3rd May. We have had occasion before now to differ with some things that Mr. von Brandt has done, and to suggest that he might have done more, as doyen of the diplomatic Body at Peking, but we have not failed to recognise that he has most ably guarded the interests of the empire that he represents, and in promoting them has promoted the cause of all foreigners in China. His assistance, the most valuable in Peking, has been always most cordially given to his colleagues, and if he has not been able to do all that foreigners here would like to see done, it has not been due to any want of will on his part, but to the stolid immoveability of the T'sung-li Yamen. We feel and know that his countrymen are right in being proud of their Minister, and we are glad to hear that they propose to give him an ovation at the Concordia Club to-day at 6 pan., at which the town band will be present. We heartily wish him a safe and pleasant voyage, and trust that he will have an enjoyable holiday, and will return to his post, from which he can ill be spared, with renewed health and energy in the autumn.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.