Some time ago, we heard that an influential deputation had addressed Lord Derby, urging the adoption of the Chefoo Convention. We were in doubt for 2 while as to who were the constituents of that influential body, and, therefore, we could form no idea as to the character of the pressure that was being brought to bear upon the Foreign Secretary. We now learn the quarter whence the movement comes, and it is not altogether reassuring. It seems that the Clergy are bestirring themselves in the matter, that the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster have both affixed their signatures to the petition, and that several Bishops have followed in the line marked out by these eminent prelates. We say "eminent" advisedly, for it is undeniable that Dr. Tait and Dr. Manning occupy positions of high authority from their personal character. They are men singularly remarkable for independence and sincerity. What they do in their public capacity has the weight derived from high office, but it has also undeniably the authority which wisdom and purity of aim bestow on an action. It is obvious that these two representative prelates rarely take a public step without counting the cost, and considering what impression their action will make on the great communities which are swayed by their influence and guided by their example. For these reasons we are surprised and sorry when auch high authorities seem to take premature or incon-side rate steps in directions other than those in which they are accustomed to move.
This is not the place in which to discuss the peculiar position which the Church holds to the State in England, but it is perfectly lawful and proper to deprecate the action of the representatives of the Church when they go out of their way to dabble in politics with a motive which looks suspiciously like one of party significance, Lord Derby had evidently recognized the commercial and moral importance of the Opium question; and it is clear to any one who has watched with care the Government action in the matter, that there is a strong disposition on the part of Her Majesty's present advisers to consider this pressing subject in all its "bearings, and to treat it in a spirit of candour and fairness. The reference to the Secretary of State for India proves that no stone was to be left unturned in order to collect really trustworthy evidence and to go into the matter with thoroughness, The action of the ecclesiastics and their following is not calculated to aid a statesman-like consideration of an Imperial question of vast financial importance. It seems only too probable that influences and
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.