In Pekin, as in Paris, all depends upon the attitude
of the soldiers. The mob, which is anti-foreign, cannot rise without their consent, and their attitude is uncertain. They must for a time have adhered to the Empress-Regent, or she could not have overthrown the Emperor so easily, but it is believed that they are entirely at the disposal of particular generals, among whom there have been of late many changes. If these men think that the time has arrived for China to resist foreign influence, there will be serious trouble, and this is possible, as the Court is summoning masses of troops from Hunan, who are believed in China to be really fighting men. The influences brought to bear in Pekin are too complex, and on points too little known, for outsiders to form a trustworthy opinion, but the belief with most foundation is that all depends upon the Empress-Dowager. She really knows what she wants, she has decision and energy, and her colossal wealth gives her the means of purchasing both generals and the leaders of the societies. The great Anti- Manchu Society, which has so often manifested itself in recent Chinese history, does not appear this time to be in motion.
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