help being behind other men in all their movements.

Your servants estimate that the advantages to be derived by the possession of railways may be classed under about nine principal divisions:

1st. The country north of the Yangtsze and Hwai Rivers is rather destitute of watercourses, unlike the southern provinces which abound with rivers and streams by which all manner of goods are conveyed in different directions. It is owing to this that out of the 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 taels of revenue derived yearly from foreign goods and lekin, the southern provinces provide about nine-tenths while the northern provinces figure for one-tenth only. Whereas if railways are gradually built, communication will be established throughout the country like the threads in a loom, commodities can be transported and interchanged between the different provinces according to their respective wants. The idle population of the northern provinces will become industrious; no part of arable land will be allowed to remain unprofitable, nor the energies of man lie dormant, and the condition of the country will gradually become one of affluence. The customary duties and lekin can be levied at the important points of the line so that the revenue derived from these sources will be equally divided between the northern and southern provinces. This is the first advantage that will accrue to the finances of the country.

2d. It is a well-known fact that union in an army means strength, and that weakness is the result of disunion. China’s frontier on land and her seaboard are each over 10,000 li in extent. It is not to be supposed that defenses are to be built at every place along this line, for not only will our troops and supplies be insufficient, but this would be a plan without any sense. Railways are wanted to make military operations successful. With their aid distances like those of Yunnan, Kwei Chow, Kanhsu, and Shan hei, can be accomplished in about ten days. The troops garrisoned in the eighteen provinces maybe converted into an effective active battalion; hereafter the number of soldiers may be diminished, supplies curtailed, and several regiments converted into one effective corps. The army can be summoned at one signal, its discipline and power will be concentrated, and one soldier made as efficient as ten. This is the second advantage that will result from the possession of railways, in making military operations more successful.

3d. Peking, which may be termed the root of our country, is situated in a lonely position in the north of China, at a great distance from its center, and is very difficult to control, nor can help be afforded in time of trouble. During the war which happened in the tenth year of Hsien Fung’s reign, several statesmen of that day advised that the capital be transferred to some more suitable locality, but in view of the gravity of the step it was deemed undesirable to act percipitately on that advice. Moreover, every time a quarrel occurs between foreign nations and ourselves they menace to shatter our capital. If railways are constructed, a distance of 10,000 li may be considered as at one’s very threshold, for it can be accomplished in no time, and a hundred million soldiers can be moved to a given place within a few days. All parts of the country will be in a condition of protection and security, the government will be peaceable and unmoved as a rock, and in case of danger assistance will be readily forthcoming. Officials and merchants of every province will be continually traveling to long distances by the railway. Merchandise and government grain will be transported with surprising rapidity. All will be anxious to travel by this route, and to avail themselves of the railway depot for the storage of their goods. In time of peace it cannot fail to prosper trade and to increase the activity of the multitudes. There will be no further necessity to talk of transferring the capital; moreover, the covetous designs of foreign nations will be cut short forever, and the foundation of our country will become immovable for a hundred centuries. In this way our capital city will be protected, which is the third advantage to be gained by the possession of railways.

4th. A few years since, during the disastrous famine that raged in the provinces of Shanksi and Honan, the price of grain in Shanksi rose to the exorbitant rate of over 40 taels per picul. Had there been railways to convey it the price could not have exceeded some 7 taels per picul, including the freight from Tientsin. When the country is in possession of railways, if any calamity by drought or inundation should happen in any of the provinces, relief in the shape of grain or money can be transported as rapidly as light or sound takes to travel, and the lives of many human beings will be spared. Moreover, goods will flow easily to all parts of the country, and the evils of exorbitant prices and engrossing commodities in a market will be avoided. This is the fourth advantage that railways will bring by benefiting and preserving the lives of the people.

