Li Hongzhang and Distribution of Donations from the Lin Family in Banqiao of Taiwan during the Ding-Wu Disaster:An Investigation Centered on the Archives and Letters from both Sides of the Taiwan Strait
Li Hongzhang and Distribution of Donations from the Lin Family in Banqiao of Taiwan during the Ding-Wu Disaster:An Investigation Centered on the Archives and Letters from both Sides of the Taiwan Strait
In 1877,the Lin family in Banqiao of Taiwan pledged to donate 500 thousand yuan to build railways and start mining affairs in Taiwan.At that time,a once-in-a-century severe famine broke out in the North China region.During the nationwide financial crisis,it was extremely difficult for Shanxi and Henan provinces to raise relief funds,and they both wanted to borrow donation money from the Lin family.However,during the negotiation,there was a conflict between the two provinces regarding how to allocate the donations.Fujian Governor Ding Richang and the Board of Revenue and Population of the Qing government entrusted Li Hongzhang,the Governor of Zhili,to be responsible for distributing donations.In the end,most of the Lin family's donations were lent to Henan,while Shanxi only received a small portion.Li's decision was based on both public and private factors:From the public perspective,Henan was the first to make the request.Shanxi already received far more support from the central government and other provinces and had a higher risk of debt default.From Li's own preference,he wanted a closer relationship with Ding Richang to pave the way for his foreign affairs,sea defense and other causes.Based on historical materials such as memorials,imperial edicts,and letters collected by archives and libraries across the Taiwan Strait,this paper basically comprehends the causes and consequences of this event.The competition for borrowing donations reflects the interaction and entanglement between personal favors and relationships and national interests.
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