Dec. Ist. --- (1) Edict. Appointing Pu Kwan-lai to the post of Superintendent of the Salt Gabelle in Shantung. 

(2) Memorial from Wên-ping, the Imperial Grain Commissioner, respecting the floods in the Yellow River during the past summer. The new embankments at the various dangerous places had not been completed in time owing to want of money, and as the River began to rise there was constant danger of its bursting through.  The memorialist and his subordinates exerted themselves to the utmost, and by good fortune the danger was averted. Now all is safe, a plentiful harvest has been gathered all over the country, and the people are in a loyal and thankful frame of mind ; --- this all owing to the Emperors virtues and the protecting influence of the spirit of the stream. Therefore he proposes that a grant of ten Thibetan incense sticks he made by His Majesty to the latter, to evince the nation's gratitude, If the officers concerned show similar diligence next year, they will be reported to the Throne for rewards. 

[The Edict has already appeared, see Nov. 19.] 

(3) An appeal from the Censorate. The appellant, Tsao Tsung-ming, a native of Hwangpi hsien, in Hupeh, accuses a clansman named Tsao Tsung-ko and others of a series of persecutions and extortions for which he could find no remedy, (the yamen-rumurs being bribed to conceal the truth,) ending in their seizing his younger brother and throwing him into prison where he died. At the time of this last occurrence, complainant was absent on military service, but learning from his mother that there had been no inquest ; that the body had been secretly buried, and that she could not get her plaint attended to at the Yamen of the district, he brought his case to the capital. 

[Edict has already appeared.] 

(4) Another appeal from the Censorate.  Fu-yu, anative of Chioshan hsien, in Honan, had been falsely charged by Lin-chin and others of owing them a debt, and had been beaten when he refused to pay up. On his going to the Magistrate to complain, the opposite party by bribery and false evidence turned the tables, and he was beaten and forced to sign a bond.  They again attacked him, and carried off his wife and inflicted on her such injuries that she died, and when he again complained he was met in the same way, and imprisoned for several months. He carried his case successively to the higher provincial authorities without success, and now brings this appeal to the capital. 

[Edict has already appeared.] 

(5) Another appeal from the same quarter (Honan) reveals a similar case of bribery, and wrong, arising out of an alleged loan of money and refusal to repay. The appellant is a widow whose husband had died from the beatings he had received, and she had applied in vain to the Magistrate and Prefect. 

[Edict has already appeared.] 

(6) An application from the Literary Chancellor of Kwangsi for four months' leave of absence to repair his ancestral tombs. --- Rescript : Granted. 

Dec. 2nd. --- (1) Edict. Appointing examiners and supervisors to superintend the forthcoming military examinations for 2nd degree at Peking. 

(2) Appointing Yih Yungyuen to be Grain Taotai in Fookien. 

(3) Memorial from Li Hung-chang. The present sub-Prefect of Ki-chow, named Sung P'eng-show, is about to marry his son to a granddaughter of his official superior the Prefect of Shuntien foo (Peking), and under these circumstances the Civil Service Board had moved that he should be transferred to a similar post in a different Prefecture [This was for fear of collusion between the two in their official capacity.  The writer proposes that he should exchange with P'eng Cho-chi, sub-Prefect of Chingchow. --- Rescript: Let the Board consider and report. 

(4) From the same. Reportinfif the failure of Oh 'en Kao, Afagistrate of Fung- ning hsien to arrest and bring to justice, within the time allowed, the parties who committed certain robberies within his district. Further orders have been given that the thieves must be found, and meantime he is by law liable to be degraded. --- Rescript: Let Ch'en Kao be handed over to the proper Board, who will settle the discipline to be inflicted. 

(5) From the same. Reporting on the case of Yin Têh-tai a Manchu of the rank of expectant Taotai, who has just passed his year's probation in the Provincial Capital. He has had a button of the 2nd class conferred upon him by special Edict, and other honours, and he will be promoted to the first Taotai vacancy that occurs. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Civil Service take note. 

(10) From the same Requesting that 16 military officers of various ranks who have been disabled by wounds, be excused from keeping up their horse archery exercise. --- Rescript : Granted: The Board of War to take note. 

(8) From the Governor of Kiangsi, praying that one T'ang Lin-t'ang, holding the brevet rank of blue button, may be deofficialized for the purpose of a trial on a charge of robbery, at the instance of one lieh Ko-ya. --- Rescript : Ordered as prayed. 

Dec. 3rd. --- (1) Memorial from Kuo Pai- yin, the Governor of Hupeh, reporting the means taken last summer to prevent inundation in the country about Ching-chow on the Yangtze. Being himself occupied in quelling some disturbances by banditti in the interior of his province, he had specially deputed two officers, a Taotai and Prefect, to see to the work, who had with great exertion averted a threatened catastrophe.  --- Rescript: Noted. 

(2) Li Hung-chang reports the death of an Assistant Magistrate named Yeh Chang- hsü from injuries received while endeavouring to stop the floods on the Yung Ting river. He was in charge of one of the stations along the bank, and in a night of wind and rain was standing on a dangerous position urging his men to exertion when he missed his footing and fell. Notwithstanding that he was then severely injured, he continued to expose himself and died in consequence. It has been customary to give posthumous rewards in such cases as if the officer had died on military service, and a similar honour is now prayed for. --- Rescript : Let the Board fix a liberal reward and report. 

