We learn from a reliable source at Hsian that the Reactionaries are seeking to lay the blame of the present unsatisfactory condition of affairs upon the shoulders of the three principal Chinese dignitaries of the Empire, namely, Li Hung-chang, Liu K'un-yi and Chang Chih-tung. As a hint, therefore, of what may be in store for the three high officials above noted in the future, a "Censure" has been sent to each of them from the Grand Council at Hsian. The one to Li Hung-chang accuses him of haughtiness and impatience of control, in consequence of which he scarcely ever consulted with his colleagues, resulting in the losing of many opportunities which, if seized upon at the proper moment and under proper advice and deliberation, would have been of great advantage to the Empire. Then Li Hung-chang is asked, "When will the Russians' withdraw entirely from Manchuria; and when are they going to return those three provinces (Rengtion, Lower Manchuria; Kirin, ental Manchuria; and Heilungchiang, the Amur or Northern Manchuria) to China?" Finally as International Commerce is of vital importance to China Li Hung-chang must consult at once with his colleagues and settle everything relating thereto on a thoroughly reliable basis. "He is forbidden to continue the apathy for which he has been generally accused."
With reference to the Censures on Viceroys Liu K'un-yi and Chang Chih-tung they are blamed "for thinking everything is so easy of accomplishment; for showing such optimism in their memorials to the Throne; and for so often denouncing others for failures which they (the, accused Viceroys) pretend to make light of."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.