Shih-hsiang, with a numerous suite, an accompanied by the Tautai of Chefoo, HW. E. Ho Yen-chény, arrived at Weihaiwei on the Lith instant to pry a visit to the Commissioner, the Hon. J. H. Stewart Lockh: O.M.G. The Governor travelled from Chefoo by sea in the Chinese cruiser Haich'én, his retinue being accommodated on board the cruiser Peiying. The cruiser on arrival daly saluted the port and the Governor was saluted by H. M.S. Alacrity, the other British men-of-war being absent on cruise. These courtesies having been exchanged, the Secretary to Government, Mr. Johnston, and the Commissioner's A. D.C., Mr. Clarke of the Chinese Regiment, went on board the Haich'én to welcome the Governor and to bring him on shore to the house which had been specially prepared for his reception On landing at Port Edward Pier, His Excellency was met by a guard of honour of the Chinese Regiment, which he inspected in the most orthodox fashion, was then conducted to his quarters. Special arrangements had also boon made for the accommodation of his suite in a house on the Bund adjoining that occupied by His Excellency.
In the evening the Governor and his were entertained at dinner by the Commissioner. After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed and enthusiastically received, the Commissioner proposed the health of the Governor.
following may be regarded as an accurate There were no reporters. presents but the account of the Commissioner's remarks —Gentlomen, I rise to propose the health of H. E. Yang Shih-hsiang, Governor of Shantung. In so doing I desire to express the great pleasure it has given me to welcome HisExcellency to Weihaiwei and to continue the friendship well established with his predecessor, H. E. Chou Fa, now Viceroy of the two Kiang. I trust that the friendship now commenced wil ripen with the progress of time and that the cordial relations which have always existed between the Government of Shantung and that of this Territory will be fully maintained. I beg to be allowed to offer to His Excellency my congratulations on his appointment as Governor of the most important and, certainly historically, one of the most interesting provinces of the Empire of China. It may well be to him source of pride that he is the ruler of the land in which China's two most famous sages, Confucius and Mencius, were born and which was also the scene of the labours of two of the earliest of China's administrators, Kuan Chung (9 fi) and Yen Ping-chung (G& Ai fis). In view of the high reputation already enjoyed by His Excellency for administrative capacity, 1 may safely predict that he will heighten that reputation during his governorship of Shantung and that, as it has been said of Kuan Chung, so it well to said of him when transferred to a higher post, he was a benefactor of the people Min-shou-chri-tzu, JRSCIERB). I trust that as our friendly relations become more intimate our feelings of mutual respect and esteem will suffer no diminution and that in our intercourse what Confucius [said of Yeu P'ing-chung will prove true RARAWRZ). Gentlemen. I ask you to rise and drink with me to the health of the Governor of Shantung."
The toast was enthusiastically drunk and aptly responded to by the Governor, who also recited a poem of his own composition specially written in honour of the Commissioner. On Wednesday, the 12th instant, the Commissioner paid an official visit to the Governor and took him and his suite off to H. M. 8. Glory to lunch with Admiral Sir Gerard Noel, who had returned with his Flest in the morning. The Governor was conducted round the ship and evinced great interest in the big guns. He expressed grent pleasure at meeting the Admiral and the Captains of the various men-of-war in harbour, who were present at the lunch. In the afternoon a visit was paid to the sulphur baths. His Excellency was loud in his praises of the excellence of their workmanship and of the arrangements, and was much surprised to find springs yielding boiling water so near the sea. The Governor gave the baths a trial, as did many of his suite, who all wished they could take the springs to Chinan with them, as they so much enjoyed their bath.
In the evening the Governor and suile were entertained by the Commissioner at a banquet at Government House, at which were present the Admiral and his staff, Captain Banner and officers of the Chinese Regiment, and Mr. Johnston, Secretary to Government. The band of H M.S. Glory played excellent music daring the evening, under the able lend hip of Bandmaster Naylor. The moat interesting speech at the dinner was that Ldelivered in English by Taotai T'ang Yuns-Iino, son of the lute Mr. T'ang King-sing, 2s follows "Gentlemen, on behalf of our Governor and my colleagues, I thank you for your ourd'al reception and pleasint entertainments and the friendly and kind spirit with which you have welcomed us on our visit to Weihaiwei, We are profoundly 8 n-ible of the distinguished honours and courtesy of which we have been the recipients this night, We have not language adequate t" express to you our appreciation and sincere thanks for the kindness of heart that has prompted this generous hospitality. We accept it all in the spirit in which it has been tendered, not only as a kindly courtesy to the Governor and ourselves, but also as a token of friendship for own Government and our people. I assure you that this occasion will be long remembered by us as one of the most pleasant and interesting vents of one lives. We take this opportunity to extend to you a most cordial invitation to visit us at Chinanfu, the capital of Shantung Province, when we will take the keenest pleasure in manifesting to you our appreciation of the high honour of your visit, "We have already proposed the health of His Majesty the King and of His Honour the Commissioner, our illustrious and amiable host. I now ask my colleagues and all present to join in proposing the health of Admiral Sir Gerard Noel, his Captains, and other officers, and in wishing prosperity to the British Fleet. Long way Groat Britain maintain its fame as the foremost naval power in the world. We desire to express our gratitude for the kind entertainment which Admiral Noel gave us to-day and the trouble he took in showing-us everything on board his ship the Glory."
The Admiral replied in very cordial terms, wishing success to the Chinese Navy in the future,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.