July 1st--Tung-yoh 榮毓 and others present a supplementary petition with regard to the repairing of the stone bridge within the Tung-kow-tsze gate. This is the bridge across which the Dragon Shrine with the supplicatory tablets is always carried at the seasons for sacrificing at the Imperial Mausolea. -- His Majesty defers reply. 

(2) Le Tsung-he presents a supplementary petition. The General in charge of Tae-yuen in Shan-se, and holding the rank of General-in-chief, some short time ago prayed for an audience, which request the Emperor granted. His father however having since died, the petitioner prays the Emperor to excuse the General from appearing at Court until the usual period of mourning has expired. -- His Majesty acknowledges receipt of the petition. 

July 2nd. -- Ta-morrow the Emperor will proceed to the Fung-seen Temple to worship; afterwards He will proceed to the Show- hwang Temple for the same- purpose ; after which, he will return to the Palace along the route by which he set out. Let all arrangements be made by ,6 o'clock a.m. 

(2) An edict appoints Tsae-e to be an officer of the Imperial presence ; and He- la-poo, Kih-hing-ah, and Tsae-tsing, to be officers in the Imperial Guards. 

(3) The Governor-General of Shen-se and Kan-suh, together with the Deputy Governor of Shen-se, petition in reference to the Examinations for the second Degree now approaching. In the eighth year of the present reign, 36 appointments to the Literary Degree remained vacant in the province of Kan-suh, and in the ninth year 24 appointments remained unfilled. The petitioners therefore pray the Emperor to issue orders for the gradual filling up of these vacancies, as an incitement to learning. -- His Majesty orders the Board of Bites and Ceremonies to consult and report. 

July 3rd. -- An Edict. Last year the entire Department of Ching-tih-foo in the province of Chili failed to forward the usual grain tax. The acting Prefect of Ping- tseuen has also failed in this respect. Le Hung-chang (李鴻章) is ordered to inquire into the cause of these deficiencies.  In the first case he is to give orders that the grain be immediately purchased and forwarded to the Imperial Granaries. In the second case the Emperor requires to know the reason why His previous orders have not been carried out, and again commands Le Hung-chang to allow the Prefect a certain time for the payment of the tribute due from his district; and, if the grain is not forwarded within that period, the Prefect must be deposed. Respect this. 

(2) Tsae-tsëen Tsae-tsan and King-ling petition on behalf of two officials who ask leave to erect certain works at their own expense. Th^ law exacts that all who approach the divine roads (神路) leading to the Imperial Mausolea, must dismount from their horses or carts and proceed on foot, in order to manifest respect. Both overseers and workmen must obey this rule, and the officers and soldiers on guard must prevent its infringement. All carts and horses approaching the main road should pass under, the bridge. These regulations are most strictly binding upon all. The period for extensively repairing the Mausolea is now at hand, and a multitude of workmen will be assembled on the spot.  Carts and camels will form an unbroken line, so that not only will it be difficult for the guard to control them, but it will be also difficult for overseers and workmen to perform their several duties. The petitioners have therefore issued orders to each overseer to give strict injunctions to the guard to use the utmost rigour in enforcing the law, and to consult together carefully and find out if possible some plan to prevent the trespass mentioned.  In consequence of these orders a Secretary of the Board of Works, and an assistant Secretary of the Palace Board, propose to erect barriers on each side of the divine roads (神路) leading to the Tombs of the Emperors Shun-che (A. D. 1644), Kang-he, and Këen-lung ; and this they propose to do entirely at their own expense, as the Emperor's funds are low at present. -- His Majesty acknowledges the receipt of the petition. 

Jilly 5th to 8th.-- Woo-ko-tuh (吳可讀) petitions with regard to a General-in-chief who killed 200 persons in enforcing the payment of taxes, and reported this as a victory gained over rebels. The petitioner gives ten reasons why this officer should be put to death, and four reasons why there should be no delay in inflicting capital punishment upon him. When slaughtering the people, he drowned the cries of women and children in death ; the blood and flesh of the aged were scattered about. Heaven and earth were struck with terror, gods and demons drew in their breath and wept in silence, winds and clouds changed their colour, the sun and moon gave no light, and Heaven (the Emperor) being far away could hear nothing of the matter. Hades was also afar off and could not be informed of the dreadful deed ! 

July 8th. -- An Edict. -- Le Hung-chang (李鴻章) petitions on behalf of a deceased General-in-chief who formerly distinguished himself in action against the rebels. -- His Majesty orders that a title of distinction be conferred upon the deceased. 

