or development in China, and is almost certain to have practical results."
Ithen explained briefly to Mr. Poesnecker the nature of the Russian proposals communicated through the Daily Mail, that England should join Rassia in a partition—commercial or otherwise—of China, "So that's the idea in a nutshell," ho said, laughing. "And nobody else is to have a voice in the matter? As I understand, France and Germany are to look on while England and Russia carve China?"
"That certainly appears to be the impression of the Russian Prince," I answered.
"Well, I think we shall find it a harder business than we expect, Germany, you must remember, has an extensive commercial interest in China, a very large and. steadily increasing trade. That, I say, you must bear in mind. Then I cannot' conceive what we have to gain, except a good deal of trouble, by the proposed scheme. Our object and interest is simply to develop trade, which will scarcely be benefited by a process of landgrabbing. The Chinese, too, would be a very awkward people to manage, and nothing would be gained in return for the attempt to govern them. The whole business would be a thankless one.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.