Those who are always bemoaning the declining of British influence in China may derive some comfort from the view taken of the question by an important French newspaper, the Journal des Débats, the organ of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Te points out that though Russis appeared to have obtained a commanding advantage by occupying Port Arthur and Talienwan, England has more than made up'her lost ground. Not only has Russia," the Débats says," been obliged to open Talienwan to the trade of the world, but England has obtained permission to instal herself at Weihaiwei, which is just as good a position as Port Arthur.
he one, in fact, neutralises the other. And this is not all. The Valley of the Yangtze has become to all intents and purposes a sphere of British influence owing to the Chinese Government's promises not to cede any of it toa Foreign Power. The Colony of Hongkong has obtained a hinterland of 200 square miles. Finally England, thanks to the extension of the Customs service, which is practically in her hands, will carry out the reorganisation of the internal financial administration of the empire. This will give her a greater influence at Peking than any foreign Power has ever exercised there.
'17th June.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.