My Life in China and America · Chapter
XXI: My Recall to China explained
Yung Wing is recalled to China by Viceroy Chang Chi Tung during the Sino-Japanese War.
What happens
Yung Wing is recalled to China by Viceroy Chang Chi Tung during the Sino-Japanese War. He proposes plans for a loan and military diversion, but they are thwarted by political rivalries. He returns to China, serves briefly under Chang Chi Tung, and then resigns. He later works on a national banking scheme and a railroad project, both of which fail. The chapter ends with his last efforts to help China.
Themes in this chapter
Patriotism and Loyalty to China
Yung Wing's love for China compels him to propose war plans and return to serve despite previous severance of ties.
Political Reform and Revolution
Yung Wing presents radical ideas for reforming the administrative government to Chang Chi Tung and later works on a national bank scheme.
Corruption and Personal Integrity
Yung Wing's plans are thwarted by political infighting and self-interest, yet he maintains his integrity and resigns from a sinecure.
Modernization vs. Tradition
Yung Wing attempts to introduce modern financial and infrastructure systems (national bank, railroad) but faces resistance from traditional power structures.
Characters to notice
- Yung Wing
Recalled to China by Viceroy Chang Chi Tung; proposes war plans, serves as secretary, and attempts banking and railroad projects.
- Chang Chi Tung
Viceroy who recalls Yung Wing and appoints him Secretary of Foreign Affairs; his plans are opposed by Li Hung Chang.
- Li Hung Chang
Viceroy who opposes Chang Chi Tung's war plans and the hypothecation of customs revenue for a loan.
- Chang Yen Hwan
Old friend and official who hosts Yung Wing in Peking and champions his national banking scheme.
- Ung Tung Hwo
President of the Treasury who supports Yung Wing's national banking scheme.
- Tsang Kwoh Fan
Mentioned as a predecessor of Chang Chi Tung who had a clear plan for China.
- Morrison Brown Yung
Yung Wing's older son, who enters Yale's Sheffield Scientific school.
- Bartlett G. Yung
Yung Wing's younger son, still in Hartford High School.
Key passages
“He was as reticent and absorbent as a dry sponge.”
Chang Chi Tung was completely unresponsive and took in information without giving any feedback.
Describes Chang Chi Tung's reaction to Yung Wing's reform ideas.
“as I had no axe to grind, I did not make any attempt to run after my grindstone.”
Since I had no personal agenda, I did not try to pursue the position further.
Yung Wing explains his decision to resign from the secretaryship.
“China was too feeble and weak to take up the question and assert her own sovereign rights in the matter”
China was too weak to challenge Germany's objection to the railroad route.
Context for the failure of Yung Wing's railroad scheme.
