Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 February 1902 — LI HUNG CHANG’S CYNICISM. [ARTICLE]

LI HUNG CHANG’S CYNICISM.

One Promoter who Admitted He Wanted to Make Money. The late Eugene Stanislas Kostzka de Mitkiewicz used to tell a story ol <he cynicism $f Li Hung Chang. MitIdewicz, a professional “promoter,” spent some of the best years ‘o' his life. ♦n an unsuccessful attempt to engineer ♦he establishment of a great ChinoJUnerican bank. Millions were inwolved and it was necessary to secure ♦he favor of Earl Li. Mitkiewicz obtained an interview with him and explained his scheme. The Chinaman listened gravely. "It is a philanthropic pi»»» is it not?" he said at length. "You PssUs by means of this bank to bring

about moral and social reforms in my country, I suppose. You wish to civilize us, to save our souls.” “We wish to do nothing of the kind,” answered the adventurer. "This is simply and solely a commercial enterprise. “We don’t care a rap for your morals, and I may say for myself, personally, that it. is a matter of supreme indifference to me whether any of your souls are saved or not.” Li’s almond eyes twinkled. "Ah,” he said, according to the New York Times, “you are not like other Europeans who come to China. They are all interested In our moral well-being. You say you want merely to make money. It is strange. I have heard of such men before, but till now

I have never met a European who had not the spiritual good of China at heart.”