A writer in the Times, obviously possessed of exceptional information,
states that the new Emperor Kwangsu, though only eighteen, is believed by those having access to the Palace to be a man of much intellectual capacity, with a decided will of his own. As his authority is quite unimpaired, he brings a new force into Chinese politics which it will be the business of diplomatists to measure. The prevailing theory is that he leans to the old Conservative side. The writer believes that he is beyond assassination, as the death of the last Emperor excited too much suspicion ; but his health is bad, he being " a puny youth, with an exceedingly large head and a melancholy countenance." The difficulty with such a man must be to bring to his mind a knowledge of actual facts. He does not travel, he does not read, and he talks to no one except the official circle, which often combines to deceive him. Kings, however, are curious, like other men, and we presume the Emperor, if he pleased, could find informants who would tell him a little truth, though they would probably be either women or clerks of the lower order. It would be difficult, too, to prevent his seeing the two or three Europeans who are really great Chinese officials.
