2
are only deterred by want of means. A few are studying at Manchester; some are at King's College, London; there are two at Rugby, but there seem to be few educational establishments in England which quite suit the means and requirements of ordinary Chinese students, and it is a pity that something cannot be done to divert a larger portion of the student class to England.
I have, &c.
(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
601
13726
[March 12
SECTION 3.
[8872]
No. 1.
44
Extract from Letter from Commander-in-chief, China.-(Communicated by Admiralty March 18, 1907.)
1
IN connection with the threatened attack on Changsha by a force of 4,000, rebels, referred to in my previous letter, the "Cadmus was dispatched to Kiukiang, the Britomart" and "Snipe" to Yochow, and the "Teal" to Changsha. The movements of these vessels were much delayed, owing to the abnormal lowness of the river, and the "Teal" could not get further than Chenglin. The Imperial Government having, however, got the better of the situation at Changsha, the gun-boats have returned to their proper stations in the river, and the "Britomart," "Bramble," and "Thistle are cruising as necessary.
The Woodcock" and "Woodlark" are cruising as necessary in the Upper Yang-tsze. Extensive robberies from junks have taken place in the vicinity of Yang-tou-ki, and the Lieutenant and Commander of "Woodlark" informs me that, while in that neighbourhood, large numbers of junks anchored near his vessel at night for protection, and that he has received the thanks of the local Magistrate for the interest he has taken in the matter. The robbers appear to be trackers and coolies, and the robberies a periodical nuisance during the navigating season, but this year they are unusually frequent.
The health of the ships' companies in the Yang-tsze is very good, and I am informed that in the Upper Yang-tsze the winter is exceptionally mild.
[2418-3]