THE BRITISII POSTAL AGENCIES IN CHINA. [To the Editor of
the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The announcement that our Government is carrying into effect the proposal to discontinue its postal agencies throughout China has been received with great surprise and with feelings of much regret. If it is the fixed intention of the Powers concerned to turn this matter of posts over to China for her complete control, then why not do so at a time when there is perfect accord and peace throughout her land, and at a time when her present postal system is on a par with that of other nations ? Let the combined Powers con- cerned discontinue their agencies at one and the same time. This course will leave "no stone unturned," and everyone will be the happier for such a move. There is no question that the Chinese postal system has grown enormously in the few years it has been in existence, and the handful of foreigners who have built up the institution with such wonderful results are worthy of the admiration of everybody, but the time is not yet ripe to allow her full powers. It is whispered that the Japanese post-offices will not be closed until such time as the Chinese authorities permit Japanese to fill important positions in their postal administration ; it is also said that the French post-offices will remain open in China until such time as the Japanese post-offices close. The wonder is why the British authorities have thought it wise to be premature.
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