(3) A Long memorial from Li Hung- chang respecting the breaking out of the Yungting River and what has been done to remedy the disasters. On first learning that the water had been suffered to break out, the officers in charge had been degraded and special men sent to repair the damage. They now report the steps they took and the difficulties they had to contend against before bringing the work to a successful close --- the principal of which were the swampy nature of the ground, and want of materials and money. The officials concerned have made up for their original negligence by subsequent diligence, and so are reinstated in their former places. A list of officers for promotion is appended. The memorialist adds an explanation of how he raised money in the emergency. There being no time to write and get funds from the proper Board, and the amount which the several officers were fined not being enough, he had taken in all Tls. 66,000 in various proportions from the annual allowance for the repairs of rivers ; from the annual subsidy paid to Chihli by the two Kiang ; from the allowance for the Nan river repairs from the salt revenue ; from the subsidy paid from the Shanghai Customs revenue for the pay and drill of Troops in Chihli ; and from the commiseration fund paid by several provinces to sufferers in Chihli. The labour has cost more than the legal rate, and it is hoped in accordance with a precedent quoted that a specific account of the items disbursed will not be required. [Edict has already appeared.] 

Dec. 4th. --- (1) A long Gazette of changes in the Civil service. 

(2) Memorial from Tsung-shih the Commandant in the Jêh-ho district, recommending Wang Shih-chin, at present an expectant sub-prefect, for the rank of Chün-t'ung, as a reward for his services in auditing public accounts as between some outgoing and incoming officials. He had been previously recommended for the rank of Prefect, which was disallowed by the Board. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service consider and report. 

(3) From the same, reporting having appointed Li Ying-chow Acting Magistrate of Chih-fdng Hsien, vacant by the death of the previous incumbent. --- Rescript Noted. 

(4) From the same. A detailed report of the suppression of various bands of robbers that had infested the neighbourhood of Jêh-ho and Moukden and the trial and punishment of the chiefs. [The Edict has already appeared ; see Gazette of Nov.  21st.] 

Dee. 5th.--- (1) Edict.--- Kwang-show (a Vice President of the Board of Punishment) is ordered to replace Yen-hsü a Shih-lang of the Granary Dept., during his period of mourning. 

(2) Memorials. --- An appeal from the censorate. The appellant states that his brother having had a dispute with a neighbour Kwan Fu-chên, about the right to some newly formed land on the river side, the latter had set upon him with his servants, tied him up, beaten him and buried him before he was actually dead. An inquest had been held, but Kwan Fu-chen having a relation, a clerk in the Magistrate's Yamen had managed to stop further proceedings. He had also trumped up a story about the deceased having been guilty of very unfilial conduct, and that it was at the instigation of his mother that he had beaten him. Appellant and his mother had sought redress at the Prefect's and Treasurer's Yamen, but were only referred back to the District Magistrate, therefore he had come to the Capital to complain. [Edict has already appeared.] 

(3) Memorial from Tu-shinga and Kung- tang, the chief military and civil officials in Moukden, who had along with Juy leen been appointed a high commission to inquire into the recent disasters from excessive floods in that quarter. Juy-leen has been moved to another Port, and they pray that a third Commissioner may be appointed in his place. --- Rescript appoints Chih-ho. 

(4 and 5) The Viceroy and Governors of Hunan and Hupeh report the arrival of the Annam Tribute Bearers on their way to the Capital. As usual officers were deputed to escort them, and they quitted the jurisdiction on the 25th Oct., all well.  --- Rescript : Noted. 

(o) An appeal from the Censorate.  Appellant's nephew had married the daughter of a man named Chow Yew-tao, and sometime after the marriage the lady's parents, being bribed for the purpose, got her away from her husband and gave her as a concubine to a man named Sen Kung-hwei.  The nephew's father Jaou Hsien-yung laid a plaint at the Magistrate's Yamên (Lung- shan-hsieu in Hunan) which was not attended to, and sometime after, having gone to Hou-tze-po, he was set upon by the man Seu and others and beaten to death.  Appellant (named Jaou Ko-yung) then went to complain at the Magistrate's Yamên, but could not get admittance, the doorkeeper having been bribed to refuse him.  His appeal to the Prefect was answered by referring him back to the Magistrate.  --- Rescript has already appeared. 

Dec. 6th. --- (1) Edict. Upon a memorial from Li Hung-chang, the Throne grants a partial remission of the land-tax in the several districts which have suffered from the recent floods in Chihli, in proportion to their losses, for example a loss of 7-10ths of the crop entitles the proprietor to an abatement of l-5th. ; 8-10ths to an abatement of 2- 5ths &c., and the payment of the remainder to be extended over two or three years. 

(2) An acting appointment in the Board of Punishment. 

(3) A memorial from Hsü Chen-i, the literary Chancellor of Shensi and Kansuh, reporting the establishment of a new college in Ching-yang-hsien in Shensi for the study of the classics. He commences with a long dissertation on the merits of learning and the causes of the failure of other colleges, and then proceeds to state wherein lies the advantage of his own scheme. The main object of the new college is to give solid or practical learning, and to attain this the students are to be drilled in the Seven Classics ; History both of the former and present dynasties ; commentaries on the " Great Learning" and the " Wên-heen-t'ung K'ao" (the great work of Ma Twan-lin --- see Wylie p. 55) &c., &c. The establishment is to be under the personal supervision of a President and Professors chosen from the resident Literati for their attainments, and not under the high officials, who really have not the necessary time to give to it public lectures are to be given daily, and the strictest discipline is to be maintained and a prescribed course to be gone through.  As regards funds, the memorialist has headed the list with a year's salary, and liberal subscriptions have been received from the public-spirited men of the district.  A suitable building has been obtained, and a President and Professors appointed whose names and qualifications are given at length. --- Rescript : Let the Viceroy, Governor, and Literary Chancellor of the province place the matter on record in their archives, and hereafter in their official action observe the regulations thus settled. 

