History tells us that when the Athenian generals, on the eve of the battle of Mara-than, were discouraged by the desertion of the States, and awed by the tremendous forces of the Persian invader, they were unexpectedly cheered by the junction of a gallant band of volunteers from the brave little province of Platrea, This opportune reinforcement was small, consisting only ofa thousand men; but so enthusiastic and valorous was the spirit displayed by the friendly allies, that the Athenian ranks quickly rallied from their depression, and rose to the sublimest climax of martial ardour and heroic daring. Surely some analogous effect must have been produced on Count Rochechouart and his confreres, by the manly behaviour of his Excel louey Baron t'Kint von Rodenbeck. Dis appointed in his expectations from the representatives of the so-called Great Powers, the Count must have found himself encouraged by the energetic, independent, and enlightened conduct of the Belgian Minister. I'would not inst ate that other members of the Corps munique, in Peking, are insensible to the tick sympathy for their French colleague, wiry of the pending crisis, or that they
in the unequal contest which he is waging with the Chinese Government. Doubtless the problems started by passing events are, with each and all of them, matters of profound thought; and I hope that the future will prove them to have been as prompt, and firm, and judicious, in their representations to the Isungli Yamen, as the high-minded Baron von Rodonbeck. 'The mysteries of diplomacy are usually held to be beyond the ken of ordinary mortals, and I admit the need of approaching their discussion with deferential caution. To the keen perception of Ministers, ciroumstances may be so complicated,' in their relations and bearings, as to necessitate the delayed exposition of their meditated policy respecting them. I humbly submit, however, that in atime like the present, when foreign interests in China are so imminently endangered, we are warranted in looking for some' departure from the official reserve which is ordinarily and properly maintained. When has it occurred that foreign residents in China have had greater occasion for anxiety and alarm? At what former period has such a general senso of insecurity prevailed amongst them Is this solicitude needless? Ave the fears which are in operation groundless! Have those in authority, who are charged with the conservation of our privileges, all-sufticient reason for repudiating the common impression of existent peril! If it be the ease that we are unnecessarily disquieted, the victims of irrational apprehensions, and that "the powers that be" are capable of dispelling the pernicious illusion, it seems to me that we are enlifed to the consideration, at ate honda! But if it be other-and acoumnulating afcunsd Ma are erally 80 wise;—if the portentous sil othering
many passages of evil and trouble, then I am of opinion that we ought not to have to ask for suitable indication of an appropriate resistive attitude, on the part of our recognized superiors. No dignity could have been compromised, while much confidence would have been inspired, and an abounding satisfaction imparted, if some such Wise "and politic and open procedure, lad been. pursued, by each of their Ex:
gthat_ adopted by the "Baron v Kint, cellencies at the capital. would the beneficial tendency of such a course have terminated in the influence thus exerted on their several constituencies in China. To adopt the closing remarks of the admire able article on this subject, in the North-China Herald of August 23th, we have the confidence that, if the Foreign Ministers had addressed a joint note to the Tsung-li Ya-men, couched in equally vigorous terms, atthe outset, their Just demands would have been promptly yielded." As it is, we can only conjecture what has ined, and patiently wait for the time of the revolution which may be near or remote. One fact has been certified to us, the re-membrane of which we can at least com-
Tentedly able dispatch, "retrospective and cently cherish, namely, that an unprece-
prospective in its tenor," was, long ago, sent in to the Tsung-li Yaanén, by H. B. 'M. Charge d'Affaires, and was considered tohave acted with magical effect on the Chinese statesmen. We will never cease to desire that the action of its distinguished author, in the legitimate results accruing therefrom, may illustriously verify the famous lines.
"One with a flash begins and ends in smoke, Another out of smoke brings glorious light, And (without, raising expectation bight) Surprizes us with dazzling miracles."
I earnestly hope that the first line of the above stanza may not come to be found applicable to Count Rochechouart. His reputation as diplomatist is not' just now very high. ultimatum, after two extensions of time, expired on the Bist ultimo; and now, both natives and foreigners ask What next 1" He had said that, if the Chinese failed, by that date, to pledge compliance with his demands, down should go the flag, and off should go the people, i.e. his own people resident in the metropolis. But the day has passed over, and the flag still waves in the northern' capital, and" the folks still remain. Some of' the native: in this locality so fully believed in the Count's sincerity, and so credited their own Government with senseless obstinacy, that they removed to a comfortable distance all their goods and chattels, and all the feminine and juvenile members of their households. The roughs of our neighbourhood anticipated with gleeful expec-fancy the arrival of the Sist of August, and made sure of splendid fan. But the time has passed over, and we are now asked ' Why hasn't the French Minister come away from Peking, as he said he would do?" The Count says that new Minister, with full powers, is coming out, and that all must now romain in state quo until he arrives; the Chinese say ah, the French are being beaten by the Gerntans, and they cannot fight us." We, of course, accept the Count's declara-
construction of matters. It does appear, tion, and emphatically taboo the native however, from the admissions of the French themselves, that Count Rochechouart has exceeded his authority, and temporarily increased the embarrassments of his position, by threatening a policy which cannot be carried into effect. We impressively realize the extreme delicacy and difficulty of the Count's mission, and we would not presume to dogmatise with respect to his obligations; but the conclusion is irresistible that, if his power be thus limited, hewes indiscreet in notifying the Chinese Government of intentions which, should circumstances challenge their execution, he could not full. With such restricted prerogatives, he would have done better to have refrained from definite menaces until he received instructions from Home, and to have enforced his just demands by perpetual reference to the certainty of eventual provision by his Government for their imperative obtainment. At least so it seems to us; and we are strengthened in this conviction by noticing how very refer to the course of negotiations.
tingly and eontemptnonsly the natives Saxon.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.