The situation on the Tibetan border is always peculiar, never without interest, and sometimes romantic. Peculiar, because it is a border, interesting because of its important issues, romantic because it is unknown and uncertain. The situation is peculiar because no one can say definitely where China is and where Tibet was; peculiar, because no one knows what Tibet intends to do, or what China is doing. The situation is exceedingly interesting because the questions discussed involve the future of central Asia; romantic because an adventurer may determine who wins and who loses; at present, outwardly full of peace and harmony.
It may~be questioned if at any time in Border history a better or more peaceful state of affairs existed. The present harmonious relations between the Tibetans and the Chinese are largely due to the good work of Chen Hsia-lin. The Tibetan Border never had a more capable, energetic, or indefatigable Commissioner. His rule is absolutely firm, perfectly just, and necessarily despotic. A long experience in the Marches has given Chen a wide knowledge in Tibetan administration. He has seen Commissioners come and go and he has carefully avoided their follies and mistakes.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.