Who's Who in China (3rd edition)/Yang Sheng

Mr. Yang Tcheng

楊展学小川

(Yang Sheng)

Mr. Yang Tcheng was born at Tungkun Hsien, Kuangtung province, in 1867. When he was a mere youth, he was sent to Japan where his elder brother Yang Chu was then Chinese Minister. After six years' stay in Japan, he returned to China and at once joined the Tung Wen College, Canton. A year later he was transferred to the Tung College, Peking, where he was subsequently graduated. Upon graduation he was appointed a member of the Board of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce. Later he was sent by the government to Germany where he studied jurisprudence and military science in the Berlin University and was graduated from it. Mr. Yang returned to China in the spring of 1895. He then became a professor in Peking University, and also English translator at the Official Book Bureau. Since that time his name has became well known in official circles. When the Boxer trouble broke out, he left Peking and while on his way through Tsinan, it happened that he attracted the attention of Yuan Shih-kai, who was then Governor of Shantung. Having heard of his abilities, Yuan make him to join his Secretariat. In 1901 he accompanied China's special Envoy to Berlin to convey China's regret for the murder of von Ketler. After his return, he was appointed a Taotai of Shantung, holding concurrently the posts of Diplomatic Commissioner, Director of Mining Administration, and Director of Railways. Afterwards he was also made director-general of the military and police affairs. He soon rose to the rank of Ambassador, being successively appointed to Austria, Germany and Holland. The death of his mother caused him to leave official circles for three years. At the end of the period of mourning, Viceroy Chang Jen-chun of Liang-Kiang (Kiangsu-Anhui-Kiangsi) appointed him Military Councillor with two additional posts, viz, Diplomatic Commissioner and Commerical Advisor. After the outbreak of the First Revolution in November 1911, Mr. Yang retired to Shanghai. Later he went to Shantung and became Chief Secretary of the Police Administration of that province. In 1913 he was appointed Commissioner for Foreign Affairs of Kiangsu and also Taotai or Intendant of Shanghai Circuit. In October 1915 he was relieved of these posts. In November 1915 General Cheng Ju-chen, the Garrison Commissioner of Shanghai was assasinated at Shang-hai in consequence of which the peace and order of that port were affected. In order to handle satisfactorily the foreign affairs at this critical time, the Peking government in January 1916 reinstated Mr. Yang to the post of Diplomatic Commissioner. He served his second term only for one month and resigned. In June 1919 Mr. Yang was for the third time appointed Commissioner for Foreign Affairs of Kiangsu province. In January 1920 he was awarded the Second Class Tashou Paokuang Chiaho. In May 1920 he was relieved from the Commissionership. In October 1920 he was awarded the Second Class Wenfu. In August 1922 he was appointed Shanghai vice-president of the Chinese Red Cross Society. In January 1923 he was awarded the First Class Tashou Chiaho. In February 1923 he was appointed government representative to investigate the condition of Chinese in the South Sea Inlands. In April 1924 he was again appointed Shanghai vice-president of the Chinese Red Cross Society to serve for one year.