The weather on the: Fourth'of July has the same element of uncertainty about it in China as it has inthe United States, If one plans a pic-nic it is liable to rain; and if one does not. plan a pic-aic it is just as liable to be a° beautiful lay is the fourth,—or- rather was,—for to-day is to-night. "Hon. Chas. Denby, the American Minister, had planned to have all the Americans spend the afternoon from four fill seven "'clock with him at his temple at the Western Hills, 'At o'clock it was raining, but by half-past four' had cleared up and we prepared, to go. We telok our national snigs all with us. Mr. J. Rhein, the Secretary of the Dutch Legation, who has an American wife, was present with her. An English lady, who accompanied the family of Mr. E.'B. Drew, played while we sang. Four young géntlemen, among whom were the two sons of the British Minister,' were present from the English Lo; and helped to fire off the crackers, and sing "Columbia, the gem of the ocean 5 My country tis of thee," and 'The star spangled, banner." All this was in a' Buddhist. temple. It was decorated with flags, and turned into most comfortable and homelike house, with Mrs. Deuby's kind face, kind words and kind heart to give a welcome to all, and make them feel as much at-home as if they were. at home. And this welcome was not less cordial because the Minister and his two sons, Charles and Garvin, passed around to the company the feast which had been prepared, instead of allowing the servants to do it. It was simply an illustration of the cordial way he serves the American citizens in China as a representative of the Atuerican Government. The President of the United: States will search a long while before he will find his superior. He anid his family are universally admired, respected and loved, and we all hope that during the next four yeara, whoever may be President of the United States, Colonel Detiby may remain, as he hus the past two terms, Minister to China.
Peking, 4th July.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.