(2) Kin-shun (金順) reports that he has received and burnt the wooden seal of the General-in-chief of Woo-loo-muh-tse, who has been deposed from office, ,and whose post the Emperor ordered the petitioner to take. 

(3) Tso Tsung-tang (左宗棠) petitions against a Brigadier who appropriated to his own use more than 400 or 500 measures of soldiers' rations. The petitioner prays that this officer may be deposed, and a limit of time assigned in which he must pay back the stolen grain. -- His Majesty grants the petition. 

(4) Kin-shun petitions that the bureau opened for receiving taxes in Kan-chow- foo may now be closed, as it is not needed, owing to the poverty of the people. -- His Majesty acknowledges the receipt of the petition. 

July 9th. -- Le Hung-chang petitions that a Che-hëen may be removed to another post, as his father-in-law is Prefect in the same District, which is contrary to law. -- His Majesty refers the case to the Official Board. 

July 10th. -- The Palace Board petitions with regard to ladies leaving the Palace. 

(2) An Edict.-Yang Chang-seun (楊昌濬 petitions in reference to a deposed writer in a Government Office, who is said to have caused his own death to be reported, and then, having changed his name, procured an outside post of the same kind, and embezzled money to the amount of more than 10,000 Taels. -- His Majesty orders that the case be carefully examined into in order to ascertain whether the accusation be true or not. 

(3) Ying-yuen (英元) petitions with regard to the Prefect of Tsun-hwa, who has been guilty of extorting money from the people. -- His Majesty replies that the petition is recorded. 

(4) Le Hŏ-neen (李鶴年) petitions with regard to a Prefect in Tae-wan (Formosa) who was also a Salt Commissioner.  This Official was deficient in his accounts rendered some time ago, and was ordered to pay the deficiency within a limited period. He has now paid up the sum of Taels 1,213 and 1 mace, and the petitioner prays the Emperor to forgive him, and to allow him to remain in office. -- His Majesty replies that the case is laid before the proper Board. 

July 11th. -- An Edict -- Le Tsung-he (李宗羲) petitions on behalf of a Provincial Treasurer, and also a District Magistrate, both deceased, and prays the Emperor to confer posthumous honours upon them, in consequence of their faithfulness in the discharge of their duties. The former died in defence of Nanking in the 3rd year of the reign of the Emperor Hëen- fung ; and the latter lost his life at the same time in an engagement with the Rebels in the District of Shang-yuen. -- His Majesty grants the petition. 

(2) Yang Chang-seun, (楊昌濬), the Deputy Governor of Chě-këang, petitions with regard to the inspection of a certain sea barrier, with a view to avoid unnecessary expenditure in going beyond the original estimate for repairs. -- His Majesty commands that the overseers be ordered to use diligence, regardless of their own ease, in carrying on the works, but declines to comply with the prayer of the petition to appoint a high official as superintendant. 

July 12th.-- Edict-- Hu Jui-lan (胡瑞瀾) is appointed Literary Examiner of Che- kiang Province. His appointment as Vice- President of Board of War is filled by Yin Choo-yung 應兆.鏞, and as Vice President of Board of Civil Office by Pwan Tsu-yin 潘祖陰 

(2) Edict. -- Ying-kwei 英奎, Criminal Judge of Shensi Province is recalled [in disgrace] and Yü K'uan 裕寬 takes his place. 

(3, 4 & 5.) Edicts appointing special high Commissions to hear appeal cases, and examining Boards. 

6. Edict. -- On the complaint of Tai-ts'ien and others that the Treasury of Chihli Province is very low, and cannot pay a sum of 5,000 Taels due for Imperial uses, it is ordered that certain (named) districts in arrears with their ground tax for the summer quarter, be pressed, and others whose spring taxes are still unpaid must be sharply looked into lest the officers in charge should be converting the revenue to their own uses. 

