Weihsien, 2nd June.
The first beautifully decorated train of the Shantung Railway arrived here last night, bringing a large number of guests, who were invited by the manager of the Company. The weather was splendid. The Governor of Kiautschou, Captain Truppel, accompanied us as far as Kaumi, where a guard of honour formed by the German Garrison was present. Governor Truppel returned then to Tsingtao, while one of his aides-de-camp came with us as his representative to Weihsien. The Chinese Mandarins and Officers, who came to stations to welcome the train, after we had left Nganliu, to which place trains have already been running for some time, boarded our train and also came with us to Weihsien. Wherever a station was passed, we were welcomed, banners and crackers being prepared for the occasion and many sightseers being present. The barley-fields along the railway were in perfect condition; all villages which we passed were gaily decorated. The refreshments on the train were splendid.
About 1,600 Chinese soldiers are guarding the railway. We saw them at the villages in small troops of a hundred or a hundred and fifty. The men are apparently badly armed and it seems that many ruffians are amongst them. As far as we could see the population was exceedingly cheerful and is, as we were told, now very friendly towards the railway. "Here and there small thefts of building material have been reported, but as the culprits were always at once severely punished, there are now very seldom cases of this but rather effective ity appearance. 4 The station bui s are vel
railway officials are apparently well trained. We noticed German officers only in Tsingtao, Kiautschou, Kaumi and Wer hsien; all employees at the smaller stations are exclusively Chinese. The managers of the railway on the trains report that they are doing their duties splendidly. The traffic from the Interior is constantly growing; especially the number of Chinese travelling fourth class between Nganliu and Tsingtao is already considerable. The Chinese railway employees have proved themselves entirely fit to handle this gradually growing traffic.
Shortly before we reached Weihsien at 6 pam. last night, we passed the station of Changlanyuan, from which place a side-track has been laid to Fangtze. It is expected that the first coa) will be obtaind from Fangtzo in July or August, and mining experts assure us that the ality of the coal, which has been found there, is good.
A large crowd waited for us in Weihsien, showing the keenest interest by silent amazement. Also a large number of Mandarins were assembled at the station to welcome us.
Later in the evening all guests partook of the banquet which was prepared by the Hotel Krippendorff. About 150 people sat down. Governor Chang Jemchiin sent as his representative from Chinanfu, Ku Hung-ming, the former interpreter-secretary of Chang Chih-tung; also the Chinese Director of Railways, Taotai Hung, was present. The banquet hall was richly decorated with red silk banners. X Chinese band played during the meal. Toasts were given by Major Hofrichter, Mr. Ku and Director Hildebrand, The rejoicing was large and increased from hour to hour, all being convinced that the whole affair was a success. Many con-rong them some from Shanghai: to all gratulatory telegrams were recdivels
5 Lg TEE teave Weihsien for Tsingtao ind reply was sent. again this morning at 8 o'clock, i.c., in ore poor, while here, that the work for the building of the line from here to 'Ts'ingchoufu (250 Kilometer) has fag been taken up an' "hen the building of will be com the end of this year, 4wo lines, one to China anfu and one to the Poshan coal fields, will be commenced without derate an Post Office was opened yes-lay.
terday in Weihsien.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.