Directory_and_Chronicle_1883 — Page 423

TIENTSIN-PEKING.

METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

TIENTSIN AND LAOLING.

Rev. J. Innocent and family Rev. J. Robinson and family Rev. G. T. Candlin and family D. Stenhouse, M.D. and family Rev. J. Hinds and family G. M. Innocent

AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. Rev. C. A. and Mrs. Stanley Rev. H. P. Perkins

Rev. A. H. and Mrs. Smith, Pang

Chia Tswang, Shantung

Rev. H. D. Porter, M.D. and Mrs.

Porter, Pang Chia Tswang, Shantung

天主堂

Tien-chu-tang.

ROMAN CATHOLIC.

Rev. F. H. Coqset

AMERICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL MISSION.

Rev. L. W. Pilcher

Rev. W. F. Walker (absent)

Rev. O. W. Willits

Miss L. A. Howard, M.D. (absent) Miss E. U. Yates

Miss Stella Akers, M.D.

413

GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR EUROPEANS. Sister Superior-M. Dutrouilh and six Sis-

ters of Charity

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS.

Tientsin Lodge, No. 2.

Rev. G. T. Chandling, Lodge Deputy C. Myers, V.D.G.W.C.T.

KALGAN.

順豐

Chun fung.

Tokmakoff, Sheveleff & Co., merchants

Molchanoff and Kokovin, agents

PEKING.

The present capital of China was formerly the Northern capital only, as its name denotes, but it is now really the metropolis of the Central Kingdom. Peking is situated on a sandy plain 13 miles S.W. of the Pei-ho river, and about 110 miles from its mouth, in latitude 39 deg. 54 min. N. and longitude 116 deg. 27 min. E. or nearly on the parallel of Naples. A canal connects the city with the Pei-ho. Peking is ill adapted by situation to be the capital of a great Empire, nor is it in a position to become a great manufacturing or industrial centre. The products of all parts of China naturally find their way to the seat of Government, but it gives little save bullion in return.

From Dr. Dennys's description of Peking we quote the following brief historical sketch: "The city formerly existing on the site of the southern portion of Peking was the capital of the Kingdom of Yan. About 222 B.c., this kingdom was over- thrown by the Chin dynasty and the seat of Government was removed elsewhere. Taken from the Chins by the Khaitans about 936 A.D., it was some two years after- wards made the southern capital of that people. The Kin dynasty subduing the Khaitans, in their turn took possession of the capital, calling it the 'Western Residence.' About A.D. 1151, the fourth sovereign of the Kins transferred the court thither, and named it the Central Residence. In 1215, it was captured by Genghis Khan. In 1264, Kublai Khan fixed his residence there, giving it the title of Chung- tu, or Central Residence, the people at large generally calling it Shun-t'ien-fu. In 1267 A.D., the city was transferred 3 li (one mile) to the North of its then site, and it was then called Ta-tu-'the Great Residence.' The old portion became what is now known as the 'Chinese city' and the terms 'Northern' and 'Southern' city, or more commonly nei-cheng (within the wall) and wai-cheng (without the wall) came into

use.

The native Emperors who succeeded the Mongol dynasty did not, however, continue to make Peking the seat of Government. The court was shortly afterwards removed to Nanking, which was considered the chief city of the Empire until, in 1421,