ie East hus never been fully taki. Dr. Morse, it is true, in his interesting compilation "The International Relations vf the Chinese Empire, outlined in mechanical periods part of the tale—but only a part. Mr. J. 0. P. Bland, formerly Six Robert Hart's Private Secretary, has been invited by x well known London publisher to write his life, and we do not know of anyone who is '50 well qualified to do so. But it is understood that Mr. Bland is reluetfant to. undertake the task unless fan secure access to that celebrated Diary in which Sir Robert Hart systematically narrated the inner history of political China and soial Peking for pared of es 60
This unique journal, consisting of 73 volumes, fs not available, it is said and remains a eeled book, Mr. Bland, therefore, must either abandon his iden altogether, or else rely solely on his personal knowledge and on the numerous collections of Sir Robert Hart's. private letters on political, social and philosophical subjects, which are known to exist throughout the world, and the new Custom House is in itself evidence that his early labours for China and for the service were conducted on sure and far-secing Principles which even the Revolution did not. shake, The following notes on Sir Robert Hart and the monument have been contributed by a local resident who knew "the Groat I. G." through intimate association with him and who remains a loyal admirer—Ed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.