But he was not allowed to go. The Impe rial decree refusing him permission to re turn to his home ran: —

"We received yesterday a memorial from the generalissimo Yung Lu. stating that Tung Fu-hsiang, commandant of the Kansu corps of the Grand Army of the North, hav ing received news of the death of his mother, asked pennirsion to be allowed to iresren hia post and (return to his native city of Ninghsia, Kansu province. To this prayer we, at the time, gave special permission' to the said Tung Fu-hsiang to retire into mourning 100 days, it not being expedient iinder tlie present state of affairs for Tung Fu-hsiang to return to his home. As an act of special grace Tung Fu-hsiang was also named Acting Provincial Commander in Chfef of Kansu during the 100 days of hia mourning, the substantive post to be re turned to him on completion, thereof. It seems, however, that Tung Fu-hsiang is still anxious to 'home and complete his three years' mourning, and Yung Lv this morning has presented another memorial to that effect. We commend Tung Fu-hsiang for this demonstration of filiiol piety on his part, which speaks well for him, considering his many years of active military service and martini fame superior to any genaral officer now living; but we must remind him of the duty he owes to the Throne, and in con sideration of the present state of affairs in tTie"country have again to refuse the said Tuns Fu-hsiang this privilege of undergoing complete mourning for his parent." ■ General Tung is a favourite of *the Dowager, and recently, as a special mark of her favour, she decorated him with the "sable coat" for his "bravery."

THE RUSSIAN ADMIRAL.
THE JAPANESE COMMANDER.
