the ingratitude and
fickleness of its own people. And they shut their eyes to the great
benefits China conferred upon Central Asia during the century that she
was paramount therein. They would like us, and every other observer of
the crisis, to do the same. That is impossible, for the teaching of
history is clear, and points to a diametrically opposite conclusion. We
do not dispute the beneficence of Russia's government of Kuldja. We
freely admit it. That is no reason for maligning the Chinese, and
asserting that they are utter barbarians; nor is it a reason, in the
eyes of Chinamen, for a refusal to restore Kuldja. By refusing to
entertain the overtures of Tso Tsung Tang, which were made, there is
reason to believe, before the attack on Yakoob Beg, the Russians huffed
the Chinese; and by procrastinating ever since, when questioned upon the
subject, they have still further displeased them. The Russians are aware
of this, and feel convinced that, no matter how obliging they might be
disposed to be, the Chinese will now no longer appreciate their
moderation. If we admit this, as can scarcely be gainsaid, what becomes
of the Kuldja question, and of its peaceful solution that many claim to
see? How can it be peacefully solved, if Russia will not accede to the
terms from which China is resolved not to budge? Surely not by a fresh
commotion on the part of the Mussulman population, which some persons
have pretended to forecast by magnifying a petty success that has been
obtained by the insignificant ruler of Khoten over a Chinese detachment.
Surely not by such trivial circumstances as the hostility of an outlying
dependency, will China be either expelled from Kashgar, or induced to
forego her claims on Kuldja. The success of the Khoten chief is but a
minor incident in the campaign, and for that district and its people it
must be pronounced a great misfortune. The Chinese will exact a terrible
revenge. The Kuldja question will not be solved by such means, English
readers can feel assured; and the hostility of Russia and China towards
each other will become more pronounced every day. Already petty
disturbances are reported to have taken place along the border. Russian
merchants have been molested by parties of brigands, among whom the
assailed assert there were Chinese soldiers; and no satisfaction could
be obtained from their generals. Representations have been made to Tso
Tsung Tang upon the subject, and his reply has not been