October 1st. --- The subjects for themes at the present year's examination for the second degree (舉人) Peking, are selected from the Four Books, and are as follows ; 1° Confucius said ; with regard to Hwuy, during the entire space of three months his mind harboured nothing Contrary to Benevolence." Chung Yung 2° "Those who govern the Families and states of the Empire, should observe the Nine Rules ; and the means by which these are put in practice is by perfect sincerity." Chung yung. 3° Mencius said ; The people have this common saying.  'The Empire, the States, and the Families.' The States are the foundation of the Empire, and the Families are the foundation of the States. The root of each Family is the individual at the head of it." Mang-tsze. 

(2) Yin Tsaou-yung (殷兆鏞) memorializes, giving a list of repairs necessary to be made at the Imperial Mausolea, and praying the Emperor to appoint a day for the commencement of the works.  --- His Majesty replies that the petition is recorded. 

(3) Ting Paou-ching (丁寶楨 ) Junior Guardian to the Heir Apparent, and Deputy Governor of Shan-tung, kneels and petitions. Some time ago the petitioner sent an official to Kwang-se to oversee the building of fourteen war junks. These vessels have now been completed, and are lying off the Customs Barrier in the district of Le-tsin. The petitioner states that there is no business of importance at present requiring his attention at his Yamun, and prays for leave to go and inspect them. 

2nd. --- PaouSeun(寶珣) Kneels and petitions. The petitioner was seized with severe illness some time ago, while travelling, and the Emperor gave him one month's leave of absence in consequence.  The month has now nearly expired, and his medical attendant pronounces him to be still unfit for travelling. The petitioner therefore prays for leave to resign his office. --- His Majesty defers reply. 

(2) The Censor, Chang-Yung, (張澐) complains that the proper officers neglect their duty with regard to the distribution of rice amougst the sufferers from the floods around Peking, and prays that the gentry of each district may be ordered by His Majesty to take the matter in hand.  --- The Emperor replies that the petition is recorded. 

3rd.--- The Prince Seun and others report that they have duly searched the persons of the students who have presented themselves for the second examination. 

(2) Le Hŏ-neen presentsx a supplementary petition on behalf of the Salt Commissioner in Fokeen province. The Emperor has graciously appointed this officer Commissioner of Justice for the province of Shen-se, but, as several business matters in his Yamun require attention, and as he is also now acting as Superintendent of Students, the petitioner prays that he may be allowed to remain at his present post for two months longer. His Majesty grants the petition. 

4th. --- An Imperial Edict degrades a General of Division at Canton to the rank of Brigadier, in consequence of incapacity, and appoints another officer in his place. 

(2) Wang Wan-chaou (王文韶) Deputy Governor of Hoo-nan, petitions against any further posthumous honours being conferred upon the late District Magistrate of Suy-ning. Hereditary rank of the eighth degree has already been conferred upon the deceased officer's descendants, and temples have been erected to his houour. --- His Majesty acknowledges the receipt of the petition. 

(3) Yih Yung (奕榕) presents a supplementary petition on behalf of an assistant official at Keih-lin who has been successful in apprehending and executing several rebels, and prays His Majesty to allow him to wear a peacock's feather as a reward for his services. 

5th. --- Tseuen Khing, a President of the Board of Punishments, and a member of the Grand Secretariat, with others, petition His Majesty to adopt measures for the revision of the present practice regarding the punishment of Rebels. According to the ancient code of laws, a difference in the degree of punishment inflicted was made between the head rebels and their followers. Afterwards, however, in consequence of the great increase in the number of these banditti, all those who were arrested were alike condemned to death. The petitioners pray that, as these robbers have now considerably decreased in number, the old distinction in the punishment of leaders and followers may be reverted to. 

Oct. 6th. --- The Palace Board pray the Emperor to appoint a high official to perform the sacrifices to the Yellow Wood god. His Majesty has appointed Sze-tsăng. 

(2) An Imperial Edict hands over a Commander-in-chief to the Board of Punishments, for petitioning the Emperor to confer honours on certain officers after the time appointed for bestowing such favours had expired. 