(1) Memorial. -- Wang Wên-Shao王文韶 H, Governor of Hu-nan, presents a memorial to the Throne on his knees, on the subject of those who are the recipients of hereditary honours, and consequent State support, in recognition of great military services by their parents or ancestors. The memorialist, in reply to the Inference to him of this question by the Board under Imperial Rescript, submits the following scheme, to take effect from Jan. 1872. That a distinction be made between those under and those above 16 years of age ; -- that the amount of relief to those above 16 afforded in any year be made " proportional to the resources of the Treasury, of each Province for each year, in combination with the number of recipients in that Province ;-- that those above 16 should be called on to make some return by undertaking petty offices to start with, thus gaining experience ; -- that those under 16 should be supported on the old scale. To illustrate how it would work, he states that in Hunan there are 360 odd State-supported men. He proposes that, say, 400 should be reckoned the complement of the Province. The sum available for division would be divided into 400 equal shares, and applicants would be placed on the list for a full share in the order of their application.  When the time came that those entitled should exceed the complement, these, the 401st and so on, should take only halfshares, and the sum thus distributed is to be specially reported to the Board year by year, and a fund set apart to meet it. The Provincial Treasurer makes similar recommendations. The Governor-General of Hu-kwang, Li-han-chang, 李瀚章 concurs, and joins his name to this memorial. -- Rescript : Let the Board of War report on this. 

(2) Memorial by the same, recommending an officer to the post of Magistrate of the Provincial capital 長沙

July 14th. -- The offices rendered vacant by yesterday's Gazette are here filled up. 

The Governors-General of the Two Kiang and of Hu-kuang unite in a memorial on the Fleet on the River Yangtze. They quote a communication from the Board of War by which it appears that Pêng Yü-lin 

* [Note, -- Pêng is of a gentleman's family in Honan, and intended to enter a literary career. With this view he attended and passed successfully the sew-tsai (B. A. degree) examinations. On the rise of the Taipings his genius showed its true bent, and under the patronage of Tsêng Kwo-fan he was placed in command of the Yangtsze Fleet.  Here his vigilance, powers of organization, and his courage raised him to the highest point as a hero. His purity from corruption and his contempt for those who were at all so tainted, and his fearless exposure in memorials to the Throne of whatever appeared to him base or even mistaken, have rendered him an awe to the official class. Even Tsêng Kwo-fan, his sometime patron, and Li Hung-chang have not escaped this man's indignant accusations.  He has been pressed with every office up to the Governorship of a Province, and courted at Peking. He only accepted the membership of the Board of War on condition of having sick leave, and being relieved of active share in its duties. He announces as his reason for not taking office, that it would cripple him in denouncing wrong, and he has made too many enemies as it is.] 

澎玉麟 (who was in command of the Yangtsze squadron for twenty years, during the whole of the rebel period, and for his great services was made a member of the Board of War,) being on sick leave on his way to his native province Honan, had at the Imperial desire made suggestions on the management of the squadron, which suggestions were that a sum of Tls. 4,000 should be devoted towards keeping it in efficient condition. The two High Officers now state that in their view this sum is too little, that Pêng has in this mild suggestion been influenced by his own notorious disregard of money in his own case, and extreme care for the public finances. That officer for the whole of his time of command insisted on living on board a very small boat, with no luxurious appliances to meet the change from summer to winter. As the River is over 5,000 li in length, and as Pêng was noted for the large-minded, ungrudging way in which he dealt out rewards for acts of good service, the memorialists agree that Tls. 10,000 would be a proper sum to place in Pêng's hands, this to be raise(l by taking Tls. 2,000 from each of the 5 Riverine Provinces. The above is the result of some personal and much epistolary discussion between the writers. -- Rescript : Referred to the Board. 

(2) Li Tsung-hsi 李宗羲 Governor-General of the Two Kiang, and Li Han- chang 李瀚章 Governor-General of Hu-kuang, join in a memorial declaring the regulations for controlling the contraband traffic in salt, &c., indulged in by literary and military candidates on their way to the examinations. -- Rescript : Approved. 

(3) Pao Yüan-shên, Futai of Shansi, states that the present Magistrate 魏象乾 Wei Hsiang-kan of Lin-fên in Southern Shansi, though a good officer, is hardly fitted for that post, which requires great firmness and energy.  Appeals are constant from that quarter. He proposes to make Hsü-Yung- shou, the holder of the Magistracy of the Provincial Capital 太原 T'ai-yüan, (who has kept down all robbers, &c.) and the above named Wei, to change places for a time. -- Rescript : Approved. 

July 15th. -- Edict. -- The thieves who stole a gauze screen from the Palace, and some of their resetters, having been caught, the Board of Punishments is ordered to report the proper mode of dealing with. the case to the Throne, for approval. Those not yet in custody to be carefully searched for. 

