A CHINESE MILLIONAIRE by Frank G. Carpenter

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 2, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 46.

A CHINESE MILLIONAIRE.

By Frank G. Carpenter

THE honesty of the Chinese in their business dealings is shown in the action of Hou Qua, the Canton millionaire, who died a few years ago, leaving at least $50,000,000. One of the Chinese firms of Canton had failed, owing a great sum to foreigners. Hou Qua got up a subscription, and paid the indebtedness. He headed the list of subscribers with $1,000,000 out of his own pocket, saying that “Chinese credit must remain untarnished.”

This is the man who, when the English were about to bombard Canton, unless their demand of $6,000,000 was paid within forty-eight hours, headed the subscription list with the sum of $1,100,000. “I give,” said he, “$800,000 as a thank-offering for the business prosperity I have had. I give $100,000 as a testimony of the fidelity of my son, and $200,000 as a mark of the affection which I bear my wife.”

This man, Hou Qua, though dead, is still greatly honored in Canton. His gardens there are among the sights of the city, and his name is synonymous with business honor.—Frank G. Carpenter.