It is reported that the Empress-Regent of China, is anxious
to supersede the heir to the throne, whom she selected a year ago. He will, she thinks, be too completely dominated by his father, Prince Tuan, whose attitude in Mongolia is entirely unknown to Europe. She now proposes Prince Lun, a nephew of Tuan, who is said to be connected with the Boxer organisation. The reforming party dislike the appointment, and are anxious that Europe should protest; but it is difficult to see how Europe can interfere in a detail so entirely domestic. It is certain that no heir who can possibly be selected will be as hostile to Western influence as the Empress herself is, and to nominate a reforming Emperor is entirely beyond European power. Besides, prophetic politics are nsually foolish, and the present Emperor, though a man of weak constitution, may live, unless he is assassinated, for another twenty years. If he survives the terrible Empress he will, on the theory of the succession expressed in this despatch, be able to nominate his own successor.
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