By Rodney Gilbert, Peking, July 12.
Foreign public opinion here is reacting most unfavourably indeed to the telegraphic hints from London at the nature of the Lincheng reparation demands. The Chinese politicians are indifferent and oblivious. Other Chinese comment is both contemptuous The suggestion of a naval demonstration is considered ridiculeus in foreign circles and is dismissed at that. The reported scheme for officering railway guards under foreign control is taken much more seriously because, in the first place, it is believed that it will not only he futile as a preventive measure but will he a positive incentive to more disorder; and because, in the second place it is interpreted as clear proof of the complete misconception of the problems to be solved. Criticism is natural ly focussed upon the Diplomatic Body. While it is understood that with improved commun: tions a Minister Plenipotentiary now has to get permission by cable to transact the most. insignia ficant business and that, without authority and proper support from Home, it is useless for the local diplomatic nts of the Powers to consider ie ment sures, one hears the opinion pressed everywhere that the Home Government. would adopt a more intelligent attitude towards China if they were more intelligently posted from Peking.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.