NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE latest news from China is unusually significant, and, in our judgment, somewhat ominous. The Chinese Court leaves Pekin in April to worship at the tombs of the Imperial family. When the rites are performed, however, it will not return, but will proceed by railway to Paoting-fu, where a grand palace has been prepared at vast expense for its re- ception. There, say the Chinese, it intends to remain as long as possible, "on account of the humiliation felt at being in Pekin under foreign guns." Of course, this may only be a Press rumour, and without foundation; but it also may be an indication that the Empress-Regent is considering whether the time has not come to demand the withdrawal of the European troops and the destruction of the works protecting the Lega- tions, and to threaten in the event of non-compliance that she will remain at a distance from the capital, and in command of the road which leads to the inaccessible alternative capital of Sian. We cannot believe that the Chinese Court has forgiven the recent occupation of Pekin, or is prepared to endure for ever the insult involved in the precautions for the protection of the Legations. It is quite certain that no European Court would endure it for a week, and the pride of Europe is to the pride of China what water is to wine.
