The origin of the report that the Tientsin matter had been settled is clearly that which I suggested, a few days ago. Li and Tseng-kwo-fan evolved out of their united wisdom certain proposals which were sent to Peking, and were communicated by the Tsung-li-yamen to M. de Rochechouart. I have not yet learned the exact terms of the proffer; but the main points were, the exe-caution of sixteen men, the banishment of the Prefect and Magistrate to Tartary, and the payment of compensation. The Foreign Ministers, in.a joint note, rejected these Proposals as inadequate. What followed have not been able to learn, exactly; but report has it that the Yamen replied they would do no more, but intended to do so much, with or without the Foreign Ministers' approval. On the 19th, accordingly, sixteen heads were cut off, here,—presumibly_of the leading rioters; but really, it said, of poor devils who had sold themselves for Ts. 500 a piece for the purpose. At least this is what the compradores they add a rumour that, faithful to their instincts, the mandarins are now squeezing the relatives—refusing to pay more than Tls.100, instead of the Tls. 500 agreed on. I shall no doubt be able to get to the bottom of this, in a day or two. As for the Mandarins, no one believes they will get further north than Peking. But the sentence, even if it is carried out, is inadequate; and Chen-kwo-jui gets off altogether. What will be done now? Are we to put up with this summary rejection of our demands, and so encourage further outrage. Or will the means be resorted to now, which ought to have been adopted at first—coercion. The sword, only, can cut the deadlock in which weak diplomacy has now entangled us.
Mr. Wade has replied to the enquiry by the Tientsin people, as to their prospects for the winter, that he relies on the gunboats which will remain here, to preserve quiet, and would stay, if the case were his.
hear four French, two English, one American, and one Russian man-of-war are to be frozen in.
The Chehsien has issued an objectionable proclamation at Taku, giving two or three foreigners and ovalles protest' strongly, men the monopoly of coolie supply. Both
The Chihli is ashore on the b: it least, she was, yesterday. The Kiushu is outside, cannot get in, and the Shanse is stuck in the river. The French barque Amitié is also ashore on the bar. The tides are dead neap just now. In a fow days, all the prisoners will no doubt be released.
October 21st.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.