(1) The Censor Ying yuan 英元 (of Imperial blood) and others report a case of appeal. A man named Kêng Kuan-chung has come in person. from Sŭ- chow in An-hwei, having been unable to gain redress at his native place, or at Nanking from the Governor-General. The petitioner Kêng states that his father, in May of the present year, seeing a drove of pigs, which were being driven along the road, trampling down his fields of wheat, remonstrated with the pigdrovers and in return got stabbed to death. The case was at once reported to the Authorities. Then the pigs furnished the clue to the murderers, thirty of them turning into their accustomed pig-enclosure, whose keeper recognized them and told their owners' names. It was then found out that, the murderers had hid for the night at the house of a man named Ts'ao, outside the East gate. 20 pigs were found there with the same brand as the former 30. On Ts'ao being brought into Court, he, a disgraced Ti-pao, and a disbanded soldier, combined to bribe the captain of the city police, Wan Wei-chang ; and the story then told was that these pigs were caught ravaging the fields by Wang's police, who gave them to Ts'ao to take care of. A discrepancy of three days in the dates they gave, destroyed their tale however. The petitioner got the Viceroy at Nanking to direct the Futai to investigate the matter personally, Wang on another charge had in the meantime been deprived of his office. Yet he, by the help of a degraded literate, who got up a sham petition from the gentry, prevailed on the City Magistrate to reinstate him, and got Ts'ao out of jail by similar means. These two then entered an action for false accusation against the petitioner, an accumulation of troubles which proved too much for him and induced him to come to Peking for redress. -- Rescript : Note is taken of the case. 

(2) Li Ho-nien, Viceroy of Fuhkien and Chekiang, reports some changes in his disposition of military commandants. 

(3) The Censor Ying-yiüen 英元 and others report an appeal case. A woman named Ch'ên K^ (née 于 Yü) states that 3 years ago her son had a slight dispute at a wine-shop with the shop-keeper Wang 王 on account of his selling short measure. Wang with his friends set on him bound him, and took him to the Magistrate on a charge of theft. The Magistrate dismissed the case on learning the truth. Wang next suborned some friends and bound her son and took him to a neighbouring Magistrate on another charge of theft ; -- this accusation also fell through. Wang, however, bribed the constable Ts'ai to keep young Ch'ên still in prison, and with another Yamen underling forced the mother to pay about \$20 for her son's release, besides a present to Wang to soothe his injured feelings. Next day she was told her son had died in a shop, and indeed the body was brought to her in a coffin.  In her attempts to get justice at the Magistracy she was frustrated by the constable Ts'ai ; at Peking, whither she then went, she was recommended to withdraw her charge. Her husband is deranged in mind, so in bitter grief at the loss of her son she is obliged to appeal in person. -- Rescript : Noted. 

July 16th.-- Edicts.-- (i) and (2) Appoint Literary Examiners for Ssu-ch'uan and JUu-nan Provinces. 

(3) During Wen-hsiang's leave, Ts'an- ch'ing 全慶 (a high Manchu) is directed to superintend the Imperial-Edict Office. 

July 17th. -- Edicts. -- A-ch'ang-a is to hold temporary office in the Grand Secretariat, in addition to his vice-presidency of the Board of Bites. 

(1) Ting-an 定安 General Oommanding-in-Ohief in Honan, applies for sick leave home. -- Rescript: Refused. He may have 3 months leave and be ready then to take up his duties again. 

(2) and (3) Memorials by Lin Chih-wang 林之望 Sun I-yen 孫.衣言, returning thanks for their appointments as Treasurer of Hupeh and Judge of An-hwei respectively. -- Rescript : Noted. 

July 18th.-- Edict.-- (1) The officers Yen and Pi report that the grain tribute from Shantung, Kiang-su, and Chekiang has been delivered in full at Tungchow. Let the Board put on record the quick despatch Pi has shown. Let the Board also report on the names Pi has mentioned in commendation. 

(2) The Brigadier in command at Kiu- kiang has been changed. 

(3) Yung-ch'üan 榮全 general-in-chief in Ili recommends for a post in the Salt Gabelle service, an officer (of rank below a magistrate) for his having successfully conveyed the sum of Tls. 19,400 to the distant post of Ouliasutai, that sum being to be paid as indemnity to the Russians. -- Rescript: Approved. The Board will take note. 

(4) The General in command at Jehol reports official changes in several townships, rendered necessary by the suspension of the magistrate of Ch'ao-yang Hsien (on the borders of Shing-king) for his connivance with a kind of banditti, who are styled "warrant" banditti. The anarchical state of the place is shown by the fact that warrants are issued to almost any one willing to execute them, the district being too wide for the proper constable to do the work. They have consequently become, as it were, mere "letters of marque," licences to rob at will, and were actually purchasable at the office of the above magistrate. The General states that he has peremptorily forbidden the loose use of warrants and of any official insignia which may be thus abused. -- Rescript : Approved. 

