A private telegram, dated Pekin, July 2nd, has been received
in London, announcing that "Chung How," recently Chinese Ambassador in St. Petersburg, and sentenced to death for signing the Kuldja Treaty, "has been reprieved, in order to show that China does not wish to hurt Russia's dignity, and -does desire the continuance of friendly relations." If that telegram is true, there are three possible explanations. One is that the European Powers, acting together at Pekin, have com- pelled the Chinese Government to abandon the idea of war with Russia. Another is that some official revolution has occurred in Pekin, and that Prince Bung and the Peace Party are again at the top. And a third is that the European Ambassadors, who were naturally from professional feeling deeply irritated by the sen- tence on Chung How, have secured his reprieve, to which an over-wide interpretation has been given. Mr. Gladstone on Thursday evidently expected war, and so does the Russian Government, for it has made an offer to the British Govern- ment, in the event of that contingency, which Mr. Gladstone said won-id be accepted. It is by no means quite certain that Pekin can now stop General Tao, who has the Mantchoo Princes, the Army, and much of the people behind him.
Previous page
