3-086-054 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Chinese Question: the German Occupation of Kiao-Chau [or Kiaochou] - our Special Artist, Mr. Melton Prior, posting his first set of sketches from Tsingtan, 1898. 'Facsimile Sketch by Mr. Melton Prior. Scene in the Post Office. "All villages as well as towns must have a post-office, and I was so interested at seeing Chinese and Germans together posting letters or obtaining stamps that I could not resist sending you a sketch of the scene. The new Postmaster, Herr Fritz Pape, was engaged in serving out stamps, while a German soldier was sorting letters, and a Chinese boy was engaged in stamping registered and other letters. By the door stood a sentry with loaded rifle. All troops go about armed, and even civilians are instructed to do the same, but I personally do not see the necessity for this precaution, as the people of the place appear most quiet and orderly".' Melton Prior. Sign reads: 'Kaiserlich Deutsche Post' (Imperial German Post Office). Box is labelled: 'No. XI Marine Feldpost - Reserve Material'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.