7th.--- Lew Chang-yew (劉長佑), Deputy Governor of Kwang-se, kneels and memorializes to the effect that he has instructed Pwan Sze-shŭh, the official messenger from the State of Yue-nan (Annam) and his attendants, to proceed to Peking on the 12th day of the 6th month, to seek an audience from the Emperor.  Observing that the party had not brought much clothing with them, the Memorialist according to ancient custom gave them embroidered Court dresses, gauze, fine silk, single and lined garments, wadded cotton garments, and furs, to use on the journey, as a token of the Imperial benevolence towards them. Officers have also been sent with the party to conduct them in safety to Peking, where they should arrive during the 8th month. --- His Majesty notifies receipt of the Memorial. 

8th. --- The Governor-General of Hoo- kwang (i.e. Hoonan and Hoo-pih), and the Deputy-Governor of Hoo-pih, petition that the District Magistrates of Tsung- yang and Hwang-gan may be rewarded for their diligence Ir collecting the Imperial Grain Tax in each year when due, and the petitioners pray His Majesty to grant the threefold record of their names. The Emperor refers the matter to the proper Board. 

9th.--- Chang Ke-kwang (張其光) returns thanks to the Emperor for his appointment as General of Division at Formosa. 

Oct. 10th.--- Chin Yuh-ying (岑毓英) presents a supplementary petition. In the 7th year of the reign of the Emperor Heen- fung, the rebels congregated in great numbers in the province of Yunnan, and the then viceroy named Hăng-chun, together with his wife, committed suicide, through vexation. The Deputy-Governor and others laid the case before the Emperor at the time it occurred. According to information recently received by the petitioner from the resident gentry, the deceased viceroy was, in all things, upright, and careful, and free from covetousness. In the 6th year of the reign of Heen-fung, he led out his troops to attack the rebels at Kwei-chow, but on his departure, the rebels collecting in great force in Yunnan, he led his forces back again towards that province, driving the enemy before him along the line of march. Before he had completely destroyed these insurgents, the rebels from Kheuh-keang and the surrounding places returned to Yunnan on the 21st day of the intercalary 5th month of the 7th year, so that he could not defend the province. The rebels burnt the suburbs of the capital city and almost annihilated the inhabitants, but the viceroy bravely led his troops to the attack. Arrived at the south gate, he there met the various officials, who advised him to retreat, and he accordingly returned in disgust and vexation to his Yamun. His wife laying down principles of propriety, rebuiked him for his conduct, after which they both hanged themselves. The petitioner prays the Emperor to confer marks of distinction upon the deceased viceroy and his wife. His Majesty grants the petition. 

(2) The same Official memorializes to the effect that the superintendent of the Imperial Granaries at Yunnan desires an audience of the Emperor. When His Majesty, on a former occasion, granted him an audience, he could not come to Peking as the province was then in a disturbed state. 

(3) The same Official petitions for leave to erect a temple in honour of Laou Tsung-kwang (勞崇光) a former Viceroy of Yunnan, who, according to information received from the resident gentry, greatly distinguished himself in engagements with the rebels. His Majesty replies that the petition is recorded. 

Oct. 11th.--- Le Hung-chang (李鴻章) presents a supplementary petition on behalf of an unemployed District Magistrate, and prays the Emperor to grant him an appointment in consequence of his great abilities. His Majesty refers the case to the Board of Official Appointments. 

(2) Yang Chang-seun (楊昌濬) presents a supplementary petition, praying that the proper Board may be ordered to investigate the conduct of the Gaoler in the District of Fung-hwa, through whose carelessness a prisoner escaped and murdered three persons who were bent to rearrest him. The conduct of the District Magistrate in this matter should also be inquired into. His Majesty grants the petition. 

(3) The same official memorializes the Emperor to the effect that, having tried an unemployed prefect for one year, he finds that officer to be capable of conducting the business of an arduous post, and he prays the Emperor to appoint the candidate prefect in the province of Chě-keang.  His Majesty refers the case to the Boa rd of Appointments. 

(4) Le Hung-chang (李鴻章) petitions that the District Magistrate of Ho- keen may be transferred to Tien-tsin, and the Magistrate of the latter place be sent to Ho-keen'as he is incompetent to discharge the duties of his present post at Tientsin. His Majesty refers the matter to the Board of Appointments. 

