There is no news from China beyond the usual rumours
that negotiations are about to commence. The water near Taku is frozen, and there seems to be some doubt whether supplies can be forwarded to Pekin in sufficient quantity. The situation there is not quite pleasant, the generals of the different forces not agreeing—the American General Chaffee, for instance, has so roundly protested against German plunder that Count von Waldersee sent back his letter—and the health both of Indians and Germans is reported to be very bad. A question should be asked in Parliament as to the condition of the Indian troops, as nothing could be more injurious to our interests than the spread among Indian regi- ments of a general disgust for service in China. It is certain that the Sikhs will suffer cruelly from the cold, and if they feel the malaria of Pekin, what must be the condition of Europeans ?
