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Seven of the rioters who recently massacred the mis- sionaries

at Ku-cheng have been executed ; but it is not believed on the spot that this punishment will check further outrages. None of the leaders have been even arrested, and nothing has been done to the Viceroy, who is believed to be the instigator of the whole movement. It is to obtain his dismissal that the whole effort of the new Ambassador to Pekin should be directed. A Chinese Viceroy can control a mob if he likes, and punish it too, though he dare not be harsh to the leaders of a general insurrection ; and the Court of Pekin can dismiss any Viceroy. Whatever his popularity, if the sentence is once signed by the Emperor, his rivals will see that he goes, and dismissal leaves him an unprotected man

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