July 19th.-- Edict.-- Hu Ghia-yü 胡家玉 (Vice-President of one of the Boards), suggests that employment be found for the very numerous persons who have successfully passed Examinations for Office.  The Board of Civil, Office must report on this. 

(2) Li Hŏ-nien 李鶴年 Viceroy of Fuhkien and Chekiang denounces the culpable negligence of Brigadier, Tao-t'ai, and Prefect of Wên-chow in Chekiang, for having failed to report to him important operations they had undertaken against robber bands. They had properly reported to the Governor of Chekiang, but had omitted, until specially asked, to let him who was chiefly responsible know of the matter. The Viceroy prays that proper punishment be awarded, so as to ensure respect for the recognized routine. -- Rescript : The Board will inflict the due punishment. 

(2) Tso Tsung-t'ang 左宗棠 Viceroy of Shan-se and Kan-suh, reports sundry military official changes. 

(3) Li Ho-nien recommends an officer for a military post on the coast. 

July20th.-- Edict.-- Ying Han 英翰, Governor of An-huei, has reported that Ghang Shan-shuh, Magistrate of Ning-kuo Hsien took on himself to establish a Barrier for levying dues. He had applied to the Governor for permission, which was refused, and had begun collecting without awaiting the reply. He is not accused of appropriating the proceeds, but his conduct is subversive of all order. The Board will deal severely with him as a warning. A Prefect in An-huei who is reported as incompetent for his post, his really slippery and cunning character giving the lie to a prepossessing demeanour, is degraded to the rank of Sub-Magistrate. Let the Board note this. 

(2) Li Tsung-hsi 李宗羲, Viceroy of the Two Kiang, and Ying Han 英翰 Governor of An-huei,- report that the triennial provincial Examinations (degree of Keu-jin &c.) will take place at the appointed time this year. -- Rescript : The Board will take note. 

(3) The above Li Tsung-hsi requests that 

Wang Ta-ching 王大經 who has gone to Peking to return thanks at Court for his promotion to Judge of Hupeh Province from his late post of Grain Tribute Commissioner of An-huei, may be ordered on his way south to complete the Tribute collection for this year before taking up his new post. -- Rescript : Will consider of it. 

(4) From the same. The sometime Nan- king High Treasurer Ch'i Heu-tsao 祈宿藻 and Magistrate of Shang-yüan (Nan- king) Liu T'ung ying 劉同纓, are, at the instance of the prominent inhabitants of the whole district, recommended as the objects of Imperial Favour in the bestowment of an honourable epitaph.  These two perished at the taking of Nan- king by the T'aip'ings, The former, by his unceasing sleepless activity and anxiety for 60 days during the investment of the city, brought on his death by blood spitting.  He died in his gore. The latter, after constant labour during the siege, at last when the rebels had penetrated the city, headed in person a hand to hand fight in the streets. When he saw that the Imperialists were out-numbered, he placarded the walls with large characters "Do not wound my people ! I will die for them." Then, in the still unconquered portion, he changed his clothes, putting on his Court Robes, and after bowing to the North jumped into a well and was drowned. -- Rescript : Will consider of it. 

July 21st. -- Memorials (1) and (4) Tso Tsung-tang, Viceroy of Shensi and Kan- suh, recommends promotion of military officers, -- and 

(2) of Taot'ai Fêng Pang-tung 馮邦棟 to a Judgeship. The latter had been, under Imperial sanction, delayed in retiring to perform his mother's obsequies, to finish an important commission which he has now brought to a close. -- Approved. 

(3) P'an Ssŭ-chien, Literary Examiner of Shantung, reports the conclusion of the Examinations throughout the Province.  -- Rescript : Approved. 

