Waar a Russian Grand Duke has seen in Shanghai, is perhaps difficult to determine; what he might have seen, is more easy to define. We all know the Prince who has just left us has had ample experiences of balls, concerts, theatrical representations, and the other etceteras which make up what is called life in other parts of the world. Except in the matter of the Fire Practice, he saw little peculiar to Shanghai; and that little, on a superficial glance, gave no great insight into the manners and customs of the place. Hundreds of cities could have turned out a sight not unlike that of the other nights its peculiarity consisted neither in its size nor brilliancy, butratherin the fact of the small numbers of the community from which it was recruited. It was in fact an indication, and an unmistakeable one, of the energy and organisation of the two thousand foreign residents,—that, as an ordinary matter, and on a moment's notice, so powerful a force could be called out, without confusion and subject to well understood rales and regulations, It is deeply to be regretted that, in view of the apparent peace which reigns around, the Shanghai Volunteers have so much degenerated that a muster was not called for, or perhaps was not advisable. It is true that fire is an enemy always in our midst, which has frequently to be combated, and against which the Fire Brigade has many times engaged in hard struggles; while in our own times the Volunteers have never had the necessity of firing a shot in anger. It is quite true also that, in the event of call, Volunteers to fill the ranks would not be wanting. It is also, however, a fact that the Fire Brigade did not attain to its present organisation without work and without trouble; and it would be foolish to suppose that a volunteer force, which above all rees organization and due subordiation, can be put on foot and perfected in a moment. True we have a Vol-untoer staff, and a twumber of men entered; but somehow or other the actual result is hardly what could be desired. Volunteer officers say their men do not come to parade; and volunteers say they never get an opportunity of turning out. Subordination is a great point gained, but ce-operation is a more powerful link. On many points it is possible to ensure more har. monious working by encouraging spontaneity. The Volunteers were got together by a public meeting; but though many questions of public interest have had to be decided, the men as a body have never had the opportunity of expressing their ideas. Perhaps a step in this direction might be advantageous. We do not go in for republicanism, but something which would restore the esprit clu corps is sadly needed.
The Grand Duke might also have noticed the curious fact that Shanghai owes its life and its prosperity, not to the fostering hands of a government, but to the activity of the Teuton ie clements in its population. While governments like Russia and France try to lead their people in establishing points of intercourse with foreign nations, those governments most interested in Shanghai have "always, with the greatest unwillingness, followed in the wake of their subjects. The name of a British merchant is held in almost unmixed horror at Downing Street, from the trouble he gives the Government to follow in his wake. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the race increases and multiplies, and settlements like Shanghai are the result. Doubtless, were the Government of Great Britain a little more careful of the interests of its own people, its position and strength would be vastly improved. Had, however, its colonies been planted by its own fostering care, and _wet-nursed by its underlings, instead of left to fight their own way, the possibility is that they would not have been so extensive or so prosperous. There are, however, two extremes in most cases. Russia and France seem to have chosen the one, and England the other. Between them probably lies the golden mean.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.