'There appears to be but one o; inion regarding both commerce and mission operations if Russia becomes permanently established in Manchuria, viz., that the one will be placed under an' embargo, and that the other if it cannot be thus dealt with because of certain facts and conditions. such action will be taken and measures adopted that it will be strangled. Something of this has already been done in some places regarding commerce as is well known. Thus far the missions have not been interfered with. But the readers of this paper will Tecall the fact that shortly after tue occupation of Port Arthur by the Russians, they missionaries, ing their operations interfered with the operations of the Danish within certain limits, and intimating further restraint when they were in full possession. These restraints have been applied within the last few years, and they are not per mitted to attempt any enlargement or aggressive measures in connection with their operations—they can only minister to their Present membership. Excessive rates here and very low rates there; Customs duties levied here and none there and its bearing on trade are known to all; all these are large straws indicating the direction of the wind in the future if Russia succeeds in maintaining foothold in any of that Northern territory. "It is said that German Sympathy is very pronounced in favour of Russia, seems almost impossible; but there is a reason for it. If Russia succeeds, it will when be easy for Germany to consummate liber desire to possess herself of Shantung, and possibly still further extend her borders, Rome through Bishop Anzer made Germany's opening; through Russia she hopes to enlarge her opportunities.
The Proposed Martyrs' Memoria} in Shanghai.
'The remarks of some gentlemen in conversation a few days ago regarding the Alartyrs' Memorial are of interest as indicating the possibility of a wiser expenuuwure of the lurids being collected than that proposed in Shanghai. {¢ is claimed that a jarge building 1n Shanghai in which wilt be located the offices of several of the benevolent societies; in which will also be Jecture room and other facilities for bringing, together the foreigners and the Chinese for social and educational advantages; and also 4 large Assembly Hall for conferences and conventions, will attract the attention of the many strangers from afar, and the many Chinese officials who are continually passing through the place, and so enlist the attention and sympathy of these various parties. to assist in promoting the progress of China. But it is doubtful if it will have any ach effect; they are not the class of people to be thus affected, even if they take the trouble to visit the place. This idea is too much dike a sandy foundation, and may result in a " white elephant." The memorial idea is a good one; but there was no one at or near Shanghai to be memorialised or specially remembered; and the local and surrounding inhabitants are no more likely to be affected or influenced than the passers-by. It will to all be simply a large money investment, in which are certain offices, and "rooms" "or "halls," and which in some way must be made to meet expenses—is a paying institution or otherwise. The tnoucht brought out in the conversation referred to, and which the Committee may well consider before it goes any further, was this: that the money should be ded in the localities where the martyrs suffered: in places where it would be a visible witness to those who caused the suffering and to their descendents: in a manner to witness to the loving spirit of the Gospel and of those who suffered; in a manner to benefit the whole people so far as possible, physically morally, and spiritually; in a manner to witness to' the people that the sufferers and the Gospel brought to them only good and not evil; love and not hate; blessing and not revenge; permanent and not evanescent good, in that it had returned after suffering, and come to stay. Thus not only few, and those of indifferent classes, will see few, and those of indifferent classes, will see and hear, and be impressed by the lives ani the deaths of those "who being dead are still speaking" for truth, for right, for love, forgiveness, peace, and mercy. Hence, that this fund should' be expended in_erecting memorial hospitals dispensaries, and chapels in the places where the martyrs suffered, in connection with the Societies there at work, that they may bring to the people most likely to be impressed, and who as needy as any, the full message of who Good News"" of healing for all maladies, spiritual, moral, and physical, and thus be a visible and living witness among them to thut for which tne martyrs bore witness in living and suffering among them. Thus the money will not lie dermott, hidden a great pile of brick and mortar, but will be as a perennial spring sending out its pure waters for the hi of the peoples. Instead of being of little and a decreasing Significance among those who know nothing of its origin and meaning, as will most assuredly be the case with such a building as is proposed, these many centres of light and blessing will continue to be well-springs of increasing joy, peace, hope, comfort, and salvation as the years go -y among those who can never forget, their origin and end, or fail to be grateful for the "light that has shined out of darkness." An appeal along this Tine will touch many more hearts than the other, and in the end accomplish immensely'more good.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.