The Powers in China are not a step nearer to
their indem- nity. They all apparently wish to leave Pekin, but are afraid to go without their money, and cannot agree either as to its amount or the method of raising it. The Court gives them no help, and still refuses to enter Pekin, while small " armies " of Chinese are seen in every direction, one having just fought a British ,detachment and been beaten. The Privy Council has been abolished in favour of a smaller body, with Prince Ching as chairman; but the Government apparently fears to appoint a Foreign Secretary lest he should be too powerful, or at all events too decided. The belief in Chinese minds that there will be no return to Pekin continues, but they seem to understand their own Court no better than the foreigner does. Both in France and Germany there is acute fretting at the useless expense going on, as there would also -be in• England but for the illusion that we are in some way thwarting Russia. Lastly, there are rumours of Chinese attacks on Mukden, but whether they are ordered from Sian, or are local outbursts, no one mentions.
