THE CHINESE PLENIPOTENTIARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 221, 18 September 1896, Page 2

THE CHINESE PLENIPOTENTIARY.

One other event remains to be mentioned in this letter, namely, the visit to London of Li Hung Chang, Xbe aged Chlneso statesman, whoso name has become familiar in connection with the recent troubles between China and Japan, arrived at Waterloo Station on Sunday evening last, and was immediately escorted to a house in Carlton House Terrace, which had been specially prepared for his use during the vißit, Owing to his great age Li Hung Chang finds it necessary to take a con-' siderable amount of rest, and on the day after his arrival he did nothing moro exciting than drive round Hyde Park and watoh the crowds gathered there for the purpose of wiling away the Bank Holiday afternoon. On Tuesday ho wai received at tbe Foreign Office by the Prime Ministor. The interview was of a private character, and it is understood that an animated discussion took place between them; but as the reports of the interview are more or less conjeoturo, it is scarcely wise to venture a statement as to what passed between the two statesmen. After leaving Lord Salisbury, the Chinese Minister drove to the Houses of Parliament, and was shown to one of the seats reserved for visitors in tbe Honse of Commons, where ho remained some while listening intently to tbe speeches of several members of the House, During his visit he had a long obat with Mr Ohamberlain, and on leaving was escorted to the Bouse of Lords, where the Throne and other objects of interest wore pointed out to him. On Wednesday Li Hung journeyed to, Osborne, where he lunched with the Frinoe of Wales and the Duke of York, and was afterwards granted an interview with the Queon, to whom be was introduced by Lord Salisbury. He was last night entertained at dinner at tbe Hotel Metropole by the China Association ol London. The chair was taken by Sir Oharles Smith. After the toasts of Her Majesty and the Emperor of China had been duly honoured, the Chairman, in a suitable speeoh, proposed tbe health of their guest. His Excellency, in reply, made a somewhat lengthy speech, in whioh be referred to tbo useful work done by the Association, and said that as Qreat Britain represented the most liberal commercial polioy of the West, so Ohipa did of tbo East. Free trade to all was tbe common ground op. which tbe interests 01 tbe two countries ran parallel, and bis country could desiro nothing more than the fostering of mutual relations on that basis. If tbe independence of China was ever threatened, he should like to be able to roly upon the support of Ktigluud and tho other great commercial Powers.