The rule by native princes, such as the King of Chala and others, was not perfect by any means, but the regime now in progress along the ever encroaching frontier is making the loca] Tibetans somewhat apprehensive. I saw a Tibetan merchant the other day who had his nose cut off for no other reason than being sympathetic towards the Chinese. Lhasa tule is perfectly ruthless—it may be just, -but hands, feet, ears, nose are cut off and eyes are gouged out. This form of punishment no doubt keeps down the expense for the upkeep of prisons, but at the same time it casts terror over those under such government.
It is difficult to interpret the present Lhasa move in Western Tibet. Are they there to reinstate disgruntled, dissatisfied, disin-hented native rulers? Are they there to extend the Lama rule of the Dalai-Lama, Or are they there for the avowed purpose of undermining Chinese control and establishing Lhasa rule? In carrying out any of these objects they will meet with considerable opposition, first from the Tibetans in Kham and_ultimately from the Chinese. The Litang Lamasery is favourably inclined towards Lhasa rule, but 1s somewhat apprehensive because this rule is unknown. Litang with its 3.000 Lamas has given more Dalai-Lamas than any other Lamasery in-Western Tiv Along the north caravan road the Lamas and people are inclined towards Chinese rule. Along the immediate border, west of Tachienlu, the Tibetans are entirely.in sympathy with the Chinese.
During the past 10 years China has put infinitely more money into Eastern Tibet than she. has got out of it. More money comes east than goes west. Chinese officials have no doubt tried to squeeze the Tibetans, but what is left after the Lamas have squeezed the people is certainly very little. Chinese rule on the whole has been peaceful and friendly and has facilitated commercial enterprise, the future is dark and doubtful, New Steamer for Yangtze London, Nov. 9.
Messrs. Yarrow & Ca., Ld, will shortly begin the construction of a large shallow-draft steamer for the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Ca. for service on' the Yangtze.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.