Something else has occurred in China which it is not
easy to understand. The Italian Government, having a permanent desire to pose as one of the active Powers, asked for the lease of Sanmun, a port in Chekiang with a peculiarly defensible harbour. The Tsung-li-Yamen not only refused the request, but sent it back to the Ambassador, an act of discourtesy which greatly irritated the Italian Ministry. Three Italian cruisers have accordingly appeared off Sanmun, and the har. bour will be occupied by Italian Marines as a material guarantee for an apology and the acceptance of a fresh demand. Under those circumstances, the Tsung-li-Yamen apologises, pleading ignorance of European etiquettes—which is a fib—and will probably save its face by granting the demanded territory. It is, of course, asserted that the British " supported " the Italian request, which is not true, though they approved it, and that Russia instigated the refusal out of spite against England, which is probably not true either. The Chinese, as is natural, are half crazy with anger at the way in which they are being treated, and are just the people to kick a small boy becaur• his big brother has been disagreeable. Indeed, by the very latest accounts they are so delighted with the opportunity that they are going on kicking, and have bluntly refused all Italian demands. We shall see. Meanwhile, the first result is that three more British cruisers are on their way to China.