5th. Since the transportation of the government grain tax was transferred from the junks to be conveyed over the sea by steamers, several officials have criticised the step, and have ever been anxious that the old custom of conveying it via the Grand Canal should be re-established in order to forestall the unforeseen dangers of the sea. When railways are constructed the transportation of the grain will flow unobstructed like the arteries of the human system, and it on some day the sea road be rendered dangerous by war there need be no anxiety that any obstacle will prevent the whole amount (1,000,000 piculs) of grain from being transported to its destination. Besides this, munitions of war, such as gunpowder, guns, and weapons, and government taxes will all be conveyed without the slightest impediment. This is the benefit that will result to measures of transportation, and is the fifth advantage to be gained by the possession of railways.

6th. The speed of railways is ten times that of the fleetest horse. Henceforth dispatches can be sent with increased rapidity, government orders and missions for purposes of investigation will travel with greater speed than is now possible by the post horses. Exclusive of this, letters and parcels will be conveyed rapidly; soldiers sent in pursuit of robbers and malefactors will reach in a day. Some of the government post stations on the main road might be abolished, and the savings appropriated to the maintenance of the railway. This is the sixth advantage that will result to the postal department of the government.

7th. The coal and iron mines of the empire are all at a distance from the water courses. If railways are used in transporting the products of these mines, the cost price will be small and their sale abundant, and in proportion as the sales increase the mines will prosper and be opened up in large numbers. The expenditure required for constructing the railway will be greatly economized by using the coal and iron of the mines, and the profits that will be derived from their working will be an inexhaustible source of supply for the army. Thus mining operations will be developed and benefited, and this is the seventh advantage that railways will bring.

8th. It is difficult to carry goods to places that are remote from the rivers and canals as it is difficult to bring native produce thence. With railways merchandise will be conveyed to and from places that are inaccessible to steamers, and traffic will be considerably increased. Thus, steamers and railways will aid each other mutually in transporting goods. This is the eighth advantage that will inure to the carrying trade of the China Merchants’ Steam Navigation Company.

9th. When railways are introduced, all classes of travelers, whether officials, commoners, merchants, or soldiers, traveling on private or public business, can go to great distances with surpassing speed (lit. 1,000 li in a twinkling). The expenses of the journey will be considerably reduced in view of the rapidity with which one travels, there need be no fear of robbers on the road, and the dangers of wind and wave will be avoided. This is the ninth advantage that railways will create by improving the system of traveling in the empire.

As your servants have shown in the beginning of this memorial, the various nations of the west have suddenly risen in importance because they have all been careful to develop and employ this new invention. It must be remembered, moreover, that the revenue of the state and military tactics are considerations of the foremost importance in planning measures for strengthening the country and promoting its prosperity.

Your Majesties’ confirmation of the purport of Lin Ming Ch’uan’s memorial, viz, the recommendation of measures that will augment the power of the country, is in reality what is meant when he says that he foresees the advent of some calamity, and the daily increase of our embarrassments, and while expressing his resentment at the injustice of foreign nations towards us desires that the energies of the country be immediately roused by the promulgation first of our intention to introduce railways, and thus cause the insidious designs of Russia and Japan to disappear.

The railroads that are urgently needed in China are, two lines in the south, one to go from Ching Kiang, through the provinces of Shantung and Chihli, reaching Peking; the other from Hankow, through Honan, to Peking; and two northern lines, one running from Peking eastward to Feng-t’ien, the other running westward to Kanhsu. These four routes, if constructed, may be termed the root and stem of the railway enterprise. If branch lines are required to go to places of importance, distant a few hundred li from the main way, your servants believe that they can easily be formed. The distances being short and the necessary expenditure small, contributions can be invited from the merchants, who will be glad to respond to them. Thus the smaller lines will shoot off from the main way like the branches of a tree, so as to form a regular netting, and there need be no anxiety that the railway enterprise will not flourish.

As, however, the construction of these four lines will necessitate an enormous outlay it will be exceedingly difficult to undertake them all at once. The suggestion of Lin Ming-Chuan, that the line from Chin-Kiang to Peking be first built in connection with the line of telegraph which your servant Li Hung-Chang proposed to lay this year is one which, if adopted, will bring two advantages, viz, facility in overseeing the line, and uninterrupted means of sending telegrams. If the construction first of this line be said to be only a partial benefit to the country, considering its condition and requirements, it must be remembered that all the nations of the west were similarly situated fifty years ago, and that it is only owing to their determined efforts to construct them and push to the front, for fear of being behind, that they are able to have the influence which they possess to-day. Lin Ming-Chuan’s idea is first to give an example, whereby a start may be made. If the enterprise is pushed on gradually there need be no fear that it will not some day be in a flourishing condition.