(4) Enclosure from Ting-an, requesting five months leave of absence for Lew Ching-fang, a military officer of the brevet rank of T'i-tu, on the occasion of the death of both his parents. --- Rescript: Granted. 

(5) From the same. Reporting the return to duty of the above and his thanks to the Throne. 

Dec. 7th. --- Edict. --- Appointing the Governor and Criminal Judge of Honan, a commission to try the appeal case of Tsao Yuiig-chen. 

(2) Memorial from tlie Governor of Kiangsu, praying for a mark of Imperial favour on a girl named Leen-ying, a native of Mu-yang-hsien, who had exhibited extraordinary filial devotion. Her father being very ill (having lost the use of his limbs from damp), she had secretly cut a piece of flesh from her arm and boiled it with his medicine, and the decoction had cured him. Next year he again fell sick and had to make a journey to Ch'ang-chow to consult a doctor, and his daughter insisted on accompanying him. During the journey he became worse and died, and the girl, refusing to live behind him, washed and dressed herself and deliberately took poison and died. The fact is attested by Lü Yen-wei and other gentry of the district. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Rites consider and report. 

(3) From Ting Pao-chen, Governor of Shantung, asking a year's leave to visit his native Province, Kwei-chow, and put his family tombs in order, which have been sadly destroyed by the rebels there, who, he now learns, have been finally subdued.  (This was granted in a former Edict.) 

(4) From the Viceroy and Governor of Kwangtung, reporting for the usual mark of Imperial honor, the case of the mother of a military officer who has reached the venerable age of 101 years. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Rites consider and report. 

(5) From the Gov. of Kiangsu, praying for the deofficialization of a T'u-sze named Lu Ta-neen, who had been mixed up in some local quarrels about the right to newly formed land, and had escaped when his evidence was wanted. --- Rescript : Granted. 

(6) From Viceroy and Gov. of Kiangsu appointing Tang Teh-chi Acting Prefect of Soochow, while the present incumbent goes to Peking to be presented at Court. 

Dec. 8th.--- (1) Edict.--- The Censor Hu Chia-yu had memorialized the Throne charging the authorities of Kiangsi with levying excessive taxes, and Liu Kêm-i, the Governor, has replied denying the charge and bringing a counter charge against the Censor --- to wit, that he and his nephew, being owners of about 600 or 700 mow of land in Kiangsi, have not paid taxes for 12 years, and also that he had gone out of his way to meddle in matters that did not concern him, and had written threatening letters to the Governor and others. --- Hu Chia-yu is ordered to reply to this. 

(2) Memorial from Wang K'ai-t'ai, the Governor of Fuhkien, reporting the success of certain new regulations which he had drawn up for conducting the 2nd degree examinations, by which order and regularity were better maintained, and the chances of the candidates cheating or getting their essays improved by the copyists, were diminished. --- Rescript : Noted. 

(3) From Chiao Sung-neen, the Eastern Superintendent of Inland Waterways, reporting on the possibility of getting the wood &c., formerly ordered for the repairs of the Temple of Heaven, transported to Peking by the old Grand Canal route.  This route, though possible, would occupy a great deal of time, and he thinks after consulting with his subordinates that it will be better to bring the wood in steamers vi4 Shanghai --- Rescript : Noted. 

(4) From the same. Reporting on 15 Officers under his charge who had been, in accordance with custom, selected from the Chü-jen candidates failing to take their 3rd degree, for official services. Five had fulfilled their two years probation, and of these four had shown capabilities which made them worthy of being retained at their present duties of inspecting the Canals, &c., the others should be moved to an ordinary post of district magistrate. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service take note. 

(5) From Viceroy and Gov. of Fukien, reporting on Shen Ken-yang, a new probationer of rank of sub-prefect in the province. He has been examined, and has shown great abilities and deserves to be promoted. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service take note. 

(6) From Ying-han, Governor of Anhwei, reporting having got back to his own Capital after having been superintending the provincial Examinations at Nanking. (The Governors of Anhwei and Kiangsu take this duty in turns.) The arrears of public business have been worked off, and he has sent a number of military officers to the border districts of Hupeh, and hopes the threatened, disturbance will be averted. He is happy to inform the Emperor that a good harvest has been gathered, and the agricultural people are all contented. --- Rescript : Noted. 

Dec. 9th. --- (1) Edict. Upon the representation of the Imperial Superintendent of Inland waterways, the Emperor decrees tablets to be erected in three temples in Shantung to the God of the Yellow river, for his goodness in not allowing the river to overflow) the danger of which was very imminent, and for answering the prayers of the Mandarins in sending water enough to fill the canals, and allow the rice boats to pass. 

(2) Ordering Governor of Shensi to fill up vacancy of Prefect at Hsi-an-foo ; Ting- hsiang to take the place of the appointee. 

(S) Appointing the Gov. and Criminal Judge of Houan a commission to try an appeal case brought by Liu Oh'en-tsang. 

(4) Memorial from the Gov. of Honan reporting on Chalafênya and others of the rank of sub-prefect, recently sent for service to his province. After the usual year's probation they have all proved themselves worthy of appointments. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service take note. 

(5) From Li Hung-chang, proposing to appoint Chen Hsi-chi to the post of Magistrate at Ching-wan-hsien in Pao-ting-foo, with a long statement of his qualifications and services. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service consider and report. 

