TELEGRAMS. CHINA'S AWAKENING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1908, Page 3

TELEGRAMS. CHINA'S AWAKENING.

A SPIRIT OF PROGRESS. [By Telegbafh. — Special to The Post.J AUCKLAND, This Day. "Ever since the Boxer movement,"' said' a gentleman "vrlio has recently 10turned from the Ea&t. "China has been moving, and the strides the Japanese have been making have also contributed largely to the great 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 proceas. ' Modern ideas aie replacing the stultifying influences that have been at work in China for so long. The Chinese have realised the utility of railways ; the train running between Pekin .md Shanhaiquan is crowded every day, and the lino is well equipped and the service good. This particular line goes on to Niuchwang, a treaty port in Manchuria, and from thereit connects with the railroad constructed by the Russians, and now in the hands oi the Japanese. This leads on to the Great Siberian railway. Another lino, 600 miks in length, built by the Belgians is in operation between tho capital and Hankow. The inhabitants have lecogmscd that railways have come to China, to stay, and for that matter the improvement in transit ia welcomed. They are beginning to realise that time is money. The concessions for another railroad between Hankow and Canton which were held by Americans have been purchased by the Chinese. They havo an idea that they can build the line themselves, but it is 'generally thought that foreign engineers will have to be called in to superintend the building of the line. A great many Chinese are being educiicd as engineers and for other professions abroad, and though they are greatly handicapped for want of practical knowledge, all are intent on advancement, lliere seems to be- a new-born 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 over since tho Boxer movement died away "