The Chinese, who, for some months past, have resolved on
a war with Russia, have now commenced one, by invasions at two points. They have entered Manchouria, close to their own border, and the Government of St. Petersburg is urging rein- forcements over sea to Vladivostock. General Tso Tsang, in com- mand in Kashgar, has also entered the passes westward be- tween Kokand and Kuldja, and, according to accounts received and believed in Cabal, though as yet discredited in St. Petersburg, where, naturally, they have no official inform- ation of defeat, has forced the Russians to retire. This gives him, according to Mr. Boulger, who writes to the Guardian, the power of outflanking the Russians, and is so unexpected a move that it could hardly have been invented. We have elsewhere pointed out the gravity of this news. The Chinese have been preparing for months, the Russians are almost powerless in Mancliouria and are not ready in Kuldja, and the Kokandis are said to be in insur- rection. It will take months to collect forces sufficient to repel the Chinese, and Russia will be compelled to use her fleet,— that is, to blockade the Chinese ports, and stop all European trade with China. It is said that the Western Powers will be asked to prevent ',this, but they cannot forbid an ordinary operation of war, unless they are prepared to take part in it, or to compel Pekin to give way. They will hardly attempt either course, and we fully expect to hear of a blockade.
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