Oct. 12th. --- The post of District Magistrate of Kea, in Honan, is vacant in consequence of the death of the ex-Magistrate's parent. The District Magistrates of Tung- kwan in Shense, and of Ling-yih in Shan- tung, have retired from office in consequence of a like calamity. 

(2) Ai\ Imperial Edict is issued granting the petition of Le Tsng-he, that Tsêng Kwŏh-fan's ( 曾國藩) tablet be placed in the Temples of Renowned Statesmen.  His Majesty commands that a tablet be placed in the temple at Keang-ning prefecture, and also in those of the Keang-ning and Shang-yuen Districts. 

(3) The Viceroy of Hoo-kwang, and the Deputy Governor of Hoo-pih, pray the Emperor to grant leave of absence to the Superintendent of Granaries at the latter place, who is suffering from ill health induced by the heat and dampness of the climate. His Majesty has referred the case to the Board of Appointments. 

. (4) Le Hung-chang (李鸿章) presents a supplementary petition that four officers be sent to Koo-pih-kow to purchase 350 horses for the troops, a large number of the last supply purchased being too weak for active service. The petitioner prays that the proper Board be ordered to furnish the four officers with passports, and that the Superintendent of Customs at Koo-pih-kow be instructed, according to law, to remit the usual tax. His Majesty grants the petition. 

Oct. 13th --- The Head Examiner and Prime Minister, Tseuen (全), wishes peace to the Emperor, and presents a list of seven members of the Imperial Household who have passed the Examination for the second degree (舉人)' --- The Board of Rites and Ceremonies petitions the Emperor to inform them on what day the Examinations at the Paou-hoo-teen Hall should take place. His Majesty appoints the 25th (Oct. 16th) for that purpose. --- Tomorrow, the Emperor goes to the Temple of Longevity to worship. Let all be prepared at 6 o'clock A.M. 

(2) An Edict is issued granting posthumous honours to Le Chaou-khing 

(李昭慶), Superintendent of the Salt Trade, in consequence of his energy displayed in engagements with the rebels. 

(3) Shwuy-lin (瑞麟) Grand Secretary at the Wăn-hwa-teen Hall, and Viceroy of the â– Two Kwang, together with Chang Chaou-tung (張兆棟), Deputy-Governor of Canton, petition that Chow Che-lin, District Magistrate of Lo-chang, may be deprived of his office, in consequence of his neglect to arrest a culprit who has committed several murders. The petitioners pray that the Magistrate may be permitted to retain his post, and that a further inquiry he made into his conduct if he does not succeed in arresting the murderer during the limit of one year.  His Majesty grants the petition.  (4). Wang Wan-chou (王文韶) Deputy-Governor of Hoo-nan, petitions that a slight alteration may be made in the law respecting the separation of members of one family amongst officials employed outside cities, such as grandfathers and grandsons, fathers and sons, in order to maintain the importance of the various degrees of relationship. As the law at present stands with regard to the relationships, if both officers employed in the same District are of unequal rank, then the relative of lower rank must be ordered to retire from the District ; but, if both are of the same rank, then the grandfather must order the grandson to retire, or the father the son ; proper regard being thus shown for filial duty. The petitioners pray that the first clause in this law, which relates to relatives who are not of equal rank be altered, because, as it now stands, it permits the grandson or son, if of higher rank, to order the grandfather or father to retire from a district in which both are in office ; such permission being contrary to the rules of filial piety. His Majesty refers the matter to the Board of Appointments. 

Oct. 14th. --- A petition has been presented from the office of the Imperial Guards, praying the Emperor to appoint Imperial Overseers of the Students during the examinations at the Paou-ho-teen Hall.  His Majesty has appointed Prince Chun and nine others. 

(2) Yen-heu (延煦) returns thanks to the Emperor for His Majesty's bounty, in consequence of his son having passed the examination for the second degree. 

(3) Le Ho-neen (李鶴年) an officer of the first degree and Viceroy of Fuh- keen and Chě-keang provinces, petitions that Heu Chun-fang may be appointed Captain in the corps of the Deputy- Governor of Chě-keang, to succeed Wang Ping-chung, who has caused a vacancy by his illness and death. The candidate is young, being only 28 years of age, and is very courageous. His Majesty refers the case to the Board of War. 

