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EAST ASIA.
But pending free intercourse with India through Bhamo, Yunnan has direct
access to the foreign market through the navigable Hung-kiang,
or Red
River, explored for the first time by Dupuis in 1870. In 1872 he ascended the
Song-koi, as this river is called in Tonking, and through this channel penetrated
into China as far as Manhao (Manghao), in the neighbourhood of a district
abounding beyond all others in metals and precious stones. By a treaty concluded
in 1874 between France and Annam, the Red River had been declared open to
foreign trade. But this treaty has remained a dead letter, and since the expedition
of 1873 no foreign vessel has visited the Song-koi.
Nevertheless the advantages of
this trade route have been recognised by the Chinese merchants, who might save by
this way a detour of 600 miles by the Canton River.
INHABITANTS OF YUNNAN.
Although Chinese supremacy has been established for some two thousand years
in Yunnan, the population is still far from homogeneous. The highland regions
continue to be held by unsubdued tribes, such as the Miaotze, Mantze, Lutze, Lisu,
Lolo, Shan, and Kakhyen. The Miaotze belong to the same family as those of
Kweichew, the Mantze and Lolo to those of Sechuen. The latter are generally
divided into " Black " and " White " Lolo, more perhaps from the contrast in their
habits than from a difference of complexion. The Black, known also as " Raw "
Lolo, mostly occupy the alpine valleys in the north, while the White, called also
" Cooked " or " Ripe," are scattered in small groups all over Yunnan, and are
everywhere subject to the Chinese authorities. Many shave the head and wear the
pigtail, emblem of civilisation in the Middle Kingdom, but they are easily
distinguished from the Chinese proper by their muscular development and energy
at work. But for the somewhat flat nose and sparse beard, their regular features
and symmetrical figures might suggest the European type. Many have even
chestnut hair and a white complexion, while the women are much stronger, more
cheerful and agreeable than their Chinese sisters. Hence the Chinese often choose
their wives amongst these aborigines.
The Lutze-kiang takes its name from the Lutze, or Anong, who dwell on its
banks in a region of West Yunnan bordering northwards on the Lolo country.
Some Lisu tribes are also scattered in the valley of this Tibeto-Burman river, as well
as in that of the Lantze-kiang (Mekhong), which in this part
of its course traverses
Yunnan. The hills on the
right bank over against Weisi-fu are almost exclusively
occupied by the Lisu. Those dwelling near the Chinese towns and near their more
civilised kinsfolk, the Moso, pay the tribute regularly ; but those residing in the
more inaccessible highlands have maintained their independence, and they have a
tradition requiring them every twenty or thirty years to make a plundering
expedition against the people of the plains.
Like certain North American Indians,
they never fail first to warn the enemy of their approach. At the stated time they
make their appearance at the stated place, and such is the dread of the Chinese
settlers that they are generally vanquished by these savages armed with bows and