If it be argued by some that after railways are constructed it is to be feared that the road will be used by enemies to invade our country, or, again, that as foreigners have long been wishing to build railways in China, if she once makes a commencement it may give these foreigners reason to become exceedingly importunate; it must be said that such objections can only be made by those who are ignorant that every nation uses its railways in transporting troops to defend the country against its enemies. They have never been known to serve the purposes of an enemy. This will be made plain by remembering that the railway is within our territory. Every pass on the frontier being guarded it is not likely that the enemy will find their way through some neglected passage. If, by some extraordinary hazard, a danger like this should happen, one portion of the road can be destroyed and the whole made useless, or if the train be kept out of the enemy’s hands the road will be of no value without it. Other nations have had no reason to be anxious on this point since railways were built some scores of years ago. It is a condition that may be likened to the convenience of the man at home, and the disadvantage of the stranger abroad.

By international law and the treaties foreign nations are prohibited to build railroads in the territory of another power without the authority of that power. If we apprehend that they will rely on their superior strength and violate the treaties, and we do not proceed to construct railways ourselves, will our mere apprehension prevent them from presuming on their strength if they desire to do so?

Foreigners are, moreover, constantly advising us how to benefit China. If we proceed of our own motion to adopt measures that will benefit the country by constructing this important line, it will be enough to out short all further officious advice from them.

Again, if objections be made to the railway on the score of its interference with the welfare of carters and other classes of laborers who it is apprehended will have no way of getting their food and clothing, and that disturbances must inevitably result in consequence of these poor people having lost their means of sustenance; to these objections it must be answered that in England in the early days of the railway there were similar fears that many poor people would be robbed of their means of support; but before long the number of carts and traffic generally in the important towns on the line of the railway became double what it was formerly. Then the railway will be on the main road, and cannot interfere with the villages and little towns in the by places which will continue as before to use carts and men to transport goods and passengers. An increase in the railway traffic will necessarily produce a corresponding increase in the number of carts and carriers.

If the railway enterprise reaches a condition of prosperity, it will give work to numbers of men, viz, employés to run the train, laborers to make the roads, guardsmen to watch the line, carriers to load and unload merchandise, and menials to attend on the passengers. The monthly allowances to these men will amply suffice them to support their parents and their families, and if any of them have a little surplus means they might open an inn, and with an increase in their business take partners, and without much effort have a trade with capital and profit. It may, therefore, be reckoned that every 10 or 20 li of railroad will support and afford means of living for not less than some hundred thousand men. Another way in which numbers of men will be employed is in the coal, iron, and other mines, which will be opened in large numbers when railways are constructed. The numbers of poor miners who live by the sweat of their brow will be incalculably increased, which is positive proof of the benefit that will result to all classes of miners.

Finally, some may argue that the railway will interfere with the fields, homes, and graves of the people and that much opposition to it must be expected in consequence. These arguments can only be made in ignorance of the fact that the government roads are broad, and that the permanent way will not require much more than ten feet, and therefore cannot interfere with the fields, homes, and graves of the people. In places where the government road is too narrow, a strip of land can be bought and paid for liberally; and if graves do present themselves in the way of the line, they can easily be avoided by a slight detour. Lin Ming Ch’uan traveled all over the empire while engaged in exterminating the rebels in former years, and is thorough familiar with the condition of the country and the circumstances of the inhabitants.

The introduction of railways, however, being a question of paramount importance, it behooves us to examine the subject very carefully in the first stages of its management to forestall future evils and have a good model by which to go in the long run. Your servants have been careful to gather much information on this subject and find that the railways constructed by foreigners are of various kinds; some are strong and last a good while; others again are less durable and last only some time. Their prices also differ very widely; one li of road may cost a few thousand taels, or it may cost 10,000 taels. As the road from Ching Kiang to Peking is an important highway, the line which it is proposed to build should be a substantial one, so as to last some time. Although it is difficult to estimate in advance what sum will be required, it is certain that it will not be small.

