Though Pekin has been taken, it is by no means
certain that it will be quietly held ; while the American General Chaffee reports that both in the city and on the road to Tientsin there will be "further fighting," which means that the Chinese are not impressed, as Europeans would have been, by the loss of their capital. Though the Legations, again, are safe, it has become clear that they were not attacked by rebels of any sort, but by the regular forces under the command of the regular Government,—a most serious difference. Lastly, the retreat of the Empress with the machinery of government to Segan, seven hundred and fifty miles away, "the true strategical centre of China," signifies that the Government of the Empire has become inaccessible and means to continue the war. There is evidence, in fact, that the war will not come to a sudden end, but, as Count von Waldeis •e stated on Wednesday, will last a long time, and may have unexpected developments. As all Europe would like to be out of the trouble in any way consistent with honour and future security, the general effect of the news is one of relief rather than exultation.
