It is stated, in telegrams from Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburg,
and New York, that the British Government has suggested to the Continental and American Governments that the time has arrived for Europe to mediate between China and Japan. All the Governments addressed, however, refuse to inter- vene, and Lord Rosebery has retired discomfited. All tle Governments, moreover, are sending out war-ships to pre- tect their interests, the British, in particular, despatching two of their heaviest ironclad cruisers, ostensibly to protect British subjects, really to be ready for any eventuality. The overture made on the subject, as we argue else- where, is a very foolish proceeding, as the Government might have been sure of a snub ; and we are not certain that the strengthening of the squadron is wise. The British people are not prepared to defend China, and failing that intention, one fancies that great ironclads would be more in their place in the Mediterranean. It may be doubted if Japan, in its excitement, will accept the mediation of any single European State, and unless there is a great massacre of foreigners in China, combined action by Europe is impossible. Indeed, even if there were a massacre—which is, we think, improbable—half Europe would attack China, and the other half would insist on Japan stopping the war. Suppose we wait a little for events, which, we may rely on it, will not move at the European pace.
