There is no news from China except a statement that
the International Army is to remain there through the summer months, which is, we hope, untrue. Diplomatic action seems to be circling round the question of Manchuria, the Powers asking Russia what she really intends, to which Russia will doubtless give most correct replies. She has no intention of annexing, but she must guard her railway, must prevent further gmeutes, and must have a right of efficaciously ad- vising Chinese officials. Annexation, quotha;—she will no more annex than we shall annex the Nizam's Dominions. As no one in Europe is prepared to fight Russia for Northern Asia, this sputter of angry negotiation will end only in an increased bitterness between Russian statesmen and the West. The Americans are actually withdrawing their troops from Pekin, and the Chinese Court remains tranquil at Sian, collecting regiment after regiment, but waiting quietly for more rifts within the lute. They should not altogether forget that every Power who withdraws from the Concert strengthens its power of action. If Germany and England were left alone in China it would be possible to supersede chatter by rapid decisions, some of which might be grave.
