Page:James Hudson Maurer - The Far East (1912).pdf/52



Sharon, Pa., January 19, 1909.—Honorable Theodore D. Morgan, of this city, writes from China that that country seems to be awakening at last from its long sleep, and that the new regime will be more progressive and better.

Think of it! Rollers earning from $4 to $6 a month, and open hearth steel melters $6 a month. Hankow has a modern steel mill employing 20,000 men, and only 20 of that number are Europeans. Following is a part of Mr. Morgan's letter:

"In passing through China anyone must be impressed with the thought that she is at last really awakening from her long sleep.

"Since the death of the Emperor there is a subdued air of uncertainty everywhere, but as yet there has been no serious outbreak against the government. The general feeling seems to be that the new regime will be more progressive and better.

"Newspapers are now printed throughout China and the people read them. This has a broadening and educating influence. The religious missions have done and are doing a great work in China, both religious and educational, though the latter, no doubt, is the most far-reaching, The Chinese, like the Japanese, are now eager for education and the mission schools can hardly take care of all who apply.

"The city of Hankow, which is often called the Chicago or Pittsburg of China, has an up-to-date real estate boom, properties doubling in value In quick time, and in such cities as Tien-Tsin and Shanghai one is amazed at seeing the fine wide streets and splendid buildings. Even Peking itself, the changeless city, now has macadamized streets, well drained.

"Hankow has a large modern steel plant that employs 20,000 people—only 20 of these are Europeans—Another large plant for building engine, machinery and steel boats will be in operation in a few months starting with one thousand men. There is a match works here employing five thousand people, besides many others, including a modern cold storage plant. This city is nearly 700 miles inland on the Yangtse-Kiang River, but the stream here is a mile in width and deep draft, ocean-going steamers come here. There are, I believe, six lines of river steamers plying between Hankow and Shanghai.

"There is in operation in Hankow another import-