yourselves what a big sum this is.

A heavy sum of money must be paid to defray the expenses of the German
naval expedition to China, and money must be paid to keep the German
force in the Bay of Kiao Chou, which they have seized.

The Chinese Government, on hearing these demands, said that the Bay of
Kiao Chou must be given up before they could even be discussed.

The German minister replied that Germany would not give up Kiao Chou,
and there the matter rests.

The representatives of the other foreign powers think these terms are
unreasonable, and that China shall not think of accepting them.

China has expressed her willingness to rebuild the mission-houses and
punish the criminals. She hopes to be able to settle the difficulty by
diplomacy, as she is not in a position to go to war.

The cowardly governor who gave up the forts without firing a shot has
been condemned to death.

* * * * *

The Queen Regent has signed the decree giving home rule to Cuba.

The plan, in brief, is that the island shall be governed by the
Captain-General (who is to represent the mother country) and two
chambers of Congress, the Council Chamber and the House of
Representatives.