Lord Charles Beresford has allowed the final result of his
recent travels in China to ooze out. We have discussed his plan elsewhere, but may mention here tbat he advocates an alliance of Great Britain, Germany, America, and Japan to guarantee China against all foes, the formation of an army of two hundred thousand Chinamen under European officers, and such a reorganisation of finance as would enable that army to be paid. In return China would throw open her commerce to the world, and allow citizens of the guaranteeing Powers to open mines at will. The Chinese officials are saicItcabe.friendly to the plan, which we do not doubt, and all the Anglo-Chinese welcome it with enthusiasm. As it would speedily involve a war with Russia and Frame, as we have no right, unless we govern China, to place an irresistible weapon in the hands of corrupt Man- darins, and as we can obtain trade and mining privileges without so dangerous a bargain, the plan will not, we think. be carried out. We have enough, as Sir R. Giffen's paper shows, without accepting responsibility for the old lady at Pekin, whose enemies have such a habit of dying.
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