(4) Chang Shoo-shing (張樹聲) Deputy-Governor of Keang-soo, petitions the Emperor to issue orders to the Board of Appointments, not to send any more Expectant Officials into his province, as there are already more candidates there than in any other province, and it is impossible to assign posts to them all. His Majesty grants the petition. 

15th.--- Tsaou Kih-chung (曹克忠) returns thanks for his appointment as Acting General-in-chief in the province of Kan-Buh. 

(2) Ching wän-ping (程文炳) has been recenUy appointed Commander-in-chief for the defence of Kew-keang (九江) He returns thanks to the Emperor, and prays His Majesty to allow him to come to Peking for an audience. The Emperor orders him to come. 

(3) Ying-han (英翰) presents a supplementary petition recommending Chow Tih-leang, as an Official possessing intelligence and talent, for the post of Deputy prefect at Choo-chow, the present Deputy prefect being obliged to retire from office m consequence of the death of his father.  His Majesty grants the appointment. 

(4) The same official petitions on behalf of Le Heen-tseö (李顯爵), praying the Emperor to appoint him to the next vacancy as General-in-chief. The candidate is a native of the District of Shan-ching, m the province of Keang-nan (? Ho-nan), and his real surname is Fang (方). He has served from his youth in the Cantonment commanded by Le She-chung (李世忠) and he took that officer's surname (李). As the descendants of the Pang family are now but few in number, the petitioner prays the Emperor to allow the candidate to resume his own name. His Majesty refers the entire matter to the Board of War. 

16th.--- The Board of Works petition the Emperor to appoint an Overseer of the repairs on the Imperial Road leading to the Western Mausolea. His Maiestv appoints Nuh-jin. 

(2)LeHŏ-neen(李鶴年) and others present a supplementary petition, praying the Emperor to issue orders that Choo Shing- woo Acting District Magistrate at Chang- ting, and Khew Seih-chang, Acting District Magistrate of Kwei-hwa, be handed over to the proper Board for punishment, for allowing a prisoner to escape. On the 8th day of the 12th month of last year, while the escort were conducting the prisoner to Lo-khe in the District of Kwei-hwa, darkness Coming on and preventing them from proceeding further, the party stopped for the night at a temple dedicated to the gods of the District, which stood by the roadside. At the fourth watch (1 to 3 a.m.) very heavy rain fell, accompanied with much wind, and the prisoner seeing his guard asleep broke off his handcuffs and fetters, and escaped. As soon as the soldiers discovered this they set out in pursuit, but neither shadow nor footstep of the criminal could be discovered. All this was owing to the carelessness of the aforesaid District Magistrates. His Majesty commands that the two Officials be handed over to the proper Board, for a strict investigation of their case. 

(3) The same Official, together with the Deputy Governor of Fuh-keen, petition the Emperor to deprive a District Magistrate and two military Officers of their rank, and to allow them the space of two months to arrest certain criminals. In consequence of the carelessness of these Officials, a band of thieves entered the capital city of the District of Tsin-keang on the night of the 4th of the 1st month of the present year, and plundered a pawnbroker's shop. His Majesty grants the petition. 

(4) The Deputy Governor of Ho-nan petitions the Emperor to order the District Magistrate of Shang-ching to remain in the province and learn the duties of his office, of which he is at present ignorant. His Majesty grants the petition. 

17th.--- Ching-twan (誠端) has offered sacrifice at the Ming-ling Mausolea, and having returned to Peking has wished peace to the Emperor. 

(2) Tsae-tsëen (載遷), Tsae-tsan(載燦) and King-lin (景霖) petition that Kwang-tae, a member of the Court of the Imperial Household, may be appointed to the rank of Assistant Captain-General in the Flank Division ; and that E-meen, a Secretary of the Board of Works, be promoted to the Third Bank, as both these Officials have presented 300 sets of railings for the divine roads leading to the tombs of the Emperors Shun-che, Kang-he, and Keen-lung. His Majesty grants the petition. 

18th. --- An Edict is issued handing over Yang Hung-teen, Secretary to the Board of Revenue, to the proper Board for trial, on a charge of embezzlement. 

