and the reason for inaction is rather curious but quite feasible. I venture to give the reason, as my informant was serious and is moreover reliable. He said that the resident Fathers interviewed the native authorities, and demanded immunity from. trouble even if the procession" were prohibited entirely, Communication was had with H. i Hung-chang on the subject, who replied:—Can you guarantee the good behaviour and well-being of the populace if you prohibit the, procession A very characteristic reply of the great states mi It is needless to add that the officials know democracy too well, to give an affirmative answer, Upon subsequent interview of the F.C, Fathers, they were quite nonplussed by the' very pertinent question—* Cun you remove the present epidemic in a surer way than by holding this procession? If so, trot out your plan, and the matter is settled—the procession is prohibited and you are sale from truablo" Ths natives contended that they desired to worship the gods,—a custom both right and proper. Any attempt to frustrate this prrpose,—or what to their mind simply coercing them to worship a for god, would be stubbornly and forcibly sisted. Hence the threats of demob referred to above. The sequel secu s plain and in keeping with the story told by my informant, Guardsof soldiers were stationed at the foreign residences and native chapels, copt, in the ease. of one invasion woos foreign residence and two native chapels were not guarded at all, The reason for this is not evident, asthe danger, if any, was as great at all three places, asin any other house or chapel.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.