25th Aug. Tae change thet has come over diplomatic methods in the last year or two, in the way of their democratisation, is very striking, When the treaty with Japan was revised, and virtually a new treaty made, of the most vital importance to every British subject in the country, no attempt was made to consult the British residents in Japan.- It was first agreed to, and then they were allowed to know the fact, when their protests were too late. China merely proposes to get her tariff altered, in order that she may be able to pay her debts, but a new system has come in, and while Lord Salisbury tells the Chinese Envoy that he is in favour of the increase in principle, he adds that he must consult the Chambers of Commerce at Shanghai and elsewhere before giving his consent. This is emphatically as it should be. In the old days we were served up without even knowing the sauce that was to go with us: now we are allowed a voice, and we can trust the Chamber of Commerce and the China Association to make it an audible voice. jartist had intended to issue from the mouths of the competing directors have been omitted. They are speaking likenesses indeed, and we say with that somewhat neglected poet, Cowper, "Oh! that those lips had language!" There are other cartoons; a most gratifying one on page 58, showing the unfortunate results of all the kilts for our new Highland Volunteer Company being sent out of the same length. It is said that short men have a much better chance of survival in war than long ones, and that is why most great Generals have been short; but in this case it is the short sergeant who seems to be kilt entirely. The cartoon on page 59 illustrating Li Hung-chang's progress is charming, though much too flattering to: His Excellency. But is this cartoon pro-photic of what we shall see on the Bubbling-Well Road when the numerous wheels indented for arrive? It is an innovation that we do not contemplate with dread; but ought not the fair lady to have been on a lady's machine Of the smaller cuts, we like the portrait of Mr. H.T. Allan, and the two vignettes on page 50, with the clever poem, " Declining," which has a decidedly Gilbertian flavour will appeal to a hundred hapless hearts torn by the receipt of missives from summer resorts describing inferior hotels, impertinent landlords, days of ceaseless rain, and the little quarrels that punctuate the hours of idleness. In "Open Letters" the Editors have struck a rich vein, and one which will be found very payable if they are careful to avoid an excess of cynicism. It is hard for the man who is clever and observant in China not to be cynical but it is better to control the tendency fifty times than to give it its head once.
In conclusion, we would renew our thanks, and the thanks of all fair-minded men and women, to those who have taken it upon themselves to please us with a rattle, and have succeeded. so completely. Nothing is more striking in the four numbers that have so far appeared than the total absence of unkindness from their pages. Consideration has guided the hand of author and artist throughout, and the gaiety of Shanghai, which is a place where we take few things more seriously than we are obliged to, has been materially enhanced by " H.H." and his colleagues.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.