The Englishmen: and Americans who were kidnapped in a train
in China by brigands three weeks ago are still held captive. The Chinese Government has been in constant communication with the brigands, who threaten to murder the prisoners if not enough money is paid. The power of the Central Government in China over its scattered and diffuse elements has always been notoriously slight, and we cannot help watching events with much anxiety. Apparently when the Chinese Government proposes terms—it cannot do anything practical except pay—the brigands raise the price. The brigands also demand immunity for them- selves, and it is a delicate matter either to yield to such a claim or to make it satisfactory to them if it is con- ceded. At first they proposed that they should be allowed to hold a Chinese hostage, but later they began to demand international' pledges for their safety.
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