25 JANUARY 1902, Page 17

Pekin, according to the interesting telegraphic despatct in Wednesday's Times,

is very much herself again,—the city seeming more crowded and busy than before the upheaval. In many respects the Times correspondent considers the out- look most encouraging,—the attitude of the populace is respectful and friendly, the Viceroy, Yuan Shih-Kai, is acting with decision and energy, and the Chinese Govern. meat, by inflicting exemplary punishment on the murderers of native converts and missionaries, have " given heart and confidence to every Christian in the province." With regard to the restoration of Tientsin and the railway from Pekin to the Chinese, the correspondent declares that all impartial opinion supports the Chinese demand, which he anticipates will be conceded. Ai regards the metropolitan officials, whom he pronounces above the average, he strongly depre. eates the disposition to attack Yung-lu, the most powerful of all, as a "Boxer" leader. Yung-lu, whose daughter has been betrothed to the Emperor's brother, though undoubtedly suspect in the past, is strongly supported by the friendly Viceroys. The tone of the despatch is .quite unexpectedly optimistic, though the writer deplores the continuance of the old method of sending men of no influence or standing to represent China abroad. Finally, he regrets that China will be so inadequately represented at the Coronation, the Envoy being a son of Prince Ching, a Duke of the fourth degree, without personal distinction and quite- unknown. In a word, though the officials are civil, the attitude of the C6urt remains contemptuously indifferent.