But if aduirs in the north are progressing favourably, it is unfortunately true that the Yungchanghsien business, for which Yii Man-tze is responsible, is going from bad to worse. Not only is' the French priest, M. Fleury, still'a captive (he is said to be' well-treated), but it would appear that a revolt against the Goverament. Yii's the movement rapidly taking the form followers are increasing in number from day to day, and information to hand represents tnany of them as being in possession, of magazine rifles. Furthermore it is understood that Yi is trying to get the French officials to treat with himself. direct and not through the local authorities—a proof that he feels himself strong enough todictate terms. It would be useless to report all the rumours that are floating about with reference to Yii's motives and purposes: tivo things are clear, vis. first hias lost all confidence in the native officials (well he may, for they want his head), and, second, his' utter detestation of the Roman Catholics.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.