The dominant idea among the Great Powers seems to be
that China must pay an indemnity for the attack on the Legations, that some kind of " security " not described is to he given against such attacks in the future, and then Europe, America, and Japan are to retire. Russia, however, is to go on with her own special war until her railway is safe, and Germany is to exact some special compensation for the murder of her Ambassador, while Japan is to receive a reward for her efficiency. A thousand rumours are circu- lated as to details, but all have this general programme for central pivot. It seems certain that Russia is accumulating a large force in Manchuria, and will hold on to Newchwang ; that Germany is despatching a force—thirty thousand men— too large to be considered a contingent ; and that Japan, under one pretext or another, is gathering a considerable army in Korea. We do not see that Great Britain, which asks only trade, is menaced at all; but it is quite clear that if when the general war ends three separate wars are to be carried on, we are very far from seeing the end of Chinese troubles. Our readers should note the outburst of suspicion against Japan because, her Consul being threatened, she has occupied Amoy and is there protecting everybody.
