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Time will show whether the Edict is genuine, or whether

it is only waste-paper, intended to put pressure upon the British Government in order to make them allow an increased duty on imported opium. If it proves a genuine movement, we shall, of course, not dream of attempting to force opium on the Chinese, but shall be perfectly willing to help them to secure a genuine prohibition. If, however, the object is simply to fill the Chinese Treasury or to protect native opium, there is no reason why we should allow a violation of our Treaty rights. The problem is one with which Mr. Morley is well qualified to deal, and the nation may well be content to leave it in his hands. It may be sure that he will not fail to do whatever is demanded by considerations of justice and humanity.

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