Wednesday evening, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is reported to have said:—We ewnnot yet tell what were the precise and immediate reasons of the furious outbreak which we have seen in that country (i.e.. China). nor can we tell what are the relations of the Chinese Government to those who, at avy rate in the first instance, appeared to be rebels against. their authority." These things may be a mystery to Sir Michael Hicks Beach, but letters from Mr. G. Jamieson and Me. Bushby which appeared in The Times" of yesterday show that they are less obscure to men who have followed the course of events in hina since the coup d'état of September, 1898, and the literature to which it has given rise. Permit meto add tothe prophecy quoted by Mr. Jamieson the testimony of a secret order (ting-chi) said by the Tientein correspondent of the ' Hongkong Pelograph" to have been addressed, about three months ago, to the Governor of Shanting. Your renders will draw their own inference as to. the ions" it ime ror of Shantw who reports that he has found it necessary to repress the Patriotic Boxer Society with astrovg and heavy hand, we remark that it cannot be expected that such " simple people can know that they have done any thing amiss. If the strong hand is manifest, will there not be permanent grudge against the Governor? We assure the Governor that if future trouble arise he himself must Dear the consequences, Let the good people be dealt with ina merciful and generous way, to the benefit of all."
Of course, if we are to wait for an authenticated copy, under the Empress's hand and seal, we may have to wait till even the present Government has passed away.
Your faithfully,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.