The latest accounts from Lhasa are thin to a degree.
The Government of Simla is nearly as reticent as that of Tokio, and must, one would imagine, have insisted that the corre- spondents, and even officers, with the expedition should write instead of telegraphing their narratives from the nearest station. It is, however, stated distinctly that while the Dalai Lama has fled into Mongolia, perhaps to Urga with the idea of seeking aid from the "Living Buddha," who resides there, the Lamas left behind have become reasonable, and the Government of India hopes that a Treaty will be signed and that the Mission will be able to retire sooner than was expected. The people are said to be friendly ; but the ruling Lamas are evidently a little doubtful of that, for in a proclama- tion, a translation of which has reached the Daily Telegraph, and which must be more or less genuine, because no European could have forged it, they admit that the war has "gone badly," and that they are, with Chinese consent, making a Treaty. The people, monks and laymen alike, are therefore cautioned to behave properly, for if not, "we are on the watch day and night, and if we find you speaking ill we will kill or fine you as you deserve." It is announced that according to present plans the expedition will leave Lhasa on September 15th, but it is noteworthy that no hint of the terms of the Treaty, beyond a vague reference to an in- demnity, has been suffered to ooze out.
