With reference to the unexpected news mentioned in the so-called Imperial decrees which appear this morning in another column, we learn from reliable mandarin sources that Duke Tsai Lon, Imperial Clan, has also been appointed a Minister of the Presence, while Prince Chuang, one of the hereditary Tron-capped" Princes, who was specially appointed—Vico-Comm 4 the Boxers in June las under Prince Toan, has been also appointed a member of the Grand Council. With reference to Duke Tsai Lan, above-noted, it will be remembered that, when a successor to the Emperor was being chosen last year from among the youngest members of the Im perial Clan, it was generally mooted the youngest son of this Duke (also sometimes termed Duke Lan") was to be the Empress 's choice, towards the end of December when it suddenly became known that Pta Chun, the U-year old son of Prince Tuan, had been chosen instend. This was on Prince Tuan's greater influence and craft ness which Duke Tsai Lan is said to have bitterly resented xt the tie. The Duke's admittance as Minister of the Presence which gives him the privilege of sei the Empress Dowager st any day or night on affairs of State, is said there amongst native officials to be no with: ut significance.
Dispatches from Chinanfa ave been received stating that a Eh Taotail named Tran Wen-l an, a native of Huns who held the position' of "Chi Chief Military Adviser to the Boxers in Chilli province, has been arrested at Changchou, on' the Chihli-Shanta darders, by command of Imperial decree. In other words, Prince Tuan who nyide all such appointments has deserted his dupes inches own peril, and is now trying to transfer his guilt to other and bumbler shoulders. It is evident fr this that Prince Tuan will acknowledge his chieftainship of the Boxers, but that all the murders and outraes committed by them, to which he will say he was opposed, have been done by the advice and incitement of their chief military adviser—T'un Wen-huan, the Taotai
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.