(6) From the same, praying the Emperor to cancel the disciplinary penalties formerly inflicted on Wang K'un-yai, Magistrate of Tung-ming-hsien, for not arresting the guilty parties in a certain robbery. He has now succeeded in arresting the principal and 8 others, and brought them to trial.  --- Rescript: Granted. Let the Board take note. 

(7) From the Governor of Honan. Tai- Tso-i, Magistrate of Nei-hsiang, having failed to account to the Treasurer for 4,418 Tls. of Taxes received by him, was degraded by a former Edict. He has now paid up and shown himself penitent, and it is re- quested that his button be restored to him. --- Rescript : Granted ; let the Board of Service take note. 

(8) From Ts'ang-tsun at present a Ts'an- tsan at Uliasutai, and acting Connimnder-in-Chief of the Manchu army, stating under what circumstances he had taken a loan from the military chest of 1,800 Taels for his own use, and begging that he may be allowed to repay it in instalments from his salary. --- Rescript: Granted; the Board of Revenue to take note. 

Dec. 10th.--- (1) A monthly Gazette of changes in the Civil Service. 

(2) A long memorial from Chiao sung- nien, Superintendent of Inland Water- ways, giving a detailed report of the state of the embankment of the Yellow River and Grand Canal, and pointing out the places where Repairs are requisite from Lan-i in Honan downwards.  A previous Edict had ordered the construction of flood dykes in the low districts about Tung-ming, 4&c., and he discusses the ways and means of carrying this out. If the work is to be undertaken at Government expense a sum of at least 300,000 taels will be required, and the first thing is to apply to the Board of Revenue to see whether in the present state of finances such a sum can be spared. If it can, then a survey must be made by the high authorities and the precise lines marked off. The memorialist does not seem to favour this method; for the common people, he says, not respecting Government property, officers would have to be appointed to watch it, and execute repairs which would be a constant expense to Government ; and not like the old plan, when the local authorities called upon the people according to circumstances to exert themselves and avert impending danger. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Revenue consider and report. 

(4) P'êng Yu-ling, a former President of the Board of War, now on a special tour of inspection of the naval forces on the inland waters, gives a long report of his visit and the state of discipline which he found to exist. --- Rescript : Noted. 

Dec. 11.- (1) Edict.--- The Censor Hoo Chiu-yü has replied to the memorial of Liu K'un-i (see Gazette 8th Dec.,) stating that he does not possess 100 mow of land in Kiangsi, the rest having been divided between his father and younger brothers ; that he has not paid taxes because the land being almost constantly under water, he is entitled the exemption ; that as regards the correspondence, it was Liu K'un-i that between it, and he only replied ; and that the allegation of his writing threatening letters is false. --- H. M. gives them both a reprimand, the Gov. for using too hasty language in his memorial, and the Censor for corresponding about public matters with the local authorities of his native province. The former is further ordered to reply as to the truth of the new facts alleged. 

(2 & 4) Memorials from the Governor of Shantung, reporting acting appointments consequent on the retirement of the Salt Commissioner which was allowed in a former Edict. 

(3) From the Governor of Honan, reporting changes in the distribution of the provincial troops. Fresh recruits sent to the border districts for service. --- Rescript : Noted. 

(5) From the Governor of Shantung.  Wên-ping, a Magistrate of Yang-ku in Shantung, had been killed by the Taiping rebels many years ago, and a temple erected by Imperial decree to him and others as a reward for the virtues and loyalty they had displayed. The temple had fallen into disrepair, and the local gentry and others have subscribed money and rebuilt and enlarged it, and the memorialist has at the request of the gentry ordered that the local mandarins should worship there at the spring and autumn festivals every year, and that the necessary expenses be yearly provided by the magistrate of the district. --- Rescript: Let the proper Board take note. 

(6) From the same, forwarding a list of officers who have distinguished themselves lately and particularly this year in deepening the Grand canal about Têh-chow, and facilitating the passage of the rice fleet from Northern Kiang-soo. 480 boats passed up this year very quickly. --- Rescript : Let the list be sent to the proper Board to consider and report. 

(7) The Governor of Honan reports the arrival of the Annam Tribute-bearers.  They passed on all well. 

(8) Li Hung-chang reports their having arrived in Peking. --- Rescript : Noted. 

Dec. 12th. --- (1) Edict. Several appointments in the lower ranks of the service. 

(2) Ordering Tso-tsung-tang, Viceroy of Kansuh, to inquire into and report the particulars of the death of a Sub-Prefect named Chêng-shun, who died for his country while fighting against the Mahommedan rebels 6 years ago. A memorial asking for a temple to his memory had been presented by the Censorate. 

(3) Ordering a petty officer in Peking to be restored to his original rank, from which he had been degraded for not arresting certain thieves. 

(4) From Ting Pao-chen, Gov. of Shan- tung, a long memorial reporting what steps he has taken for improving the Salt revenue. Several years ago the revenue had fallen oft, through smuggling and the impoverished character of the people, and he had adopted the system of deputing officers through the southern part of the province, with power to grant advances to merchants to enable them to bring Salt, which had proved a success. The money advanced for the experiment had been nearly all repaid, and the memorialist is trying the same plan for a circuit of towns in the eastern part, and asks an advance of 90,000 taels from the Board of Revenue for this purpose. --- Rescript: Let the Board consider and report. 