22nd. -- Li Tsung-hsi 李宗羲 Viceroy of the Two Kiang, and Chang Shu-shêng 張樹聲 Governor of Kiang-su, kneeling present a memorial recommending a further delay before re-establishing the Imperial Barriers at.  Nanking and Soochow, and looking up pray for the Sacred Glance thereon. The memorialists have been pressed by the Board of Revenue to consider whether these Barriers for collecting taxes 税 to be devoted to supplying the Court with specific articles (as silk, embroidery, &c.) might not be again set in action. The late Viceroy, Ma Hsin-i, gave his opinion against it four years ago. They had been closed four years before that by H. E. Li Hung- chang, following the precedent set at Hoo- chow. It is conceded that the districts are quite free from the presence of war, and the Lekin Tax is altogether a temporary measure, and that the Imperial Barriers must in time be re-established. There is much difficulty in avoiding a too temporary and a too far-sighted course. The revenue from the above named Barriers was fixed at [? a misprint in the figures makes it only] 2,000 odd taels while the proceeds of the Lekin Offices at Nanking, Soochow, Sungkiang and Shanghai together amount to several times that sum, and provide, imperfectly to be sure, for the war expenses, as well as assisting towards the objects for which these Barriers would supply revenue.  It is a settled fact that Barriers and Lekin Offices cannot exist together -- the state of trade does not allow of it, -- the Lekin cannot be dispensed with, and it would be absurd to substitute for it Barriers yielding so little. The attempt to open the latter had better not be made, for fear of consequences. The measure must be postponed until the war expenses are much lower. The Treasurer of Kiangsu and Nanking, have come to the same conclusion. -- Rescript : Approved. 

. (2) Ting Pao-chên 丁寶楨, Governor of Shantung, reports having detained till now the Provincial Judge, Chang, from paying his respects at Court on a promotion, and he has placed Taotai Hsi, of Tsi-nan, in Chang's post. -- Rescript : Approved. 

(3)-- Ch'ing-lin  慶林, the officer commissioned to collect the funds for the Emperor's Bridal, makes a report, giving the sums contributed from 

Revenue of Kiangsu, Anhuei 

,, and Kiangsi ...Tls. 250,000 

,, Salt Tax 250,000 

,, Chihli Province.. 154,000 

,, Canton Maritime 

,, Customs 100,000 

----

Tls. 754,000 

19,850 pieces of gauze, silk, and satin, 

&c. at about Tls. 25 each. 

2,976,, do. do., ,, 29 ,, 

3,795,, do. do., .. 26,,

----

26,620 at a general average of Tls. 25 ea.  add 2,400 (probable out-turn of first moiety from Chihli.) [The statement of how the first moiety of the Chihli contribution was disposed of, was transmitted in a former memorial.] Financial balance. in hand Tls.  512.6.0.18. The detailed accounts are handed in. -- Rescript : Let the Board note it, and take custody of the account books. 

July 23rd. -- Ying-yuan, 英元 Chief of the Censorate, reports an appeal case from Kai-p'ing Hsien (near New- chwang). The narrator, Li Kuei-lin, states that in 1865 the house where he, his father, grandmother and other relations were living, was attacked and plundered by armed robbers, Hu-t'ai and others, -- loss about $70 dollars, and a cart. The case was reported to the Chihsien, who then arrested some of the accomplices. He was, however, bought over by Hu-t'ai by the present of the whole of the booty. The Hsien then instigated by money his deputy I-k'o-chin-pu to bring a false accusation against Li's father. I-k'o-chin-pu arrested the father, and before taking him away, by means of some friends, deluded a relation into giving about $360, upon which it was promised that the booty should be returned, and no soldiery brought to the village. Complaint was then made direct to the Governor of Shing-king. He merely relegated the case to the Tao-tai at Shau- hai-kuan and he again to the Hai-ch'êng Magistrate. The father was arrested on I's accusation and kept in jail till now -- for three years -- by bribing the Yamen underlings. The father at last drew out a statement and sent the narrator with it to Peking, whither he has now come. -- Rescript: Recorded. 

(2) The Censorate reports another appeal case. Chiang and others from Yung- ming Hsien in Hunan, on the borders of Canton Province, possessed a thousand and more mow of land. A hereditary feud with the Chu family existed with reference to a disputed hill. In 1870 Chiang's crops were wasted by Chu's cattle. Complaint being made to the Hsien, the Chus became exasperated and attacked the Chiangs, killing three men. The Chus tried inefifectually to hide away the corpses, and afterwards, when this was reported te the authorities, ravaged the whole property, -- money, beasts, implements, grain, -- and grubbed up the tea-plants. On appeal to the Provincial Judge, the Hsien was made to take some step*li, but he only arrested some minor offenders, and when this was exposed, he gave the complainants several hundred blows, forcing them at the same time to enter a ''nolle prosequi," -- and released all the Chus. -- Rescript: Recorded. 

July 24th. -- Yang Cháng-hsün, Governor of Chekiang, suggests that the Vice- roy at Fuhchow be commissioned to investigate the case against three or four defalcating clerks in the Imperial Factory Yamen at Hangchow, all of whom were reported dead when the sentence of transportation to the military stations on the Amoor for ten years was received from Peking. These gentlemen had since been discovered to be alive, and to have again got positions as Yamên clerks under new names, and begun their old practices to the tune of Tls. 10,000. This suggestion is made because all the Yamên clerks are of a feather, and screen each other so that it is impossible to arrive at the truth in Hangchow itself. -- Rescript: Under consideration. 

