This intimation has greatly startled the Powers. France, though obviously
disapproving, has assented to the pro- posal, and America accepts it with reserves; but Germany is bitterly annoyed, Austria and Italy side with Germany, and Great Britain, though delaying her answer, has ordered the fourth brigade of Indian troops promptly to Hong-kong. The opinion of Japan alone is still uncertain. Officially, the Powers request time to communicate with their representa- tives, but it is already evident that unless Russia gives way, and either agrees to remain in Pekin or to join the Powers in insisting on punitive terms, the Concert is suspended. None of the Powers wish to protract the war, but all, except Russia, feel that if the Empress-Regent is allowed to return to Pekin unpunished the position of white men in China will be nearly intolerable. The Russian motive is generally assumed to be a wish to check the ambition of Germany, but it is probable that she sees her way to all she wants in Manchuria, and is unwilling to spend treasure and men on behalf of the general interests of Europe. We have explained our view of the situation elsewhere, which is, in brief, that the punishment of the Chinese Court is necessary to the safety of all white men, but that the punishment once inflicted the sooner we are-out of China the better.
