A statement of some importance has been issued as to
the overland route between Europe and China. It is officially declared that the line through Siberia will be ready next spring; that travelling, though slow, will be comfortable; and that the journey to Port Arthur will occupy only fifteen and a half days. This would enable a traveller to reach Pekin in eighteen and a half days, most of the distance between Port Arthur and the capital being accomplished by sea. The price of a first-class ticket from London to Shanghai or to Japan will be £42, 14s. This is a great improvement both as to speed and price over both the -Suez and the American routes, and the new line will doubtless greatly attract globe-trotters. We question, however, if it will attract ordinary English passengers, while of course most descriptions of goods will always be sent by sea. A continuous journey of sixteen days by rail is a severe trial of endurance, and there will be difficulties and disagreeables both from the language and, except for a few months in the year, from the climate. .
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