(5) From the same, praying that the Revenue from the Salt-Gabelle in Shantung, which hitherto has been fixed at 600,000 Taels, may under the circumstances be reduced to 400,000 for a term of five years.  Last year's net revenue was only 308,000 Tls. --- Rescript: Let the Board of Revenue consider and report. 

Dec. 13th. --- (1) Edict. --- It having been brought to the notice of the Emperor that the 2nd degree Examination Hall at Peking is too small for the numbers that come forward, the proper Board is ordered to draw up rules, limiting the number of candidates that may be sent forward from the provinces by the Literary Chancellor, for examination, &c. 

(2) Granting to three high officers the privilege of riding on horseback within the precincts of the Imperial City, Peking. 

(3) From the Governor of Shansi, asking that two petty officials, who have distinguished themselves in repressing salt smuggling at two of the frontier barriers, maybe put the very first on the list for promotion in their respective classes. --- Rescript ; Granted. 

(4) From the same, reporting that he has caused two Magistrates to exchange places for particular reasons. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service take note. 

(5) From the same, reporting having appointed Ch'ang-hsing acting Fu-tseang at Sha-hu-hsee, the previous incumbent having retired from ill-health. 

(6) From the same, reporting that it had been discovered that the Magistrate of Yung-chi was holding office within 500 li of his paternal home, contrary to law, and proposing that he should in consequence be made to exchange places with the Magistrate of Tu-t'ung, which would be a suitable arrangement. (By law a mandarin may not hold office in his own province, nor even in an adjoining province if his Yamên is within 530 li of his parents' home.) --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service consider and report. 

Dec 14th. --- (1) A Gazette of promotions in the service. 

(2) A supplementary memorial from Tsing-lun, Commander of the Manchu forces in Oroumtsi, reporting what arrangements he has made, to make the courier service more efficient on the road north of Kuch'eng. His former proposals had to be departed from, owing to the impossibility of getting forage for the horses in the desert of Gobi, part of which has to be traversed. --- Rescript : Let the proper Board take note. 

(3) From the same.--- He had previously asked for a reinforcement of 1,000 cavalry from Cliili and Heilungtseang, and now reports their arrival with only 20 odd casualties. Their horses, however, nearly all came to grief on the way, only 300 odd surviving, but he has endeavoured to supply the deficiency. The Tu-lieng of Ohalanarh sent 2,000 baggage camels with them many of which were in a very sad plight, but he has taken measures to have them fed up, so as to be of further service. --- Rescript : Noted. 

(4) From the same, reporting his having sent supplies to the troops at Hami (although beyond his jurisdiction) as he had heard that all their store of provisions had been carried off by the Mahommedan rebels. --- Rescript : Noted. 

(5) From the Gov. of Shantung, proposing Kwo Ting-kwei, at present Magistrate of Yeh hsien, for Magistrate in the prefectural city of -T'ai-an, a difficult and responsible post. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Service consider and report. 

(6) From the same. During the recent floods on the Yellow River near Yün Ch'eng-hsien, the water had broken out, and the officials and people to the number of thousands were assembled endeavouring to stop the disaster in vain. In despair they knelt on their knees in the mud and prayed, and suddenly the spirit of the departed Li was seen to rise out of the river and, after hovering about for a little, vanished in a westerly direction. As it hovered, the waves and whirlpools became still, the water seemed to retire along with it, and the wind and rain ceased. The people took advantage of the lull, and after working with energy for two days and two nights succeeded in damming up the breach. The memorialist has made careful inquiry into the facts, and finds there is no doubt about them. It was entirely to this timely intervention of the spirit that the disasters were averted. The spirit was that of Li Yu-mei, a Superintendent of the Yellow River in the time of Ta Kuang, who was greatly distinguished in his time and whose spirit has ever since been a benefactor to the people. As a reward, H. M. is now asked to canonize him in due form. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Ceremonies consider and report. 

Dec. 15th. --- (5) Edict. Granting the troops in Peking two months longer, to refund the advances they had got. 

(2) Appointing four officers to superintend the distribution of some Imperial bounty to the troops. 

(3) Ordering the Board of Punishments to investigate the case of Lo-yu-fûng, a clerk in the Board of Civil Service, charged with having suppressed an order to place a certain Tusze named Sze Chien-ling on the list for promotion, because the latter refused to pay him a squeeze. 

(4) An appeal case of Tsao Chin-Ung, to be disposed of by the Commander-in-Chief of Moukden with others. 

(5) A monthly list of changes among the Provincial Literary Examiners. 

(6) Tso Tsung-t'ang, Viceroy of Kansuh, has succeeded in recapturing the city of Suhchow in Western Kansuh, which for ten years has been in the hands of the Mohammedan rebels. This is a long edict, bestowing rewards and honours on several hundred officers of all ranks, in the army engaged. Tso Tsung-t'ang himself is made a Tu wei of the first-class --- a hereditary distinction. 

(7) Memorial from Wu T'ang, Viceroy of Szechuen, reporting the acting magistrate of Yun-lun and others, for carelessness in allowing a prisoner under sentence of death for murder to escape while being conveyed from the provincial capital to his native district. He has ordered a strict investigation to see that there has been no bribery. --- Rescript : Orders the officials concerned to be handed over to the Board, for the proper discipline. 

