Li Hung Chang

Li Hung Chang, Chinese statesman, was born 26th January 1823, rose to be governor of Kiangsu (1861), and with 'Chinese' Gordon (q.v.) drove out the Taipings. He founded the Chinese navy, promoted the mercantile marine, and at the disastrous war with Japan (1894) was chief minister. He was dismissed and restored, negotiated peace, and visited Europe in 1896. He intrigued with Russia, and in 1900 left his post at Canton to take a conspicuous (but suspected) part in the negotiations after the relief of the Legations. See Life by R. K. Douglas (1895).