(2) Another Edict promotes Tsung-le (崇禮) to the post of Lieutenant-General of Bannermen, for providing his troops with lances, guns, and other munitions of war at his own expense when he was Superintendent of the Tue-hae-kwan Customs' Barrier. 

(3) Woo Tang (吳棠) an Officer of the First Rank, and Governor General of the Province of Szechuen, kneels and petitions the Emperor to allow two Officials of the rank of Taou-tae, two District Magistrates, two Prefects, and one Assistant Prefect, to be entrusted with arduous posts, in consequence of their services and their talents for business, exhibited during their year of probation. His Majesty refers the petition to the Board of Official Appointments. 

19th. --- The Sacrificial Board petitions the Emperor to appoint another dispenser of the meat, &c., offered in sacrifice.  Uis Majesty has appointed Tsa-hang-ah. 

(2) Le Hŏ neen (李鶴年) an Officer of the First Bank, and Governor-General of Fuh-keen and Chě keang Provinces, kneels and petitions the Emperor to appoint Loo Ching-kin Assistant General at Cha-poo, in the Province of Che- keang, as the petitioner finds on examination that the candidate is a man of honour, and courageous, and possesses the talents requisite for that office. His Majesty refers the petition to the Board of War. 

(3) The same official, together with Wang Kae-tae, Deputy Governor of Fuh- keen, kneel and petition the Emperor on behalf of some shipwrecked barbarians from Lew-kew, nine in all. The petitioners pray His Majesty to relieve the present wants of these sailors, and to give them permission to return to their own country in one of their tribute junks. These shipwrecked sailors set out from their own country in a small sea-going vessel, with, a cargo of grain for the island of Tae-ping- shan. On the first day of the fourth month of the present year, they sailed from that island to return home, but, meeting with a severe gale, they were driven upon the coast of Formosa, and their junk was wrecked, while the crew, like ducks upon water, swam to shore.  The petitioners seeing their distress, gave each of these sailors a catty of rice daily, with six cash to buy salt and vegetables ; and, on their embarking for their own country, they are to receive provisions for one month, and the other necessaries ordered by law in such cases. A correct account of the entire expenditure will be forwarded to the Emperor. His Majesty acknowledges the receipt of the memorial. 

(4) Chaou Hang-yu (邵亨豫) presents a supplementary petition praying the Emperor to appoint San-show as Acting Taou-tae of Se-gan in Shen-se, as the present Taou-tae, having lost his parent lately, retires from, office. The Taou-tae himself is still employed in the Cantonment to which he is attached. His Majesty acknowledges receipt. 

20th. --- An Imperial Decree orders that 800 piculs of millet be granted to the congee kitchens at Poo-tse-tang and Kung- tih-lin, in consequence of the excessive rain which has fallen this year in the province of Chili. The floods have interfered with the harvest, and the inhabitants find it difficult to gain a livelihood. These congee kitchens must be reopened without delay. Respect this. 

(2) Woo-tang (吳棠) presents a supplementary petition, praying the Emperor to degrade a Colonel named Hwang Tih- yaou from his rank. This officer neglected to fulfil his duty and come to Peking for an audience ; he also engaged in a scolding match with the former Acting Sub-Prefect of Sung-pwau ; and he seized and beat that official on a public occasion, the bystanders advising and separating the combatants.  Such conduct proves the Colonel to be an utterly worthless fellow, and that there is no hope of his reformation. His Majesty commands that the culprit be degraded from office. 

Oct. 20th.--- (3) Chang-shun (長順) and two others kneel and return thanks to the Emperor for appointing Seh-tih-pa- chă-urh to the post of Governor General and Commander-in-chief of the forces at Kheh-urh-kheh-chă-să-kheh-thoo-han-poo (in outer Mongolia), and they pray that this newly appointed Officer may be permitted to perform the usual ceremony of worshipping the Emperor at the temple of Wan-show, in the city of Woo-la-ya-soo- tae, as he dreads coming to Peking, never having had small-pox. His Majesty acknowledges receipt. 

