Tue statement that Sir Robert Hart lad been appointed British: Miniater to Peking, which created such profound excitement among us during the latter part of Inst week, turns out to be either pres mature or autre. It is at least denied in unmistakeable terms, Sir Roberthimeself having telegraphed to avow his entire ignorance of the grounds upon which he bad been so cordially and promptly congratulated. On the whole, however, the incident has proved a remarkably instructive one, and we see no cause for regret that it should have taken place. When the first shock of perplexity and surprise had passed away, there was one opinion go prevalent ad to be almost,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.