The Special Correspondent · Chapter
XI explained
The train continues through the Khanates of Bokhara and Samarkand, with discussions about Russian influence in Central Asia, the safety of the Transasiatic railway, and the threat of the bandit Ki-Tsang.
What happens
The train continues through the Khanates of Bokhara and Samarkand, with discussions about Russian influence in Central Asia, the safety of the Transasiatic railway, and the threat of the bandit Ki-Tsang. Claudius explores Bokhara briefly, noting its mosques, bazaars, and the presence of Russian officers. At breakfast, Pan-Chao and Doctor Tio-King discuss dietary rules, while conversation turns to Russian railway expansion and a hypothetical Transafrican line. Sir Francis Trevellyan remains silent and visibly uncomfortable with the pro-Russian talk.
Themes in this chapter
Travel and Adventure
Claudius explores Bokhara's streets, bazaars, and mosques, and the train journey continues through Central Asia.
Commerce and Enterprise
Discussion of Russian railway projects and their impact on trade between Asia and Europe, contrasting English and Russian commercial interests.
Cultural Diversity and Ethnography
Descriptions of Bokhara's architecture, local foods like maintuy and zenbusis, and the presence of Russian officers commanding Bokhariot soldiers.
Danger and Heroism
Mention of the bandit Ki-Tsang and the potential dangers beyond the Turkestan frontier, with Faruskiar's reaction hinting at hidden concerns.
Characters to notice
- Claudius Bombarnac
Narrator and reporter; explores Bokhara and engages in political discussions at breakfast.
- Major Noltitz
Accompanies Claudius to Bokhara; participates in conversation about Russian railway progress and the safety of the route.
- Sir Francis Trevellyan
Remains silent during pro-Russian talk; leaves the table when a toast to Russia and China is proposed.
- Pan-Chao
Young Celestial; discusses dietary rules with Doctor Tio-King and praises Russian railway expansion over English.
- Tio-King
Doctor; advises Pan-Chao on moderation in eating and avoids heavy dishes.
- Faruskiar
Exchanges few words in Chinese with Ghangir; reacts with knitted brows when Ki-Tsang is mentioned.
- Ghangir
Companion of Faruskiar; remains mostly silent during the meal.
- Baron Weissschnitzerdörfer
Eats continuously, astonishing Doctor Tio-King with his disregard for Cornaro's precepts.
Key passages
“With the English it is only the trade of India that goes to Europe, with the Russians it is that of the whole Asiatic continent.”
Major Noltitz argues that Russian railways benefit all of Asia's trade, while English railways only serve Indian commerce.
Highlighting the geopolitical rivalry between England and Russia in Central Asia.
“In Central Asian politics we know no outcasts”
General Skobeleff's statement that Russia does not exclude any conquered peoples from its political system.
Used to justify Russian superiority over English colonial policy.
“The first is to take only just so much nourishment as to enable you to perform the purely spiritual functions.”
Doctor Tio-King's first dietary rule is to eat only enough to sustain spiritual activities.
Part of a humorous exchange about moderation in eating.
“Omnia jam fieri quae posse negabam.”
Claudius quotes a Latin phrase meaning 'All things are now done which I once thought impossible.'
Used to express optimism about future engineering feats like a tunnel under Gibraltar.
