The letter of the Chinese Emperor apologising to Japan fOP
the merder of the Japanese -Chancellor of Legation; and The letter of the Chinese Emperor apologising to Japan fOP the merder of the Japanese -Chancellor of Legation; and the reply of the Mikado thereto, are published textually in the Times of Wednesday, and are very curious reading. The Emperor acknowledges that "the immeasurably deplorable" death of the Chancellor was his fault, because he did not prevent it, and warmly thanks his correspondent because Japanese troops had given "peace and security" to the people of Pekin, and for the "beneficent influence" which he had exercised on the negotiations. The letter is positively warm in its tone of friendship, and ends with an expression of an earnest wish "that you, setting aside the displeasure occasioned by past events, may be graciously disposed to draw closer and closer the bonds of friendship uniting the two Empires." The Mikado accepts the apology, expresses his belief "that the friendly relations between the two countries will in future be closer and closer," and declares his "earnest wish that the 'great work of reform which depends on your Sovereign will, may soon be found in effec- tive progress." The tone of the correspondence differs markedly from that of the correspondence entrusted to Prince Chun, who Las been summoned home, and indicates at least a possibility of strict alliance between the two yellow Empires. If Japanese officers are allowed to instruct Chinese levies we shall hear little more of aggressions by Russia or any other Power, and we may add that the clause prohibiting the import of arms will at once become a futility.
