丁日昌对台湾洋务思想与海防建设探讨.doc

The Exploration of Ting, Jih-chang’s Defensive Affairs to Taiwan-the Example of Self- Strengthening Construction Such as Telegraph and Others Chi-Kang Hsieh* Abstract In April, 1875, the 1st year of Emperor Kuang-shih, Shen, Bao-chen was promoted to Liang Jiang Viceroy, so Wang, Kai-tai took over the position of Fukien Shun Fu that was charged with the development and management of Taiwan. Unfortunately, Wang, Kai-tai died of a disease soon. In October, 1875, Ching Dynasty appointed Ting, Jih-chang who was very familiar with self-strengthening to Fukien Shun Fu. Ting, Jih-chang’s knowledge to Taiwan was based on the opinion of Chinese sea defense. According to that point of view, he advocated that parking armored ships in Taiwan became the hinge of southeastern sea defense and planned to develop and cultivate eastern Taiwan completely. In addition, on the coast of China, he established the recruit-cultivated bureau whose duty was to recruit Fukienese and Cantonese citizens in order to develop and cultivate Taiwan, educate barbarians, and exploit mines to get wealth. Ting, Jih-chang’s management to Taiwan was to purchase lots of armored ships, install telegraph lines, build railroads, exploit coal mines, explore and exploit coal oils, sulfur, and iron ore, and so on. On the whole, all his constructions to Taiwan still followed the plans of Shen, Bao-chen, but the main direction was how to strengthen sea defense so as to defend outer enemies. Ting, Jih-chang’s most important effect to Taiwan modern history is in 1877, the 3rd year of Emperor Kuang-shih. In that year, the telegraph lines between Taiwan Fu (Tainan City now) and Chijin, Kaohsiung and between Tainan and Anpin were installed. This is the first telegraph line in Taiwan and its length is about 95km. Most importantly, this is the beginning of introducing telegraph technology to Taiwan. Under Ting, Jih-chang’s careful management, he was the person who helped Taiwan to establish the basis of modern se