The Tibetan Expedition still remains at Gyangtse, as ib is
necessary .to await reinforcements. The intention is now avowed to move on to Lhasa; but a great stone fort must first be carried, and the Lamas and their soldiers evince unexpected courage and determination. The escort of the Mission num- bers at present only seven hundred and fifty rifles, and an attempt on May 26th to clear a village named Pa.11a, which occupiefi a strong position in relation to the fort, was only made successful by a constant resort to explosives. Every house was defended, and even when the thick stone walls were blown in the inmates refused to surrender, and died fighting. The village was most gallantly carried, we losing one officer and three men killed and three officers and seven men wounded, while only fifty of its inhabitants escaped; but the operations lasted hours, and even when they were concluded a party of fifteen mounted on black mules, and followed by forty-five swordsmen, made a daring attempt to bring tffe villagers , aid. , They charged furiously from the fort, and even when Mown down by the Maxim guns they made no attempt to fly, but, with the exception of one 'man, perished 'there. The incident shows that the resist- ance at Lhasa will be desperate, and there are still five or six high fortified passes to be carried before the capital is reached. The expedition, therefore, awaits the half-regiment of Europeans and another half-regiment of Pathans who have been ordered forward. There is no sign whatever that the Lamas think of surrender, and there are rumours that troops are coming to their aid from the remoter provinces. In the face of the splendid bravery shown by the Tibetans it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of tegret that it is neces- sary to continue military operations. ' A little reflection inll show, however, that they are inevitable. If we do not attack the Tibetans they will attack us, and very possibly destroy the whole expeditionary force. Unless, then, we retire with nothing accomplished, we must fight. But to retire is now irn.possible without the most serious consequences. If we were not prepared to accomplish the workuf the Mission, we should never have entered upon it.
