grave international difficulty. The Taotai, feeling himself unable to enforce
China's neutrality, and being in fear that Japanese vessels might enter the harbour and resort to force, addressed communications to the thirteen Consuls in the port asking for their collective assistance, a step which, as was to be expected, came to nothing. The Chinese Government having authorised certain repairs to the ships, the British Consul was requested to ask the dock authorities to do no more, a request with which Sir Pelham Warren complied on Tuesday. Saturday had been fixed as the day of departure, but the Chinese Government again changed its plans, and extended the time till Sunday at noon. The Japanese warmly protested, and what with the complete incapacity of Chinese officials and the growing irritation of Japan, the incident might have led to serious complications had not the Czar sent a definite message on Wednesday commanding Admiral Reitzenstein to disarm both vessels. With the lower- ing of their flags the status of neutral ports drops for the moment out of the class of urgent questions.
