Chengtu and the Way There.}
From Our Own Correspondent.
Chengtu, Dec. 8.
Never since the Empress Dowager's Jubiles has Chengtu. been 50 decorated and so illuminated as during the week set apart to celebrate the founding of the Republic Hsiong Keh-wu took special interest in urging a general public acknowledgement of the now ré- gime. The electrical lights afforded the merchants a new device to work out many ingenious and start ing scenes, that kept the streets crowded until midnight. Not only Chengtu, but the surrounding cities znd large towns were in holiday attire. Foreigners were invited to the Foreign Office, where congratujatory speeches were made by the Consular body and others, A large military band, wearing a. very elaborate uniform, was- present. The, reception room was artistically decorated with artificial flowers made by the school-girls, These flowers—the Hibiscus—gave an historical flavour to the proceed. ings.
Tue Trait ov Tortorss.
_Chengtu, like all centuries-old cities, has had events and experiences, that, through the ages, have been remembered through "some simple medium. In addition to Chengtu, the city has borne for his. torical or poetic purposes three names. B.C., when the city was under construction, the city walls persisted in collapsing until o Seomancer started a tortoise on a journey and prophesied that if they would build the wall on the trail of the tortoise it would remain solid. His advice was followed and the term Tortoise City—has perpetuate ed the memory thereof.
A few years ago two new gates Were cut through the city wall These gates brought such bad luc! to the city that they have been closed. A modern geomancer, it is said, declared one of gates had cut off the tail of the ancient tortoise.
The second name,—the Embroid ery City—which was given Chengtu in the first century, is peculiarly interesting as it illus trates how ancient is one of the most noted industries of Szechuan, Chengtu has been famous for its silks and embroideries. In. fact, to-day as one passes through the markable to find so many silk shops Principal business streets, it is re. displaying all shades and qualities of alk ese shops are well patronized. That silks, even at greatly increas. ed prices, should be in constant demand is 'a good indication of the Prosperity of Western Szechuan, The third name—Fuyong or Hibiscus—was given about the ninth century. An Emperor, a lover of flowers, had the Hibiscus tree or shrub planted all round the city wall: This name is quite commonly used at the present day when a flowery tribute is paid to the Western capital.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.