The Foochow correspondent of the Times, writing on Sep- tember
9th, forwards a statement from Pekin prepared by a Times' correspondent there, which is far less unintelligible than the accounts usually transmitted from the capital. It may be true or false, but it is reasonable. The writer says that the Empress and the Imperial family, fearing for the dynasty, which might be overthrown by a defeat, are in favour of peace. They are, however, unable to resist the War Party, which has little to lose, and is now favoured by Li Hung Chang, who controls the food-supply of Pekin, and all policy, therefore, oscil- lates, and is stained with apparent treachery. The weak- ness of this account is the difficulty of reconciling it with the accounts of the revolution which placed Prince Chun at the head of affairs, but if for" the Imperial family "we read "the Palace,' there is no inconsistency. It is clear that an internal contest is going on at Pekin, and that it is on this M. Ferry relies when he hopes for submission without invasion. He has failed at present, and Admiral Conrbet has received new orders to strike a blow which may strengthen the Empress's hands. We venture to pre- dict he will fail, unless M. Ferry is content to hold Kehing as a material guarantee. He may do that ; but Pekin will pay no money till it has seen a foe.
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