(8) From the same, reporting the trial, conviction and execution of an atrocious murderer named . Yang Ma-tze. The victims were three nuns of the Taoist religion, who lived together as one family in a temple outside the provincial capital, one of them being a distant relation of the murderer. He had lived a vagabond sort of life, always asking for money from the nuns, and one evening he came asking as usual, and they refused --- the two parties abusing one another freely. He then begged hard for a lodging for the night, and they at last allowed him to sleep in the kitchen. During the night he rose, murdered them all, and decamped with their cash, wounding a servant girl in his exit. He was arrested, tried and found guilty. The law in such cases of killing a family wholesale is that the criminal himself be put to death at once, with slow torture, without waiting for Imperial decree, his goods to be divided among the relatives of the victims, and his sons or nephews banished for ever to a distance of 2,000 li. As far as concerns himself this has been carried out, but he has no property and no relations for the latter part to take effect. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Punishment take note. 

Dec. I6th.--- (I) Edict. ---Two appointments in the Censorate. 

(2) Memorial from Yiyung, the Commander-in-Chief at Chilin in Manchuria, reporting on T'ungTeh-tsung, whose 3 years service in the Judicial department there has just expired, and asking that the proper Board may be ordered to send a substitute, so that he may repair to the Capital and be presented according to regulation.  --- Rescript : Let it be as requested ; let the Board take note. 

(3) Memorial from the Commander-in- Chief of the Manchu garrison at Hwei-yun and the Gov. of Shansi. The former had established a Board for the better supply of his commissariat, at the head of which was a Taotai named Kwoying. One of his subordinates had accused him of embezslement, and he had hastily replied with a petition to his superior denying the charge, &c. The case has been thoroughly investigated and the charges shown to be groundless. It IS prayed that the accuser be deprived of his rank, but that the Taotai be also reprimanded for hastily petitioning and not quietly awaiting an investigation. ---Rescript: Grants both requests; the proper Board to fix the discipline. 

Dec. 17th. --- (1) Memorial from Viceroy and Governor of Fukien, proposing to appoint Sie Pao-tieng, of the rank of Sub-Prefect, to be Hai fang at Lo-erh-men, near Tai-wan-foo. This officer had originally been appointed to Shantung province, but having gone to Fukien to take charge of the Likin office there for the war in Kan- suh, he had elected to remain, and had been favourably spoken of by his Superior. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Civil Office consider and report. 

(2) From Li Tsung-hsi, Viceroy of the Two Kiang, proposing to effect an exchange between two yu-che, both under the Ch'en- t'ai of Sdocjiow and Sungkiang, as being more suitable to the respective qualities of the men. --- Rescript : Let the Board of War consider and report. 

(3) From the same, reporting on the case of a Magistrate of Ch'ang-hwa in Formosa, who had been dismissed from the service for. gross mismanagement of two cases of murder. He had himself executed the criminals without sending the cases forward for examination to his superiors, and it was suspected that there was probably a ease of substitution undisclosed. The report acquits him of that, and as he has already been degraded no further steps need be taken. --- Rescript : Let the Board take note. 

(4) From Viceroy of the Two Kiang and Governor of Kiangsu, proposing Seu-chun- fu to be Magistrate of Ch'ang-shu-hsien, an important charge as being on the Coast. --- Rescript: Let the Board consider and report.

Dec. 18. --- (1) An Edict referring the appeal case of Lew Ch'en-wen and others to Wan Ching-li, a President of the Board of Ceremonies, and the Prefect of Shun- tun-foo, for determination. 

(2) A long memorial of 22 pages from Liu K'un-i, Governor of Kiangsi, regarding the matters in dispute between him and the Censor Hu-chia-yü. The substance of the document appeared in the Edict which was printed in the Gazette of Dec. 8. 

Dec. 19. --- (1) Edict. A supplementary Gazette (see Dec. 16) of honours and rewards in consequence of the victories in Kansuh. Chinshun, the Manchu Commander-in-chief, has his yellow jacket peacock's feather &c., of which he had formerly been deprived, returned to him ; and several officers who had assisted the operations, though not actually engaged, are promoted. 

(2) Memorial from Hu Chin-yu, the Censor, the gist of which appeared in Edict of Dec. 11. 

(3) From Wingan, a Shih-lang in the Board of Punishment of Sheng-king, asking for the appointment of an associate to assist in determining two cases that he had been commissioned to try by Imperial Edict--- one, that of an official in the Household for extortion, and the other that of a late military official at Newchwang for defalcations in his accounts. Rescript : --- Let Chihho (a Shih-lang in the Board of Revenue of the same domain) be associated in the trial of the cases. 

(4t) Lingsu and Chihho (Shih-lang in two of the Boards in Sheng-king) report having completed the repairs to the Imperial Mausolea, and on the lucky day selected for the purpose replaced the Tablets in position. Rescript : --- Noted. 

Dec. 20th.--- -(1) Edict appointing Tsung- huan to be Foo-tu-t'ung at Alitsuca eioe Haiying retired in ill health. 

(2) A long memorial from Wu K'o-tu, a member of the Censorate, the substance of which appeared in the corresponding edict printed in Gazette of Dec. 12th. The subject of the memorial, Cheng-shun, had had the courage to undertake the difficult charge of Sub-Prefect of Kwei-teh in Western Kansuh, where Mahommedans, Chinese and foreign tribes were all at loggerheads with one another. In a short time he had reduced the district to peace and security, and was beloved by everybody, when the rebels invaded the place, fie had been left almost without support, and before assistance could reach him the city was taken and his yamen attacked. Here he mustered what followers he could, and with a sword in one hand and a pistol in the other, made a vigorous defence, killing numbers, and died at last with ten thousand wounds. His wife, younger brothers and sons were all murdered. The memorialist, being a Kansuh man, knows the facts and therefore prays the Emperor to award him posthumous honors. 

