So much for commerce. Politically the situation is even. worse. The reply to the Chinese Government to the Diplomatic Note is regarded as most unsatisfactory and it is supposed that none of the Governments which signed it will be content with it. It is very difficult to know what to-do. Most experts think that China must be allowed to continue in the present internal welter of affairs until she rights herself, always assuming that the Peking Government is held responsible for the adequate protection for the lives and property of foreigners. Most people, however, think that some form of pressure will be essential before the Chinese Government—that is, what there is of it—realizes its responsibilities. There are very few persons here who do not feel that a more vigorous policy on the part of the Powers is essential.. It unfortunate, however, that the different Governments have so much on their hands at the present time that they cannot pay adequate attention to matters in the Far East, but the time will soon come when this will be otherwise. I do not envy the task of the Chairman of the China Association when he has to make his annual speech at the November dinner. No one can_ be optimistic about China and I do not suppose that he will be. At all events British residents in the Far East can rest assured that their interests are not been overlooked. The telegrams from China are very full and very outspoken and they have produced a general feeling here—and I am sorry to say-it for China's aske—that no steps should be taken to help that country until she affords evidence that she is making a serious attempt to help herself.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.