# Grant and the Chinese explained — The Autobiography of Mark Twain

> Chapter companion for The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain.

## What happens

Mark Twain recounts his interactions with General Ulysses S. Grant regarding Chinese affairs, including a proposal for a railway syndicate in China and Grant's successful intervention to reverse the Chinese government's order to recall Chinese students from American schools.

## Themes in this chapter

### The American Experience

Highlights the influence of a private American citizen, General Grant, on the policies of the Chinese Empire, demonstrating American global impact.

### Character and Morality

Grant's refusal to accept compensation for his efforts and his willingness to help China without personal gain exemplify his moral character.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Twain

Narrator and participant in the events, introduces Yung Wing to Grant and later brings Rev. Twichell to seek Grant's help for Chinese students.

### Ulysses S. Grant

Shows strong interest in China, declines compensation for helping with a railway syndicate, and writes a letter to Li Hung-Chang that reverses the Chinese government's decision on student schools.

### Joe Twichell

Accompanies Twain to meet Grant about the Chinese student issue; Grant speaks authoritatively on the matter.

## Key lines

> He said that easier times would come by and by, and that the money could then be raised, no doubt, and that he would enter into it cheerfully and with zeal and carry it through to the very best of his ability, but he must do it without compensation.

Grant promised to help raise funds for Chinese railways when economic conditions improved, but insisted on doing so without any payment.

_Demonstrates Grant's altruism and commitment to China's development._

> It was a marvelous exhibition of the influence of a private citizen of one country over the counsels of an Empire situated on the other side of the globe.

Grant's letter alone caused the Chinese government to reverse its decision, showing the extraordinary power of one American citizen.

_Highlights the theme of American influence and Grant's personal prestige._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-grant-and-the-chinese
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters