Directory_and_Chronicle_1915 — Page 1006

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POST OFFICE, CHINESE

SHASI-CHANGSHA

First Class Postmaster-Lo Han Foo Postal Clerks - Nieh Paugfu, Jon Holing, M. K. Chu, Loi Chih-chien, Tenchi, Nich Tze-chen

POST OFFICE, JAPANESE

Postmaster-M. Tejima Clerk-K. Abe

ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION

Rev. Father Marcel Sterkendries

(Kingchow)

Rev. F. Mathias Vlaminck (Kingchow) Rev. F. Piat Wantz (Kingchow) Rev. F. A. Merchiers (Changkinpo) Rev. F. Hubert Adons (Kingmen) Rev. F. Thomas Kempenaers (Shasi) Rev. F. Leon Lippens (Yangki) Rev. F. C. Clement (Kienyangyi) Rev. F. S. Melissen (Shihhueikiao) Rev. F. Felix Mevis (Shasi)

STANDARD OIL CO. OF NEW YORK

D. E. Kydd, manager

CHANGSHA

Chang-sha

Changsha ("Long Sands"), the capital city of Hunan, situated on the right bank of the Hsiang River about 100 miles South of Yochow, became a Treaty port under the China-Japan Commercial Treaty of 1903, a Customs House being established on 1st July 1904. The surrounding country is hilly and very picturesque, affording delightful walks and picnics. Opposite to the city rises Yolushan hill to the height of about 800 feet. On it is a large stone tablet (Yu Pei) recounting the mastery of the floods that once covered an enormous tract of Central China. It was placed there by order of the Great Yü, founder of the Hsia Dynasty, B.C.. 2205. (See Williams' Middle Kingdom, Vol. II, pp. 149-151). The magnificent timber on the South of the hill, extending from the Yolushan High School, enclosing the Confucian and the Buddhist temples, and extend- ing to the Taoist temple at the top-whence a beautiful view to the South can be obtained-is well worth a visit from travellers. The school dates back many hundred years and was once one of the most famous in this land of scholars, and under its present excellent management it promises once more to do excellent work for the province. Among the cities of China, Changsha ranks only second to Chengtu; the fine buildings, well laid-out gardens, the wide and clean streets, the good shops, render a walk pleasant experience. The stone bunding work, extending from the West Gate to the New River," beyond the North extremity of the city, a distance of about 3 miles, is making good progress; it is expected that a 50-foot-wide carriage road now in course of construction will soon be completed. An up to date electric light plant has been ia- stalled and is working under the management of a foreign engineer, the Chinese, especially shops, availing themselves more and more of this way of lighting. The value of the trade for 1913 was Tls. 23,719,762 as against Tls. 22,033,368 in 1912, Tls. 17,690,355 for 1911 and Tls. 13,030,030 for 1910. These figures show a steady though gratifying increase which augurs well for the future prosperity of the port. Owing to its comparatively close vicinity to Wuchang, the cradle of the revolution, the city of Changsha quickly passed over into the hands of the New Party. This change was effected without practically any bloodshed, only the heads of the more important officials, refusing to join the republicans, being sacrificed on the altar of Anti-Manchuism. The Governor, however, managed to escape in the nick of time. After having overcome the few first difficulties in the form of serious disunion between the leaders and representa- tives of the various parties, the new Government seems to be fairly firmly established in Changsha and the whole province. A most gratifying feature throughout this critical period has been the extremely friendly, not to say courteous, attitude shown to foreigners. Still, not knowing what the course of events may be and not to run any unnecessary risks, all foreigners in Pinghsiang, many missionaries in out-stations and most foreign women and children, as well as many men in Changsha, left for Shanghai.