Special 256 Famous Chinese - Hsu Hsi-lin- Portrait Postage Stamp (1988) (D256)

Stamp SN : D256
Stamp Name : Special 256 Famous Chinese - Hsu Hsi-lin- Portrait Postage Stamp (1988)
Stamp Cat Standard : Special Stamps
Stamp Cat : Martyrs
Issue date : 1988-03-29
Dimension of stamps(mm.) : 27x37
Printer : China Engraving & Printing China Engraving & Printing
Sheet composition : 10×10
Process : Intaglio
Paper : Locally-made mat finished,
Perforation : 13 1/2x12 1/2
Suspersion date : 1989-03-29
Engraver : Liu Yueh-chiao

Martyr Hsu Hsi-lin (1873-1907) was a native of Shao-hsing, Chekiang Province. After studying astronomy and geography during his youth, he devoted himself to education and founding of schools. As many other patriotic compatriots at that time, Hsu was very much saddened for his country upon hearing that Russian troops had invaded Liao-tung in northeast China at the turn of the century. In response to the frontier incident, he gathered patriots in Chekiang Province to establish the Kuang Fu Hui, with the aim to cause a revolution. With qualifications for government official of the level of Tao-yuan, Martyr Hsu was able to take charge of the police school in Anhwei Province, which he regarded as a potential training place for revolutionary forces. In his design, he wanted to start uprisings in Anhwei and Chekiang Provinces simultaneously. But, due to some reason, military action was only launched in haste at An-chin, Anhwei Province. Although the Manchu governor, An-ming, was killed, Martyr Hsu lost his life in the battle because of the great disparity in strength.