It is stated that the Court of Pekin, warned of
its position by the Ambassadors of all Europe, has at length resolved to make a sincere effort to obtain peace. With this view, according to the story, it has decided to send Li Hung Chang, and either Prince Kung or Sir Robert Hart— the Director-General of Customs, and the one European who has the influence of a Cabinet Minister—to Tokio, with full powers to conclude a treaty. These are un- doubtedly the men who would be chosen if the Court were in earnest, and if they have full powers the Japanese Government must negotiate. The plenipotentiaries, never- theless, will have instructions, and it remains to be seen if the Manchus will concede enough, if the Japanese sincerely de- sire peace, and if they have no unexpected demand to make giving themselves an informal protectorate in China. They will be wise to be content with their enormous success, and with the means of doubling their Fleet, and organising a different transport service,—they need greatly a power of quicker movement,—but there is doubt still whether they do not dis- trust their opponents, and intend to nominate a Government of their own. The stories of Japanese intrigues with the Secret Societies, whose first object is the overthrow of the Tartar Dynasty, seem romantic ; but the Japanese must, for their own security, acquire power somehow in Pekin. Other- wise, the Manchus will wait thirty years, and then have that indemnity back.
