America begins to weigh heavily in diplomacy. It seemed as
if the European Powers were determined to keep their hold on Tientsin, even Great Britain unwillingly consenting in order to maintain their accord. The Government of Washington, however, protested, Mr. Hay negotiated with the Ambassadors in Washington, and it is now announced that Tientsin will shortly be evacuated, and handed over to the Chinese upon their own terms. The decision will in many quarters be considered weak ; but it is, we are convinced, a. wise one. It is friendliness that Europe now wants of China, and it was impossible for the Government of Pekin to be friendly while Europe levelled a pistol at its head. One special demand—abandoned, of course, with the city—that no Chinese soldiers should approach Tientsin within thirty miles, was a continuous insult which we may be sure must have excited in the most arrogant Court in the world many ideas of a future and comprehensive vengeance. The precaution involved in keeping the city was, too, of no practical use, for the Chinese Government has learned that it can fly from the foreigner without being pursued, and without losing its authority among its own subjects. The possession of Tientsin only facilitates a march to Pekin, and an occupation of Pekin with its Court far away is of no more value than au occupation of any other city in the Empire.