21st. --- Ying-yuen (英元) a President of the Board of Censors, and member of the Imperial Household, with others kneel and petition. According to the.  evidence of the widow Leang, who resides in the District of Keang-poo, in the Province of Keang-soo, her husband Leang Ta-yew was an expectant District Magistrate, with the rank of Assistant Prefect, and was decorated with a peacock's feather.  Ting Yu-how, with several accomplices, bribed the police runners in the Prefect's office, who, seizing the husband, threw him into prison, where he shortly afterwards died.  The deceased held a military appointment in the Province of Shang-tung, which he resigned in the eighth year of the present reign, in consequence of the death of one of his parents. In the following year the District Magistrate of Keang-poo ordered him to survey that district, when he discovered two pieces of land on which no tax was paid, through the fraudulence of the owners ; whereupon, Ting Yu-how and the other defaulters were seized with fear lest their lands should also be inspected. His Majesty is prayed to issue orders that the case be investigated, and replies that the petition is recorded. 

(2) Too-hing-ah (都興阿), Tsing- khae (清凱) and Kung-thang (恭鏜) kneel and petition that Khing-lin, Captain in a Banner Corps at Seaou-hih-shen, and Yu Wan-fung Acting Magistrate in the District of Kwang-ning, be deprived of their rank, and allowed a limit of three months to arrest certain thieves. In consequence of the carelessness of these Officers, three mounted robbers, on the 25th day of the intercalary sixth month, attacked the Corean envoy as he was passing through Ein-kea-kow, near the Seaou- hih mountain, and plundered him of the money which he had received for his gravelling expenses ; of his silk and cotton clothes ; and other property. His Majesty grants the petition. 

Oct. 22nd.--- Le Tsung-he (李宗羲) memorialises to the effect that Le Sin-yen, who has been appointed General of Division at Hwang-ngan, in the Province of Chě- keang, set out for his post on the 2nd day of the seventh month. His delay hitherto has been caused by the pressure of his duties in connection with the naval force at Tae-hoo. The Governor-General of the Province of Chě-keang has urged him to occupy his post at once. His Majesty acknowledges receipt. 

(2) The same Official petitions that Ching Tsaou-joo, Assistant Overseer of Iron Machinery at the Arsenal at Shanghai, and expectant Prefect, may be permitted to return to his post. In the sixth month of the present year, this Official retired from the public service in consequence of the death of his father ; but his superior Officer cannot carry on his duties alone. --- His Majesty grants the petition. 

23rd. --- The same official, together with the Deputy-Governor of Keang-soo, petitions the Emperor to bestow some mark of commiseration on Le Chaou-khing, a deceased Superintendent of the Salt Trade.  The deceased was Le Hung-chang's brother, and his modesty prevented him from making known his own meritorious services against the rebels. Also, as the deceased was his brother, Le Hung-chang himself could not make known his relative's merits in this respect. In the 5th month of the present year the deceased came to Peking to obtain an audience of the Emperor.  In consequence of the fatigue which he formerly incurred in the Cantonments in which he served, he contracted a disease which again attacked him on the 3rd of the sixth month, in consequence of which he died at Le Hung-chang's Yamun, to the great grief of the petitioners. His Majesty will reply. 

(2) Too-hing-ah (都興阿) prays the Emperor to appoint an Officer to superintend removals from the palace, and to oversee the Imperial schools, as the former officer who had charge of these departments has been promoted to be Captain-General at Je-ho. His Majesty has now appointed two officials. 

Oct. 24th. --- Edict. --- Cheang-tae is appointed Acting Tu-t'ung of the Ohine^te division of the Bordered-Blue Banner. 

(2) Memorial. Tso Tsung-t'ang, Viceroy of Shense and Kansuh, addresses the throne on the arrears in Extra Military Competitions. One h^s taken place this year, and two now remain. The twenty extra appointments granted to celebrate the Imperial Wedding have been distributed at this year's examination. --- Rescript: "Noted." 

(3) The Chief Authories at Urga recommend for honours the military officers detached from Heuen-hwa-foo (in Chihli) and Koo-peh-kow, who have drilled the Mongol troops at Urga for the last three years. --- Rescript : Accorded. Let the High Provincial Authorities be called on to furnish a list of those who should be rewarded for exertions in conveying the Military Funds to that distant Post. 

(4) From the same (Supplementary).  Some personal recommendations. --- Rescript : "Seen." 

