Who's Who in China (3rd edition)/Wang Chi-tseng

Mr. Ouang Ki-tseng

王繼曾字述勤

(Wang Chi-tseng)

Mr. Quang Ki-tseng was born at Ming-hou Hsien, Fukien province, in 1880, from a family which has given forth many noted officials during the Ching Regime. His great grandfather, Ouang Ching-yun, was a member of the Hanlin Academy and Governor of the Provinces of Shansi and Shensi, Viceroy of Szechuen and of the Liangkuang Provinces, and President of the Board of Works. His name is recorded in Chinese history by the National Historiographers' Office. He wrote a book called "Shih Chu Yu Chi" in which the historical events of the Ching Dynasty from its establishment up to the reign of Tao Kuang were given in detail. It is a comprehensive work, and is held in high esteem. His uncle, Ouang Jen-kan, the famous Optimus at the Palace Examinations of 1877 was for some time Prefect of Chekiang and of Soochow. His father, Ouang Jen-tung, was a secretary of the Imperial Council and was afterwards transferred to Kiangsu as sub-prefect of Nantungchow. Later he was promoted as Granary Taotai of the Kiangning circuit. After his graduation from the Nanyang College at Shanghai, Mr. Ouang Ki-tseng accompanied Mr. Sun Pao-chi, then Chinese Minister to France, to Paris in the winter of 1902 to pursue higher studies and to serve as the same timə as a legation student, and Assistant Commercial Attache. He stayed in France for seven years, and underwent a course of study in the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales and the Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques which institution of learning is famous for coaching up students for diplomatic and public services. During his stay in school he was a member of the Society of Public Speaking of the Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques and received l’Aureat. Upon the completion of his studies he was awarded “Mention Tres Bien." In 1906 he accompanied the Chinese High Commissioners to Europe for the study of constitutions in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, etc. In 1908 he was appointed representative of the Chinese government to the International Conference of Oriental Literature held at Copenhagen. In 1909 he returned to China and was appointed Secretary to Chang Shih-tung, the celebrated Imperial Chancellor and statesman. Afterwards Liu Hsi-hsun, at that time Chinese Minister to France, recommended him to the position of Superintendent of Chinese Students in France. On his second visit to France he remained for two years. In 1910 he was appointed representative of the Chinese government to the International High Educational Conference at Brussels. In 1911 he was appointed a member of the jury of the International Exposition at Turin in Italy. Upon the establishment of the Republic in 1912, Mr. Ouang returned to China and joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. For nine years in this Ministry he served at different times, as Junior Secretary, Senior Secretary, Chief Secretary, Sectional Chief, Department Chief, and Councillor. In March 1919 he was awarded the Second Class Tashou Chiaho and in January 1920 the Second Class Wenfu. In September 1920 he was appointed Chinese Minister to Mexico and Cuba. In October 1922 he was given the Third Class Paokuang Chiaho. At the end of 1923 he returned to China on a leave of absence. In January 1924, Mr. Sun Pao-chi became Prime Minister and appointed him Chief Secretary of the Cabinet. In May he was relieved of the Mexico and Cuba posts. In September 1924 he 'left the Cabinet. Mr. Ouang has received the following foreign decorations: The Fifth Class Crown Decoration of Italy; The Second Class Decoration from Russia: The Fourth Class Decoration of the Legion of Honor from France: The Third Class Rising Sun Decoration from Japan: The Second Clsas Crown Decoration from Italy.