The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1913. CHINA’S PROGRESS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 40, 15 February 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1913. CHINA’S PROGRESS.

It is stated that amongst other signs of progress, there is likely to be a considerable development in Chinese marine undertakings during the present year, with the avowed object of keenly competing with the Japanese steamship lines in Far Eastern waters, The movement is said to have the support of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, and subscriptions have been invited from Chinese in different parts of the world, more particularly in the United States, Mexico, and South America. It is expected that foreign financial assistance will be needed as the movement expands, but it is believed that tins will bo readily obtained as a result of the liberal terms which are to be offered. One of the first results of. this development campaign is the grant of a subsidy to the China Merchants’ Company, which possesses a fairly moderate fleet, but which not very long ago looked as if it would bo swamped by British or Japanese capital. In future it will be assisted by the Government, and the Minister of Communications has prohibited the transfer of shares to foreigners or a combine with them. Four modern ships are to bo ordered by the company from British shipyards, and the Government is expected to guarantee their payment, and will also deposit a sum of money when the contract is signed. In return the vessels are to bo available for army or navy purposes in the event of emergency, while the boats will also carry the . . bis free of charge and provide facilities for the training of cadets. Wednesday last was the first anniversary of the birth of the Chinese Republic. The five-year-old Emperor, Hsuan-Tung, abdicated on February 12th of last year, and since then a president, assisted by a Ministry, ].;is guided the destinies of China, with the assistance of the representatives of the Great Powers and the international moneylenders, who, quite as a matter of course, took a hand in affairs. Though the country may take ten years or more to settle down under the now form of Government, it is already showing evidence of a remarkable recovery from the shock caused by the change. Trade is buoyant, abuses are disap-

pearing and the Government is daily gaining the further confidence of the people. The day of China s real awakening is almost at hand.