The Missionary Societies in this country are naturally paying attention to the action of the Chinese Government with respect to igious teaching in schools. T append a short article which will appear in the October number of the "Chronicle" of the London Mis-signary Society. Tt is written by the Rev. ©. G. Spatham, who for a good many years was its Secretary fu China. As far as is known, no formal action hasbeen taken by Missionary Societies in this country, ult, of course, their representatives in China were parties to the Petition referred to in the first paragraph nese Church orzanit sch of christ ascertain what exactly is the attitude of the British Government in matters of this nature, and it may t/be summed up as follows:
'The protection of life and property in foreign settlements and concessions, and in China generally', when disturbances take place, is primarily the responsibility of the Navy and the usual practice is for measures of protection to be con-jeerred between the various naval authorities on the spot. Recently. when very grave danger appeared to be imminent at Hankow, Great Britain took steps to consult the Governments of the United States, Japan and other Powers principally feoncerned with a view to securing ce-operation in any special measures, that might be necessary. Fortunately, however, the threatened crisis passed away. In generally, Great Britain is in frequent consultation with the United States and Japan and in a lesser degree with other Powers on all matters where common interests in China are concerned.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.