Russell Young to Frelinghuysen, February 5, 1883

No. 78. Mr. Young to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: There is no subject in which the western nations are so much interested, so far as China is concerned, as the introduction of railways. The history of the Woosung experiment at Shanghai, and the summary end of it, are well known to the Department. It is now believed that under more discreet and conservative direction the Woosung Railway would have been tolerated and other railways would have followed. No pains were taken, however, to consider Chinese prejudices. The result was, that the authorities bought the road from its owners at a price which gave them a good profit on their investment, tore up the rails and sent them to Formosa.

Since that time, the Chinese have resisted all attempts to introduce railways. The viceroy, Li, has memorialized the throne in favor of such a railway as would strengthen the defenses on the Russian frontier, and enable grain to be carried from the seaboard into provinces threatened with famine. Reaetionary influences have thus far prevented the throne from granting his prayer.

The legation learned some time since that in the province of Chihli, Li’s own dominion, a small railway had been constructed quietly, under the viceroy’s orders, to “assist in the development of certain mines.” It was generally understood, however, that the enterprise was intended by the viceroy to be the first step in a general railway system, and to be entirely under Chinese control.

Anxious to acquaint you with all the facts surrounding this most interesting and important experiment, I requested Mr. Zuck, our consul at Tien-Tsin, to visit the mines and railway, as they were near his post of duty, and make a report upon their prospects and management. This service Mr. Zuck has performed, and I inclose you his report. The Department will, I hope, regard it as a valuable contribution to the history of Chinese progress towards western civilization.

Trusting that my action will meet with the approval of the Department,

I have, &c.,