Oct. 25th. --- Cheang-t'ae returned thanks for his appointment of yesterday. The news Brigadier of Wenchow took his parting instructions. 

(1) and (2) Edict. --- Military appointments in Yunnan. 

(3) Li Hung-chang, in a memorial, suggests honours for Tê shou, recently Superintendent of Imperial Factory at Soo- chow, who has contributed towards the relief of the inundated districts in Chihli.  The total contributions by all persons were TIs. 44,232.350. Piculs (best) Rice 2,440.  (at 2.50 per picul=Tls. 6,102.2) and other Rice, Piculs 4,932 (at L 80= TIs. 1,878.5810); cotton quilted clothes pieces 71,065 (at TIs. 1 per- piece) --- Total in money value TIs. 130,278.1347. The above was contributed in 1872 and has been distributed as required. Tê shou has given in all 5,500 quilted suits. He has already received honours in respect of part of this contribution and cannot therefore be again promoted in the same way. The object of the present memorial is to have his liberality placed on record in the archives of the Neiy-woo-foo. --- Rescript " Let this be done." 

(4) From the same. Recommends for tablet to record their signal chastity, the widows of several literary men. 

(5) and (6) From the same. Reports on the capabilities of officers who have undergone a year's probation. 

October 26th. --- (1) Edict. Appointing a High Commission to hear an appeal case. 

(2) Memorial from Shau Hăug-yü, Governor of Shense, recommending to a vacant military office. 

(3) From Yung-tseuen of the I-li Governing Board. (An enclosure.) Lo-pin, a Red-girdle, and formerly Viceroy of Shense and Kansuh, but degraded and condemned to service on the military frontier (on account of the Mahommedan Rebellion) is recommended for pardon and recall to Peking. It appears that since his degradation he served in the Seal-Office in I-li, --- that he made a contribution (reported to the Throne) to the military chest of TIs.  10,000 in 1863, when the Mahommedan rising at San-ho-tao took place, --- that on the recommendation of Ming-hsü, Tartar Commander-in-Chief in Kansuh, and of the present memorialist, the Throne in 1865 gave directions for Lo-pin's recall,--- that Lo-pin purchased for his second son the position of Yuen-wae-lang for service in either odd or even months (clerk in one of the Government Boards ; this put three or four thousand Taels into the Government Chest), --- that Lo-pin and this son had a narrow escape for their lives, being taken prisoner by the Insurgents, and then rescued ; and further that Lo-pin is over 80 years old. This in the memorialist's opinion forms a strong case for commiseration, and it is prayed that the father and son may be brought by Government stages to Peking. --- Rescript: '* Granted. Let the Yamên take note." 

(4) From the same. Details the steps he has taken to have the several Seals cut which are required by the separate Departments of his government. 

27th. --- Edicts (several) concurring in recommendations of the Boards for promotion or otherwise. 

(2) Memorials. From Le Hung-chang Viceroy of Chihli. --- The sanction of the Throne is requested for punishment of officials responsible for the escape of two criminals, condemned to beheading and strangulation respectively. Bribery is suspected in the case of such extraordinary negligence, and power is wanted to handle the suspected officials effectively. ---Rescript has already appeared. 

(3) Memorial from the President of the Nei-wu-fu, suggesting the appointment of an officer (either of a new man or of the present holder), to the post of Superintendent of the Imperial Factory at Hang- chow. The present holder has been in office for two terms of one year each.--- Rescript (appointing a new man) has already appeared. 

(4) Memorials from the Grain Transport Superintendent WSn-ping, and from the late Acting Officer, detailing the date and the formalities of taking, and of handing over, respectively the seals of office. --- Rescript: "Noted," 

October 28th.--- Edict. (1) Tu-hsing-ah and his colleagues having announced the completion of the repairs of certain temples, request that a propitious day be chosen on which to replace the Ancestral Tablets therein. We hereby direct the Astronomioal Board to choose a day accordingly. 

