W. A. P. Martin (Ding Weiliang) and others, 1901W. A. P. Martin (Ding Weiliang) and others, 1901
Beijing
Photograph by H. C. White Co.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, LOT 11666, Location G
W. A. P. Martin traveled to China as a missionary in 1850 and learned Mandarin. Because of his deep understanding of Chinese culture, he held several official positions, including interpreter for Minister Anson Burlingame and international law advisor to the Chinese government during disputes with European countries. From 1869 to 1895, Martin served as president of Tongwen Guan, a Qing school for Western languages, which in 1902 was incorporated into Peking University.