Dec 21st. --- (1) An Edict on a memorial by Fung-shih (Commandant at Jeh-ho) praying for an investigation and punishment in a case of giving a false bond by some officers. The particular facts of the case do not appear without the original memorial, which is not yet made public ; but three petty officers, known as Fang-yü or Custodians, are deprived of rank, and one is to be cangued two months as a terror to all similar evil-doers. 

(2) An appeal case from the Censorate.  The appellant is a graduate named Tsao- shu from Hon an, and complains that, in 1861, a band of Nienfei headed by one Wên-lung attacked and burnt down his village and murdered over 300 of his relatives or clansmen, including his mother, brothers, &c., and desecrated their family graves. The Nienfei disappeared ; but after 7 years Wên- lung turned up again, and appellant laid his case before the Magistrate; but bribery and power were on the other side and he only got himself more and more into difficulties.  At last he sent his son to Peking to bring this appeal. --- Rescript has already appeared (Dec. 7). 

(3) Another appeal case from Honan, in which the appellant charges that one Ch'ang Sun-yu and others had by violence carried off his cousin's wife and debauched her, and that the same parties, upon a dispute about money matters, had seized his father and beaten him to death. By bribery they had got the Magistrate's officers who held the inquest, to return a verdict of suicide by strangulation, and had by the same means managed to pervert the course of justice. They had offered him money if he would hush the matter up. Failing to get redress from the provincial Authorities, he had come to Peking. --- Edict has already appeared (ordering an investigation.) 

(4) From Chiao Sung-nien. For the substance of this see Edict (1) of 9th Dec. 

(5) From the same, praying that, a Taotai named Wang Hwa-t'ang may be allowed to remain a year longer at his post, as his services are very valuable. --- Rescript : Granted. Let the Board take notice. 

Dec. 22nd.--(1) Memorial from Teh- ying, Commander-in-chief at Hei-hung- chiang in Manchuria, and another, asking for the deofficialization of Kelania and others, petty military officers, in order to their trial on a charge of horse-stealing.--- Rescript : Grants the request. 

(2) Memorial from Liu K'un-i, Governor of Kiangsi, giving strong reasons against the proposition to require the taxes in his province to be sent to Peking in grain, either in Whole or in part, instead of in silver as at present. This proposal seems to have originated with Le Hung-changj who thought the grain might be sent to Shanghai and conveyed north by the steamers of the China Merchants' Company.  The objections are (1) that if the new plan were adopted throughout the province, it would be an intolerable increase of taxation, the difference between the commutation rate and the market price being considerable, and it would be invidious to make one district pay in grain and another in cash ; (2) the loss of grain from frequent transhipment ; and (3) the expense to the province of forwarding it to Shanghai.  He therefore requests that the former system of paying in money may be continued.  --- Rescript : Granted. Let the Board take note. 

Dec. 23rd. ---(1) Memorial from Gov. of Honan, asking that the usual discipline may be inflicted on the Magistrate of Ju- yang and his subordinates, for allowing a prisoner under sentence of death for murder, to escape. He had broken out of prison during a night of wind and rain, but was recaptured again 3 days afterwards in Anhwei. --- Edict has already appeared ordering the memorialist to investigate the case and see whether there was not bribery at the bottom of it. The Magistrate in the meantime to be degraded &c. 

(2) From the same, reporting an acting appointment. 

(3) From the same, reporting the unusual rise of the Yellow River last summer, which flooded the district of Mêng-hsing and threatened to inundate the Tombs of the Emperors of the Han dynasty. He had, however, taken effective steps to prevent this, and also to secure them in future, and had distributed relief among the suffering population. --- Rescript : Noted, 

(4) From the Commandant of Jeh-ho, reporting his having investigated the case of two Magistrates of Chao-yang, who were charged with issuing indiscriminately warrants of arrest to unprincipled headmen, which had been the cause of much of the recent disorders. A great deal of correspondence had passed on the subject, and he finds that Li-wei-k'un had been guilty of negligence in so doing and ought to be reprimanded ; but the other, Wên Po-men, had no hand in it, and his former reprimand ought to he cancelled --- Rescript : Grants as requested. 

(6), (6) and (7) From the same. 

(6) Sending, in obedience to Imperial Edict, a list of officers who have distinguished themselves in repressing the banditti in the wild country East of Moukden, and proposing rewards or posthumous honours for those who have fallen. 

(6) Reporting that he had sent Wên Ponien (referred to in 4) to another district, as being better suited to his character. 

(7) Reporting for good conduct and great ability the Taotai. of Jeh-ho, and asking that he may be rewarded.--- The Rescripts grant the prater. 

Dec. 24th.--- (1) Edict.-- A Gazette of promotion and changes in the civil service. 

(2) Memorials from Suh Pi and another, Under-Censors for the northern division of the Capital, asking that a police officer, Hwang Shih-chi, may have the button restored of which he had been deprived, for not arresting thieves. He has now caught them. --- Rescript granting this has already appeared. 

(3) Memorial from the Literary Chancellor of Shing-king. For this see Edict (1) of Dec. 13th where it is sufficieutly quoted. 

(4) An enclosure from the same, proposing alterations in the present regulations for the 2nd Degree Examinations in Peking, in 8 articles :--- 

1. --- The number of copyists must be increased. 

2. --- Rewards should be given to the best officers who are employed in the responsible duties of receiving, sealing, copying and comparing the Student's Essays. 

3. --- The four look-out tower's in the corners must be repaired and officers sit there and watch. 

4. --- Greater strictness must be observed among the examiners. The walls must be built higher, to prevent the possibility of communication between the Students and Examiners. 

