A speech by the German Emperor made to officers embarking
at Bremerhaven was reported by one of those officers to his family, and by them moat imprudently pub-
lished. The speech, if genuine, is important, and its genuineness is not denied. His Majesty said that he should demand from China the suppression of the revolt, the exemplary punishment of the ringleaders, the restoration of the status quo, and the establishment of a strong Government
which will give the necessary " written guarantees " against a renewal of the state of affairs which now exists. The Emperor's idea, therefore, is to accept the fiction that the Legations were attacked by rebels. His Majesty added that he should oppose partition with the greatest decision, as the Chinese were accustomed to a central Government, and it would "lead to complications." He warned his officers against underestimating the enemy, blamed Admiral Seymour for advancing with so small a force, and specially charged his hearers to keep on good terms with all nationalities, and to treat the Chinese well, for they expected justice. The speech altogether was a very sensible one, and with the exception of the criticism on Admiral Seymour and one other point, it will be endorsed by every sensible Englishman. The "other point " is the diplomatic acquittal of the Empress- Regent. Pretences of that kind are always unjust, and they seldom pay.
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