The money at the disposal of the government is very limited at the present time. If the funds required for constructing the railway be called for from the provinces, the provincial officers will not know how to raise the money; or if contribution be invited from merchants, it will be difficult to collect them in consequence of the wide dispersion of these classes. The proposition of Lin Ming Ch’uan that a foreign loan be negotiated is the only feasible plan. China has on former occasions frequently contracted foreign loans, but some officials fearing that each province would make this a precedent for borrowing money and become so far involved as to be at the mercy of foreign creditors, the board of revenue memorialized and the contraction of foreign loans was interdicted. It must be said, however, that a loan for starting a large, profitable undertaking and a loan in aid of the army are two different things. When railways are started the interest on the loan can be easily repaid by the profits of their working, and the government will have gained a lasting source of profit.

But there are three things in the contractions of foreign loans that demand great care.

1st. As it is to be apprehended that the foreign lenders will take the direction of the railway into their own hands and exclude us from being masters in the business, a clause must be made distinctly stating that they may not interfere in the matter. The interest of the money being guaranteed, and the debt being punctually paid up at the specified dates, all matters relating to employing workmen, purchasing materials, and constructing the line, must be left to our management, the foreign creditor being debarred from questioning our actions. If this condition be inadmissible, no foreign loan should be made.

2d. The next fear is that foreigners will strive unlawfully to get the undertaking into their own hands. To prevent this, the regulations of the China Merchants’ Steamer Company, which exclude foreigners from becoming shareholders, will have to be followed. When the railway company is formed its management will be in the hands of Chinese merchants, subject, however, to the supervision of some government official. Regulations should be made, after consultation, providing for the repayment of the loan by the said company by installments in different years, till the whole amount, interest and capital, be cleared off. If there should happen to be failures in paying up, the government superintendent will urge payment; the company will only be allowed to mortgage the railway, but not to transfer it into the hands of the foreign creditors The repayment of the loan being thus clearly provided for by limitation, all malpractices will be cut short. A foreign loan should not be contracted unless the foregoing indispensable condition be complied with.

3d. The third danger is that the finances of the country will have to suffer in consequence of the railway loan. Hitherto when foreign loans have been negotiated, the revenue derived from in the maritime customs has always been appropriated to repay them. Recently the customs establishments have been called upon to meet so many demands for money that they are greatly embarrassed. It should be clearly stipulated that the loan will have no connection with the customs revenue. The government will decide in what way the profits to be derived from the railway enterprise will be successively appropriated towards repaying the debt, which will be cleared off at latest within ten or twenty years. No foreign loan should be made without this indispensable condition for the protection of the finances of the state.

The foregoing three provisos are important considerations in negotiating a foreign loan.

Your servants have learned that foreigners have hitherto been very careful in making loans to consider what the chances are of recovering their money. If the conditions set forth above are rigorously adhered to, it is likely they will not be willing to lend; but if they are, then the construction of railways may be proceeded with at once. Instead, however, of proceeding to build them hastily, regardless of evils which a loan on any condition might entail, the business should be deferred to be maturely considered, that there be no reason to repent of errors. Your servants have also learned that none of the railways of other nations have been built without a loan. Their mode of procedure is the following: An engineer of reputation makes a survey of the road, and a prospectus is prepared, clearly showing the estimates of the undertaking and the probabilities of its success, which is a means of amply securing the confidence of the people.

The road from north to south which it is proposed to build in China will, after it has run some time, bring considerable profit. When the public company is formed an engineer of intelligence and reputation should be engaged to make a careful estimate of the undertaking. His estimate will be carefully considered by the Tsung-li Yamên and your servants, who will prepare a satisfactory and reliable prospectus, on which some wealthy foreign merchants might be induced to accommodate us with the loan.