Memorial (2) Ch'üan-ch'ing 全慶 President of the Board of Punishment, and his colleagues, report the result of their investigations into the accusations of Censor Shên-huai against Yang Hung-tien, a clerk of the Board of Revenue, for corruption. The Censor based his accusation solely on popular rumour, and on the alleged fact that Yang had come to Peking poor and now lived so ostentatiously as to incur the soubriquet of Reveuue-Board- Councillor No. 7 (there being really only 6 of those high officials). The investigation was spread over two months, and the Board has had Yang, and all documents connected with cases which passed through Yang's hands, before them. There are a few cases which call for remark. One was that of a Chih Hsien who, after the period of mourning for a parent's death, had paid the fees necessary before being replaced on the roll for active service. There was no receipt for the fees as there should have been, appended to the Commission stating the Chih Hsien's place in the roll ; nor did the amount appear in the body of the Commission itself. Yang has no explanation to offer of this irregularity. He states that the fee was paid not into his hands, but into the coffers of the Chih Hien's native Province. Other cases were of Yang's refusing to receive certain applications because they were made on days of the month not set apart for that kind of business. A custom had really arisen of receiving those documents on the days mentioned, but as Yang pointed out this custom had never received Imperial sanction.--- The Rescript has already appeared. 

29th. --- Edicts approving of recommendations by the Board of Civil Office. 

Memorial by ChHen Ting-ming, 錢鼎銘. governor of Honan. He reports the discovery in Kai-fêng-foo of a gambling hell kept by an Expectant-Prefect named Wang Yüen-hsu. Wang is in enforced retirement from office in mourning for a parent's death, and employed his leisure in these nefarious proceedings. Another Expectant-Prefect named Ch'êng Tê-mon, had gambled with others of the official class in the hell and lost several thousand strings of cash, for which he gave a chit.  When Wang presented the chit, they came to words and then grappled each other's queues. Ch'êng's foot slipped, and in falling he wounded his eye and temple.  These wounds have been healed, but the facts disclosed are disgraceful. No respect for their own individual or official dignity has restrained these men, and they must be dealt with signally. The degradation from official rank is prayed for, of all those who were officials; some of them are subordinates of the Yellow River Superintendent, and he will himself report on these, with whose memorial indeed this is in identical terms. It is not known whether one Pi Hsing-fu, who is implicated, is of official rank. He will be specially reported on. --- Rescript : ''These officials are forthwith degraded. The rest of the memorial is approved." 

Oct. 30th.--- This Gazette is filled with a memorial from the Viceroy of Fuhkien and Chekiang, and the Governor of Chekiang, detailing their reasons for a proposed rearrangement of the district camps for the Extra- Banner Forces. The Board of War had approved of the changes in the officering of these Forces, but hesitated to concur in the changes of location without further explanations and plans. These are now afforded. --- Rescript: ''Let the Board of War report on this." 

3]gt. --- The Astronomical Board submitted for inspection a diagram of the coming Eclipse of the Moon. 

(1 ) Edict. --- An appointment to the Khalgan Supprintendency. 

(2) Memorial. --- From Li Tsung-hsi (Viceroy of Nanking) Li K'uêu-i, Governor of Kiangsi, and Li Wên-t'ien, Literary Chancellor, praying the favour of the Throne in increasing the number of successful candidates (civil and military) allowed to Kiangsi generally and its several districts in particular. The rule is that, for every ten thousand Taels contributed, one more literary (Keu-jen) and military Degree is conferred on the Province ; for every Three thousand Taels, a Magistracy or Prefecture has an increase. A distinction is drawn between contributions given without and with stipulation for a recognition in this shape, the latter receiving an increase of not more than 10 extra Degrees, while the former, being dependent wholly on ,the generosity of the Throne, is not subject to any such limit. In the present instance a sum of Tls. 123,892 has to be acknowledged.  --- Rescript : "Let the Board report on this, and take custody of the attached vouchers. '' 

(3) From Ch'ung-lun, Jung-lü, and others, report in detail the contribution by Ch'ung-li sometime Customs Superintendant (or Hoppo) at Canton, viz : two mortars, (or howitzers) and their appurtenances as follows : hollow shot 516 ; solid ditto, 112 ; copper caps, 7 boxes ; matches, 2 cases ; powder bags, two bundles ; repeating rifles with bayonets 30, bullets 30,240 ; muskets 125. These have been received into the Imperial Armoury. This signal act of patriotism in contributing so valuable a present of war stores is brought to the Imperial notice. --- The Rescript to this has already appeared.