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between Shanghai and Peking will be twenty-four hours.
Chinese Great Travelers
Mr. McNally says: "Chinese are of a migratory disposition, and as those of the middle and lower classes usually travel with all they possess, it is not difficult for them to change their place of abode. But even these stationary in the cities, which includes the more wealthy and better classes, have a remarkable inclination for travel.
"It was at first thought that some natural prejudices would limit the expected receipts from passenger traffic, but the Chinese have taken readily to railway travel, and it is not an uncommon sight to see the second and third class coaches packed with passengers three or four hours before the schedule time for the train to leave. Some arrive at the station the night before and sleep on the platform until the train backs in, when they get aboard. They seem to derive as muck pleasure from sitting in the cars when the latter are stationary as they do when under way.
Comfort of Passengers
"The trains are arranged for the greatest comfort of passengers, with beautifully upholstered leather compartments, electric lights and up-to-date lavatories.
"The push button for food or refreshments brings immediate answer and the usual good service of competent Chinese boys is always the rule."
Regarding the railway extensions proposed or in progress in northern China, Consul General Williams, of Tientsin, declares that the Board of Communications has announced that Chinese merchants have subscribed the capital needed for the extension of the Kai-Feng-Lo-Yang railway, 184 miles farther westward from Honan Fu, to Tung-Kuan, which is situated in the great bend of the Yellow river, near the mouth of the Wei. The extension will be completed in three years, at an estimated cost of $6,500,000.
It is intended eventually to extend this line up the valley of the Wei river to Hsian Fu, capital of the province of Shensi, with its 1,000,000 people. Thence the road would follow the old trade route northwestward over the watershed to Lanchau, capital of Kansu, and on to Liang-Chou near the western terminus of the great wall.
Other Extensions
The narrow gauge branch of the Peking-Hankow
