Why is Zhang Zhidong, an important official in the late Qing Dynasty, called "the father of Wuhan"?

In the 15th year of Guangxu, that is, 1889 65438+ 12 October, Zhang Zhidong, Governor General of Guangdong and Guangxi, handed over the Governor's Seal in Guangzhou. On the 27th, he boarded a ship named "Yuexiu" and left Guangzhou.

Yuexiu sailed out of the Pearl River and into the sea. The ship passes through Hong Kong, stops in Shanghai, then turns into the Yangtze River and goes upstream.

When Yuexiu arrived at Simenkou, Wuchang, it was already1889165438+1October 25th. Wuhan has also entered the late autumn, and the wind on the river is also chilly. Zhang Zhidong set foot on the land of Wuhan under the welcome of the officials of the major government offices led by Governor Kun Bin of Hubei Province.

Because he is good at observing faces and colors, he is highly valued. 1899, 24-year-old Liu Xinsheng was promoted to comprador by French businessman Li Xing foreign firm.

After accumulating some capital, he founded Fuchang Qianzhuang independently, bought a large number of white sesame seeds in Xiangfan, Hubei Province, and sold them in Shanghai, which made a lot of profits and soon became a cutting-edge enterprise in Wuhan in the early 20th century.

At this time, Wuhan people have not realized what the arrival of the new governor means to them. However, history shows us its true scene: when Zhang Zhidong, who was full of ambition, landed from Simen, Wuhan was doomed to change its destiny.

At that time, the lucky Wuhan was waiting for Zhang Zhidong.

At the beginning of Hankou's opening, the real estate industry has not yet formed a tangible industry. Liu Xin is good at seizing opportunities and taking risks. He developed through Zhang Zhidong's "Hubei New Deal" and looked forward to the business opportunities. His every success was due to the meeting between Liu Xin and Zhang Zhidong, which was closely related to Zhang Zhidong's series of measures. If Zhang Zhidong made Wuhan, it can also be said that Zhang Zhidong's political actions made Liu Xinsheng.

1904, Zhang Zhidong proposed to build a long dike, now called Zhang Gongdi, to prevent flooding in Houhu Lake, and it cost 802,000 silver to complete the construction task. The government can only allocate 302,000 yuan and collect the rest from the society. Although there are many wealthy businessmen in Hankou, it is difficult to raise funds. Liu Xinsheng takes the people's danger as its own responsibility, and generously donates 502,000 yuan, accounting for the vast majority of the dike construction cost.