Except the wretched attempt of a force under the Tesuits
to seize power in Friburg, a canton of Switzerland,—at once sup- pressed by the municipal guard of the place,—Turkey is still the most stirring point of action on the Continent; the arrival of Lord Stratford de Redeliffe having encouraged both the British and the Liberal party of the Turks in Constantinople.
But the real interest of the foreign news lies far beyond,— beyond even Burmah, where the English are making better way,—in the central flowery land of China, scene of a chronic re- bellion that at last grows critical. The rebels are now understood to contemplate the expulsion of the dominant but alien race of Mantchoo Tartars, and the rebel chief is already called King. The -English are inclined to anticipate his success ; but some doubt naturally arises whether the Chinese, when they shall have ex- pelled their military class, will be able to set the first precedent of a numerous nation able to maintain its independence, or even in- ternal government, without an efficient military power in the state. All sorts of speculations are afloat : as to the possible invasion of China by a Russian force, for the purpose of including it in the great empire of Europe and Asia ; as to the American fleet, osten- sibly destined for Japan, the Americans having made no email way in winning the friendship of the Chinese by their amicable address which they contrast with our warlike coercion • and solo a British annexation of China after Burmalif—the storm in the great teapot threatening one of the best boons in Mr. Gladstone's Budget. But the obscurity of China and all its affairs mocks speculation.
