Those that have been edited, reprinted in facsimiles, or transferred to microfilm can be borrowed through E Z Borrow or interlibrary loan if they are not in Tripod. Many of them will be listed in WorldCat under subject terms which include such words as "sources," "letters," "diaries," or "personal narratives." For example, the search china history sources produces results including:
The search for modern China: a documentary collection. Edited by Janet Y. Chen et al. W.E. Norton, 2013.
This collection of primary source documents—many translated into English for the first time and available only in this book—gather proclamations, treaties, laws, and other public acts with pieces reflecting everyday life, family, social networks, and culture. Informative headnotes accompany the selections, this collection provides a first-hand look at modern Chinese history.
Newspapers shed light on events, public opinion, and social mores. Some titles are available through Tripod including:
New York Times 
Use the link for Proquest Historical Newspapers to have the best search options
This link opens in a new window
America's Historical Newspapers link opens in a new wind
For a fuller list of titles in Tripod, see the page Historical Sources on the News Sources research guide.
The London Times often serves as a newspaper of record for historical events:
Times Digital Archive (London)
This guide United States: Historical Newspapers from Utica College provides State by State lists of available online newspaper collections.
For newspapers not in Tripod, use WorldCat as your guide.
Search in WorldCat by subject as well as title: chinese newspapers Limited to Years 1880-1920
Look for the icon Microfilm. You will be able to borrow specific years on interlibrary loan.
