Plots in Tibet.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 8961, 9 December 1905, Page 7 (Supplement)

Plots in Tibet.

Xews has reached England (says th'Londwn Daily Mail) of a well-known Eastern traveller and scientist who started in May 1903 on an expedition across China into Tibet. This gentleman stayed for some time in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet., where he learnt much of what had ha\> pened since the British departed. He discovered that Russian caravans had arrive'.! in Lhasa and brought many rich present for the abbots of the monasteries with. » view of regaining their political influence, which had dwindled away during the British. occupation in Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who fled from Lhasa on the approach the British, went to the Kokonor district and remained there, unable to make up his mind as to whether he should seek protection in Russian or Chinese territory. His hesitation was due to the new.; of the Russian defeats at the hands of th? Japanese in September 1904, and he decided to write to the Emperor of Chin.", to ask if it was irue that Russia, h'--. great friend, had been overthrown by thJapanese. He received a reply to effect that it- was so, and that Russia would not trouble Tibet any more. The Dalai Lama then moved to Urga, where he received orders from the Chinese tr, go to Pekin and have an audience with tinEmperor before returning to Lhasa. .-'J ■ though the majority of the citizens o? I Lhasa are longing for the return of their ruler, the great high priests and abbots in the Potala palace and monasteries are not in favor of the return of the Daln; Lama, because they see in this the fivi-l downfall of Russian influence, and tli.y,-. their ruler has returned to favor with ifte. Chinese Emperor, and that the days oi" rich gifts and money from the Russian Government are ended. As a matteroorl r faci A they predict an outbreak of hostifrties when the Dalai Lama returns. Tho Dalai Lama has been informed of all that has happened in the country and in Lhasa during his absence, and in consequence is afraid to Teturn just yet. In fact, taking into consideration that he will certain!!* not venture to. move in the coming winter-, which is very- severe, he can hardly reach his pajaee at the Potala before nest Ju?v or August, and so things will remain in ; a very disturbed state for some months to coma The Chumbi Valley is. in a flourishing condition under the beneficial rule o5 the British, and the erops this seasons have been exceptionally heavy. The in habitants are industrious and peaceful,, an;? roads, telegraphs, buildings, etc., are being erected in all directions. The towns of Gyangtee and Phari are eentres of much trade, and the whole district in cont- ■ parison with the remainder of Tibet is flourishing and peaceful. A great trade has been established to the benefit of tho revenue of India.