(2) From the same. Reporting the death of the Literary Chancellor of the Province, Ting Shao-chow, 丁紹周 and that he according to usage has assumed charge of the seal of that office until a new officer is appointed by the Throne. -- Rescript : Under Consideration.  July 25th. -- Edicts 1 & 2 appointing High Commissions to try appeal cases which have been reported to the Throne. 

(3) The Manchu Governor and Vice- Governor of Shêng-king report progress in the embellishment of the Imperial Tombs. 1,380 trees have been planted on the south aspect, at an outlay of Tls.  726.80. Next year 520 more will be placed on the E, and W. -- Rescript : Approved. 

(4) The same Officials report a routine promotion to the post of Manchu Hsie-ling of the Garrison at Kin-chow. -- Rescript : Approved. The Board will note. 

(5) Jui-lien, of the Imperial Blood, describes the repairs necessary to the buildings of the Imperial Tombs. -- Rescript : Referred to the proper Yamên, with its accompanying specifications. 

July 26th. -- Edict. (A. long series of appointments to posts of Rank of Prefect and under.) 

(2) Liu K'uên劉昆, Governor of Kiangsi Province proposes rewards to certain neighbouring Magistrates for capturing banditti who had infested kan 贛 Hsien. -- Rescript : Accorded. Let the Board take note. 

(3) Li Wên-t'ien 李文田, Literary Chancellor of Kiangsi Province, reports the conclusion of the Examinations in that Province. He says Jao-chow stands highest in a literary point of view, Kiukiang and Lin-kiang next. Four others are mentioned favourably ; and in these seven not one case occurred of infringement of examination regulations, except in Nan-k'ang, where a case of suspicion arose. In Yih- yang, Tê-hsing and Oh'ing-kiang the standard was low, and in each was a case or two of copying others' papers and of stealing the themes. -- Rescript : Noted. 

(4) Liu K'uen, Governor of Kiangsi, prays that six persons with official rank and decorations may be deprived of the same for their better examination (by torture.) The case against them is for having extorted hush-money (Tls. 200 or 300 each) from one Liu Kuei, who had succeeded, by counterfeiting an official Seal, in getting paid a sum of Tls. 7,000 odd out of the Commiseration Fund of the Provincial Treasury. -- Rescript : Accorded. Let the Board take note. 

July 27th. -- (l)Mu T'u-shan, General in Kansu, reports the death of Yung-poo (a Bannerman), an expectant sub-Prefect, who died in military service, and begs that some mark of recognition of his merit be accorded in order to soothe the chill shad^ of the departed. --Rescript : Let the Board of Civil Office report on this. 

(2) Yang Ch'ang-hsun, Governor of Che- kiang, reports the final completion of public works in connection with the sea-wall on Hangchow Bay. -- Rescript : A list of commended officers may be sent in. Let there be no improper commendations ! 

July 28th. -- Li Hung-chang reports the death, while under arms, and services of Lo Kuo-shung, a General in Shensi, and begs for posthumous title. -- Rescript : Will consider of It. 

(2) Pao Yüan-shên, Governor of Shan- si, prays that Imperial notice may be taken of the spirit of a temple in Chang-chih Hsien, who has done sundry good things in the way of granting rain, &c. -- Rescript : Let the Board of Rites report on this. 

July 29th. -- Edict : A member of the Han- lin College has prayed that a posthumous title be granted to the Prefect Yih Yung- chih, who died defending Tê-an-fu in Hu- peh against the Taipings. Let the Board report on this. -- Further : -- On a representation from the Censorate, it is forbidden for officers resident in Peking to apply for posthumous titles on behalf of their deceased fellow-townsmen. The correct method -- viz : the principal inhabitants of the district petitioning through the Viceroy and Governor of the Province, must be followed, to ensure reliability. 

(2) On the recommendation of the Censorate a posthumous title is conferred on Kao Yên-chih, who died in 1850, bravely fighting the rebels, in his Magistracy, Lung-an Hsien in Kuangsi. 

(3) Na-jên Wh 訥乍 is commissioned to report on the condition of the Eastern Imperial Tombs. 

