In spite of all that hasbeen said and done, Kiangpeh has won! "Last Saturday a tel was received from Minister Denby in which he advises Consul Smithers not to press for the punishment of the murderers of the young medical student Tang at present, unless absolutely necessary. The ister had heard that a riot might be provoked if matters were forced, hence his
really won, telegram." Kinngpeh hes, therefore rary and it is difficult to refrain from saying that by this unfortunate action on the part of the Minister a premium has been set upon disturbances in this part of China. The telegram is a concession to native dilatoriness, and is: likely to confirm a weak executive in its irresolution, It is quite true that the Fu examinations are now in progress, and that the great triennial examination follows almost immediately after Close of the former; but it surely bei weakness at any time, and especially at this time, to argue that, because a certain number of students are in the place, therefore the punishment of a set of brutal and cowardly murderers should be postponed. The Kiangpeh people have not since the sad incident of a month ago dispensed with their war-paint, and it is equally certain, that Minister Denby's mistimed telegram will have the effect. of making them keep it on! A different attitude was necessary, and one can only regret that the Taotai was not compelled to arrest the culprits immedi after the murder, which indeed might allowed, have been easily done. Now it is an open question if they will ever be arrested,—a very open question indeed, in spite of the protestations of the officials that whenever the examinations are over they will see that justice is done. It was originally arranged thatthe money pact of the satisfaction demanded should be settled last Saturday. Even this, however, has been postponed, and the whole affair is as I write very much at a standstill. Meanwhile abusive writings continue to be found at certain chapels and dispensaries in Chungking—the last effusion hey tion that Dr. McCartuey should first of all be attacked, and then the Mission be destroyed. Doubtless this and the other anonymous productions of which I have told you are due to the active spirit of amusement at present abroad; bu they are not pleasant reading, and might easily create mischief. Foreigners are still forbidden to enter the city of Kiangpeh, and it is instructive to observe the boatmen on the Little River row away from the jetties when a European or other foreigner even appears to be anxious to cross the stream! Well for China that she is not in the present case dealing with Germany. Had the latter country been concerned, or even France, you would doubtless long ago have had to publish the news of another slice of Chinese territory having been acquired by a European' Power. Fortunately peace continues to reign in Chungking, and the present writer is in no sense apprehensive that it will be broken. Weak though the Taotai may be la regard to Kiangpeh, he is in all probability strong enough and determined enough to prevent serious disturbance occurring here,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.