As regards the selecting of materials for constructing the railway, estimating how many li of the road are to be built, hiring laborers economically and at the same time to obtain substantial work, all these are matters that should be carefully investigated, so that the essential parts of the business be not overlooked.

A high official should be specially deputed to superintend the management of this business, which includes inviting shareholders and raising the loan, measuring the land, hiring laborers, etc., etc., and is somewhat intricate. Without this step the business cannot be expected to work satisfactorily. Your servants beg to state that Lin Ming Ch’uan is a man in the full vigor of life and possesses a bold and resolute nature; he has gone through great hardships in the service of his country, and is very desirous to undertake the management of this business since he has seen lately that foreign nations are ill treating us on all sides, and believes that the country’s present state of helplessness should be changed for an attitude of strength. The business, however, being an innovation, its management will be difficult and it will require time before we experience its benefits. If any imminent danger were threatening the empire and the court were to order Lin Ming Ch’uan to take a command, the consideration of this affair would naturally have to be postponed, but he is now without any occupation, having solicited leave to nurse his health. Should this proposition be honored with the sanction of their sacred master, and Lin Ming Ch’uan be appointed to superintend the management of the railway company, your servants would pray that he be ordered in the first place to make a careful study of the important points in this business, and without precipitancy to consult and deliberate thereon. Japan and Russia will be startled to hear that, in the midst of all her difficulties, China has still strength left to take this step. It will be manifesting something on which they did not reckon. A truly admirable way of first giving the sound and following it up with the reality. As Lin Ming Ch’uan is now at leisure, he might proceed to invite shareholders and form a company to consider the question of a foreign loan, although it is hard to say whether or not a large sum can be raised, his reputation as a man of loyal merit is more likely to enlist the united assistance of men of all classes, both foreign and native, than any other man.

There are over 10,000 men stationed in the garrisons of Chih-li and Kiangsu, who served under Lin Ming Ch’uan in former years. In his study of the railway question it might appear plain to him that an economical way of proceeding will be to employ the aid of these men in constructing the road, and if the contributions of native merchants be abundant the surplus can be applied to some other purpose. In each case it will be the duty of your servants to consult with him and manage the business according to the shape it may assume. The question of introducing railways having been thus brought before the throne by Lin Ming Ch’uan, its management from first to last should be intrusted to him. If, for any reason, the business be put off ten years, at the end of that time he should still be charged with it; there is no other person on whom he could place the responsibility. Should other and more important calls of duty arise after his appointment he can leave the railway business and, in obedience to the orders of the throne, proceed to his new post of duty.

When railways are built in China she must also open up her coal and iron mines to prevent her treasure from flowing into foreign lands. The coal and iron mines in the neighborhood of Che-chou-fou and Lou-wan-fu, in Shanhsi, are very rich. It is matter of regret that no merchants, with large capital, are to be found to work them. If the capital for constructing railways can be raised, one-tenth of the sum obtained might be employed in working the mines after western methods and with foreign machinery, and the coal and iron obtained might be used for the railway. Thus the mines will be developed and benefited by the railway and will, in turn, help to extend the railway enterprise, and the two undertakings will bring about a highly desirable result.

Your servants forward, with all dispatch, their memorial in reply, reverently prepared, setting forth the considerations relative to railways as a means of augmenting the power of the country, and to the necessity of first making a careful study of the question. Prostrate they submit their reply to the throne, and pray Your Majesties the Empress Dowager, and the Emperor, to cast your sacred glances thereon and to issue your instructions in the premises.

1. A mode of expression designed to humble one’s self when speaking of favors received. (The dog can watch its master’s house, and the horse can draw or carry burdens for him.)
2. Metaphor for “Our movements are too slow to guard the vast extent of our country.
3. i. e. Does not make up his mind and go to work seriously.
4. An allegory drawn from ancient Chinese history, in which the ruler of a certain state being overcome by his enemies, slept on straw and tasted the bitter gall to inure himself to hardship, and to foster resentment and a determination for strength to be revenged, which he was eventually enabled to accomplish by vanquishing his victors.