Who's Who in China (3rd edition)/Huang K'ai-wen

Mr. Huang K'ai-wen

黃開文

(Wong Kai-wen)

Mr. Wong Kai-wen, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Presidential Palace, was born at Chiao Ling Hsien, Kwangtung Province, in 1865. He came to North China for his education and joined the Peking Telegraph College, where he graduated. After his graduation, he joined the telegraph service. Gradually he worked his way up and became manager of telegraphs. For many years he held the position of telegraph manager in different provinces. In 1907 Mr. Wong was appointed by President Hsu Shih-chang, who was then Viceroy of Manchuria, to be Industrial Taotai of the Fengtien Province. In that capacity he introduced many industrial reforms. It was he who first suggested to the then Viceroy Hsu the importance of the promulgation of mining laws. As a result of his suggestion, Viceroy Hsu recommended to the Throne that mining laws be promulgated. In a few months the mining laws were published by Edict. In 1910 Mr. Wong was appointed managing director of the Tao Ching Railway. In 1911 he became Taotai of Han Huang Teh Circuit of the Hupeh Province and concurrently acted as Superintendent of the Customs in Hankow. At the same time he was Director of Commercial and Military affairs of Hupeh, and Director General of the Tung Cheng Railway. He held all these official posts until 1913. In 1914 Mr. Wong was appointed Grand Master of Ceremonies of the President's Office to succeed Alfed Sze, who became Chinese Minister to the Court of St. James. Mr. Wong is still holding the position. He has served five Presidents with satisfaction, namely, President Yuan Shih-kai, President Li Yuan-hung, and President Feng Kuochang, President Hsu Shih-chang, and President Tsao Kun. In January 1919 Mr. Wong was awarded the Second Class Wenfu; in December 1919, the Second Class Tashou Paokuang Chiaho, in February 1921 the First Class Wenfu; and in October 1922 the Fifth Order of Merit.