It will be seen that behind this is the assumption that the peoples of the West are responsible for the decrepitude of China, and that, with this external pressure withdrawn, China's opportunity has arrived. It is unnecessary to point out the obvious fallacy. But we learn that the Minister of Education in Peking is much exercised about these ten-doneies, and has written to Canton pointing out such a notion is wrong in itself, and will without doubt, if yielded to, bring trouble upon the country. What self-respecting person says the Minister, can delight in the misfortunes of others? This is really the position of those who boast in this way. Further, the students are reminded that the peoples of the West are not 80 feeble, nor will they be so poor as it seems to be thought. Altogether the Minister writes strongly and sensibly.
The Rod for the Army.
A few days ago there was a scrimmage in a public house here, in which three soldiers were involved. The Colonel of the regiment simply ordered them to be dismissed and sent back to be dealt with by the eldera of their village. Thereupon the Civil Governor stepped in, cancelled the judgement, and ordered each of the men to have a good flogging by some one who knew how to lay it on, after which they were to be expelled from the army with ignominy.
Wo are interested in this because it Suggests a sincere attempt on the Part of the officials to enforce some-sort of discipline in the army. Li, the Civil Governor, is certainly getting the control of things here, and important improvements are introduced. This public thrashing, not torture, will do an immense amount of good.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.