July 4.
We publish to-day two striking articles by Mr. Rodney Gilbert to both of which we draw special attention. Of these, the one on the withdrawal of diplomatic recognition from Peking is the first of a series, written some weeks ago but temporarily held back for reasons with which we need not trouble readers. The other is the direct outcome of recent events, a description of the new turn in the opinions of men who are in a position to influence policy. The chaotic and lawless state of government in Chia has gone on so long that it is coming to be taken for granted by most people. Trade has flourished none the less and, it might be supposed, will continue to do so. But that is precisely what close observers in Peking begin to realize cannot and must not be expected. Even the machinery vf Customs and Salt Gabelle, which alone has kept China together in a financial sense and upheld her credit abroad, is' threatened by the—uncontrollability of the Tuchuns, and bankruptey, calling for intervention on an unparalleled scale, looms ever nearer and nearer.
Under such conditions it is not surprising that some people have begun to ask what possible good to themselves or to China can come of the Powers perpetuating the solemn farce of recognizing a Government which does anything except govern and through whose unsavoury reputation their own prestige is not a little stained. Indeed we are told that the Legations have already been invited to withdraw their countenance from' this monstrous parade of pretence and misrule and address themselves instead to to the true people of China as represented by the Provincial
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.