The Germans continue their "punitive expeditions" in North China, partly
to keep away Chinese troops from Chih-li and partly to make themselves terrible in Mandarins' eyes. On April 23rd and 24th, for instance, a body of Germans marched from Pao-ting-fu to attack " the nearest gates of the pass at the Great Wall." They were twice encountered by Chinese soldiers, who fought very well in the defiles, and on one occasion caught a company of Germans in a trap, killing half their number. The Germans are officially reported successful, and there is no reason to doubt the report, but in marching they live on the country, and it is said that the total effect of their movements is disastrous, the troops and volunteers whom they scatter turning to brigandage for subsistence. • The hostility of the local Chinese increases, and further attempts have been made to burn Pekin, so that the Ministers strongly advise the replacing of Europeans by Chinese officials.. They can govern while the officers of the international army, the British and Japanese excepted, can only kill. It is stated that the defensive buildings round the Legations are .now complete, and make of the diplomatic quarter a formidable fortress, but as it is also stated that all the governing Boards are now at Sian, and are working smoothly, the utility of the new buildings is not apparent. Chinamen are human beings, and a Chinese Emperor is not likely to return to a Palace commanded by enemies' gone.
