The Pekin correspondent of the Times sends a remarkable telegram
about Thibet. The Chinese "Imperial Resident" in that country reports that he has summoned the " Councillors " of the State, and has explained to them that England, being dissatisfied by their refusal to receive an Envoy, intends coming to Thibet with troops. They must not therefore resist her by force, but must discuss all the questions raised in a friendly manner, and for fear of " consequences past con- ception," must "settle them without a rupture." This report has actually been published in the Pekin Gazette. The pro- ceeding is most unusual, and would indicate that a British mission is going to Thibet from India, and that the Empress- Regent of China does not this time wish it to be resisted,—a curious change of policy, for it is the Chinese Court, and not the Lamas, who hitherto have kept Lhassa so secluded. The story about the "troops" is, of course, an exaggeration founded upon the escort which any Commissioner would carry with him; but it may be taken as certain that the Indian Gov6rnment desires, for reasons explained eltewhere,-to open
friendly relations with Thibet. That is wise, as Russian, and perhaps French, " explorers " are beginning to enter the plateau, the only drawback being that if the Court of Pekin or the great Lamas should secretly authorise an attack on the British Commission, it would be necessary to send an expedi- tion to avenge the outrage.
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