The "Sinwénpao" contains #n anecdote of Li Hung-chang, on the authority of its Peking correspondent, which we translate as follows:—Lhear that, in an interview between a certain learned Western gentle man and Li Hung-chang the other day, the question arose about the Emperor's personal control of the reins of Government, when the former remarked that his Majesty: could he likened to the motive power of works driving machinery—Reforn.
ithout the power being put into motion the machinery cannot work. Tu this Li Hung-chang replied, 'Tt is a pity there is no good spring attached.' Ah, but your Excellency makes a very good and powerful spring,' said the Western gevtl man.
Well," replied Li, the "pring may bs powerful enough, butit has nuw become too Tusty, As " matter of fact, the question is a very serious and important one. It is nec cary that the various Viceroys end Gover-vats of provinees have the sam opinion on the matter; indeed they should initiate the movement, and then I will bring up the rear to help and back them up, then, indeed, the thing may be done." 'Yes, very good' responded the Western gentle man, and the interview ended. The above conversation was heard by persons present at the interview, lence the spreading abroad of the new:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.