13 AUGUST 1898, Page 2

The Associated Chambers of Commerce have taken an original and,

as we believe, a wise step. They have com- missioned Lord Charles Beresford, who has obtained the consent of the Admiralty, to visit China this autumn, and report on the future prospects of our trade and commerce, and particularly the safe employment of British capital. Lord Charles Beresford, though he has exhibited a most praise- worthy tenacity in his endeavours to force successive Govern- ments to give us an efficient Fleet, has never sho-- himself a Jingo enrage, and if his Report is uneenventional. .age, it is pretty sure to be shrewd and in its 44an-

elusions. As becomes a sailor, Is flncv". doubtless

form definite views as to the nay E'e inland -waters, a subject of the utmost md, re. The Associated Chambers have shown B _ :hoosing a commissioner who has no proclivities or prejudices la regard to any particular trade, and whose recommendations will there- fore be quite unbiassed. Lord Charles starts on August 25th, and if he remains away till the first week of next Session he will get some six months in which to conduct his investigations.