We pointed out a month ago with some care that
the Empress, if she found she could not arrest the march of the Allies, would transfer the seat of Government to Segan, in Shensi, the ancient capital. As this movement would be most inconvenient to Europe, its probability was denied, but it is now admitted that it has occurred. For weeks past a strong force has been employed in Moving all treasures, three separate bodies of troops at least have been ordered from the South to Segan and points along the road, and either on August 6th or 10th the Empress set out on her westward journey, which, if she covers twenty miles a day, will take her at least six weeks. She probably took with her the phantom Emperor, Kwangsu, Prince Tuan and his son, the next heir, most of the Manchu Princes, perhaps all, the great officials, and the picked troops of the Army. She has ordered the Pekin share of the revenue to be forwarded to Segan, and doubtless intends to make it her future abode. It is much more convenient as a capital of China than Pekin, is approached by all roads, and cannot be raided from the sea- coast. By Christmas, we imagine, the Court will be seated there as if it had never left it, and will be negotiating serenely and at ease with the outer barbarians. The same thing happened when the barbarians took Rome, and Constan- tinople defied them, and will happen when, Constantinople being untenable, the Sultan retreats to Broussa.
