Six officials, accused by Germany of taking part in the murders, had also been degraded and punished, and the actual perpetrators of the crimes would be treated as they deserved. China had promised to pay heavy damages for the injury done to the mission, and would, moreover, provide for the erection of three churches, each marked with a tablet to indicate that they were under the protection of the Emperor. China would also furnish the money necessary for the erection of seven residences for the Catholic prefecture of Tsao-Chou-Fu. The Chinese Government finally agreed to issue a special Imperial edict to insure the future protection of the German missions. * * * * * Major Williams, who was sent to London by the Treasury Department to inquire into the means for enforcing the new sealskin exclusion act, has acknowledged that his inquiries have discouraged him. He believes it will be impossible for the Government to enforce the law in its present form. Comparatively few of the sealskins can be identified after they have passed through the hands of the wholesale and the retail dealers. So it looks as if the Government would have to find some other way to protect the seals from threatened extinction. * * * * * The observations of the eclipse of the sun on the 22d of January, taken at Talni, India, are said to have been completely successful. The astronomers who had gone to Talni from Great Britain to represent the British Astronomical Association, and from the Lick Observatory at San Francisco, succeeded in taking some excellent photographs. While the eclipse was complete, the light is said to have equalled that of the full moon. Wherever observations were made, the results are reported to have been satisfactory. During the eclipse, Venus, Mars, and Mercury were clearly seen. * * * * * The report that Mr. Gladstone is in very feeble health has been confirmed. It looks now as if one of the greatest careers in the whole history of England would soon be ended. Mr. Gladstone, however, has always had such remarkable vitality that his admirers all over the world hope that he will be spared a few years longer. Still, there can be no doubt that his work is over. And what wonderful work it has been! As Mr. Gladstone was born in Liverpool on the 29th of December, 1809, he is now in his eighty-ninth year. Since 1894, when his failing eyesight forced him to leave public life, he has lived very quietly at his home in Hawarden. But he has continued to take an active interest in public affairs, and he has devoted himself to the studies in which he has had a life-long interest. On several occasions, too, he has spoken out on subjects of grave importance, showing his old-time vigor and courage. His death would be a loss not only to England, but to the world at large.