The telegrams from Calcutta as to the Tibetan affair do
not seem to us hopeful. It was reported on Saturday that the Lamas, under the influence of a new Chinese Resident at Lhassa, were inclined to treat; but on Monday it was stated that they were treating only with Sikkim. They have gathered some 8,000 troops above the pass that leads to Gnatong, and intend to attack as soon as the Europeans are finally with- drawn. It has been necessary, therefore, to fortify Gnatong, and to keep an "expeditionary force" ready for immediate action at Darjeeling. It seems to be understood that the Chinese Resident really opposes the attacks, and the difficulty is to comprehend the motive which is driving the Lamas on. They are not people who seek military glory, and they can hardly hope, with the Chinese Resident to tell them the truth, that they may conquer Bengal a second time. That they will try a rush on the first opportunity seems, however, certain.
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