. The success of the expedition in spite of the
smallness of its force, its steady march forward over heights so great, and its complete, though bloodless, conquest of Lhasa appear to have excited on the Continent a feeling of genuine admire-, tion. It is acknowledged, not only in France, but in Germany and Austria, that the British manage such adventures well. The historic importance of the event is exaggerated rather than minimised, and it is evidently expected that, whatever the terms may be, the influence of this country will hence- forward be predominant in Tibet. It is acknowledged that Russia has no ground of offence, and it is suggested that Tibet will henceforward be thrown open to the commerce of the world. That is improbable, as the Mission cannot brush away the Himalayas or make the Brahmapootra navigable as far as Tibet; • but whatever advantages our subjects may gain will be shared by everybody else who seeks trade in a region where, from want of population, it must always be small. The future, however, may tell a different story. It is obvious that with the shattering of the Lamas' prestige the influence of the Chinese Resident must increase, and wherever they are protected Chinamen soon swarm. The point not yet ascer- tained is whether Tibet has any " resources,"—large spaces of culturable land, forests, or mined of metal. The correspondent of the Times seems to think that the moment the expedition retires the veil will drop again over Lhasa; but we know nothing of the result of the invasion upon the temper of the people.