(4) Shao Hêng-yü, Governor of Shensi, sends a list, which he states has been carefully revised by the Viceroy Tso Tsung- t'ang and himself, of officers who have distinguished themselves in the pacification of the Province. -- Rescript : Let the Board inspect and report. 

(5) From the same, recommending Ch'êng Ting-k'ang, acting Taotai of the Yen-yu-sui circuit, for promotion to grade of Provincial Judge, and Liu San-yüan, a Lieut. -General, recommended for 1st grade of 2nd Button for himself and two succeeding generations. -- Rescript : Seen. 

(6) Liu K'uen, Governor of Kiangsi, reports the death and services of the Brigadier at Kiukiang, and prays for the nomination of a successor. -- Rescript : Will consider of it. 

July 30th.-- Edict.-- Pao Yüan-shên (Governor of Shansi) is directed to report on the late Prefect of Ping-yang-fu, name Ho Wei-ch'ih, who died in 1864 fighting the rebels, and who is named by the Censorate for an honorary epitaph. 

(2) The Board of Punishments is directed to report the sentences which should be pronounced against those rebels who have been taken alive (? in Shansi). 

(3) Shan Mou-chien (a Vice-President) is allowed four months extension of sick leave. He need not resign. 

(4) Jui-lin, Viceroy of the Two Kwang, and Chang Chao-tung, Governor of Canton Province, recommend the transfer of the Prefect of Weichow to the same post at Ch'ao-chow (Swatow), which has recently been rendered vacant by the demise of Chow Tü-kwei. The nominee's services are recounted -- he has been a Censor ; his name is Liu Kwei-nien. -- Rescript : Let the Board of Civil Office report. 

(5) Chang T'ing-yo and Artashta (Generals) report that the inhabitants of Urga contributed last year 10,000 catties of wheat-flour for the support of the army there. They will not accept payment nor do they desire an honourable mention.  The mode in Which this flour was distributed is described. -- Rescript: Approved. 

(6) (General Tü reminds the Throne that for the last five years it has been necessary to depute an officer as a travelling Commissary Tithe Collector and Justice of the Peace in the disturbed parts of Kansu, about Si-ning, Tü-t'ing, a writer in the General's office, conducted this service.  As the district is now at peace, the com tax is abolished, and the people are left for justice to their usual Magistrates, who have returned. -- Rescript: Approved. 

July 31st.-- Edict-- A Censor Têng Ching-lin 鄧慶麟 memorialized on the accumulation of undecided criminal cases in Shêng-king and Kirin. His suggestion is that, as this arises from the want of diligence on the part of the Magistracy, that body should be ordered to clear off the calendar at once. It is indeed the duty of the officials to keep pace with their judicial work, but to proceed as the Censor proposes, and hurry off the cases, would simply be to crowd the jails with at least several thousand prisoners. We direct the Manchu military Governor of Shêng-king, -- a Vice-President of Board of Punishments, -- the Prefect of Mukden, and the Manchu military Governor of Kirin to depute capable officers to proceed to each city in turn and assist the local Magistracy in clearing off the arrears of years. These officers will send a register and detailed report of the cases to the High Provincial Authorities, and decide them all within a given period, -- all errors in the record, delay over the set period, receiving of bribes, and weak indulgence towards the guilty to be at once reported to the Throne, for severe punishment. Further, let the ten rules proposed to the Throne by the former Viceroy of Chihli, Tsêng Kuo-fan, for the sifting of prisoners undergoing sentence, be observed. The punctual administration of justice is no more than a Magistrate's duty, recommendations for Our favour on that score would be too numerous to deal with. The expenses of the deputed officers will be but slight, and must be met by each Province according to the precedents that are sure to exist for such a case. This accumulated pressure of cases will have been in some instances the result of culpable dilatoriness, and call for punishment. How can all expect to be exonerated ? The suggestion of the Censor is unworthy of consideration. Respect this! 

(2) Contains the recital of the commended services of the officers who assisted in the quick despatch of the Grain Tribute from Kiangsu, Chekiang and Shantung, [See Edict in Gazette of 18th July.]-- Rescript : Recorded. 

(3) Contains an account of how the thieves were caught who stole a copperwire-gauze screen from the Palace. [See Edict of the 15th.] One of the thieves tried to slip past a gate-house of the Imperial City about 2 p.m. with the screen rolled up in a bundle, and he confessed when examined. -- Rescript : Recorded. 

(4) Tsu Tsung-T'ang, Viceroy of Shensi and Elan-su, reports that General Yang Chan-ao has recovered from his illness and has proceeded towards his head-quarters.  -- Rescript : Noted.