5. --- Notification must be made beforehand as to what doors the candidates are to enter by. 

6. --- Intending competitors' names must be notified, and none received after a fixed date several days prior to the examination. 

7. --- The City Commandant should send more soldiers to keep order. 

8. --- Candidates from the Kuo-tze-chien who have entered that body on the reduced scale of fees, must pay the full amount before being allowed to compete. 

The propositions have been refered to the proper Board for consideration. 

(5) A Manchu Officer, Tsaltiao, reports himself as having taken charge during the month's leave of absence of his superior, in mourning. --- Rescript : Noted. 

Dec. 25th.--- (1) Edict. Chang-shun, Tartar General in Uliasutai, having reported a series of victories gained by Cholinga, in which the banditti that of late have infested Kupuchih Kolo in that province were utterly routed and destroyed, it is ordered that Cholinga be restored to the rank of which he was formerly deprived, and that a list of those who distinguished themselves or fell in fight be sent in for rewards. 

(2) A memorial having been presented to the Throne by Wu Ko-tu, an underCensor, setting out the noble and patriotic conduct of one Chi-ting, a sub-Prefect, who seven years ago, when the Mohammedan rebels besieged his native town, Kung-chang foo in Kansuh, subscribed funds and undertook the defence till he died of exhaustion on the walls, it is ordered that a Temple be erected to his memory, and that the Tablets of those of his family and assistants who died at the same time have a place therein also. --- Notice is taken of some inaccuracies in this Censor's memorials --- writing the character 敘 for 卹 &c. 

(3 and 4) Memorials from the Viceroy and Governor of Fokien proposing Fu Tsung-pin for the post of Magistrate of Fu- tsing, and Fan-ching-shang for that of Chang-pu. --- Rescript: Let the Board of Civil Office consider and report. 

(6) An appeal from the Censorate. The appellant Tsao Ching-lung states that he cultivates a piece of reclaimed land in Ching hsien near Moukden, on which it was agreed he should pay taxes at the rate of a string of cash a mou : that a clerk in the district revenue office named Wang Lo-yun, in concert with a military officer named Seu-yung-teh, had of late been extorting 600 or 700 cash a mow extra, and had been demanding Taxes from him and others for land neither owned nor cultivated by them He had also been summoned before the magistrate, and it was only by paying a bribe of 125,000 cash that the case was dropped, for which he had to mortgage his land. He endeavoured to go to the Provincial Capital to complain, but his persecutor getting wind of it prevented it by force of arms, and so he had come to Peking, &c. --- Edict ordering an investigation has already appeared. 

(6) Memorial from Censorate respecting an alleged case of extortion by a clerk in the Board of Civil Service (see Edict (3) of 15th Dec.) 

26th Dec ---(1) Edict appointing Chi-yuen chief of the T'ai-ch'ang-sze yamen --- the Imperial Sacrificial Department. 

(2) Memorial from the Tartar General of Kirin, reporting the capture and execution of a lot of mounted Brigands, who had formerly burnt and destroyed several small military stations. A long account is given of the difficulties he had to encounter in doing so. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Punishment take note. 

(2) From the same, reporting a similar capture on the borders of Kirin and Sheng- king provinces. The difficulty with these formerly was that, when pursued in one province they crossed the the border into the other, where the pursuers could not follow them, it being beyond their jurisdiction ; and so the thieves had always got off ; but he had not scrupled to overstep this rule for the public good, and had caught and executed them wherever he found them. --- Rescript : Let the Board of Punishment take note. 

Dec. 27. ---(1) Memorial from Li Han- chang, Viceroy of Hunan and Hupei, proposing a competent officer for the post of, Fu' tsiang (Brigadier-General) at Yung-sui in the Miaotze territory, a difficult charge.  --- Rescript : Let the Board of War consider and report. 

(2) From the same, asking for 3 months leave of absence for Hwang Tsung-yuen, a General at E-chang, on the ground of ill-health, and appointing T'ang Jui-ting to act ill his absence. --- Rescript : Granted. 

(3) From Hsie Wei-fan, the new Literary Chancellor of Shansi, reporting his arrival at his post, and his having in due form taken over the seals of office with incense-burning and thanksgiving for His Majesty's goodness. He will endeavour to deserve it by diligence in his new post.  --- Rescript : Noted. 

(4) From the Governor of Kwei-chow, reporting several acting appointments.  --- Rescript : Noted. 

(5) From Fei Yen-li, the new Literary Chancellor of Honan, reports his arrival at his post in much the same terms as (3).  He takes the opportunity to add that he observed, as he passed through Chihli and Honnn, that the harvest was everywhere abundant, a fact which will be gratifying to His Imperial Majesty. 

(6) From Li Han-chang, stating that an officer serving under him, named Suh Ting- pang, had in early life been adopted by his maternal uncle, who was childless ; that his own brother has now died childless, thus leaving his original family without male descendants, and according to law he is bound to resume his original family name of Tsan, and perform the sacrificial duties due to his own parents.  Leave to do so is accordingly asked for, --- Rescript : Granted as requested. 

(7) Governor of Honan asks two months' leave on behalf of a Literary Examiner, to go and visit his mother. The gentleman has to go to Peking at any rate, and proposes to take steamer down the Yangtze to Shanghai, and thence to Ningpo (where his mother lives), which is an expeditions mode of travelling. ---Rescript : Granted. 

Dec. 28.--- (Edict.) The Emperor in person will on the 30th and 31st Dec.  visit the Temple of Heaven and six other temples named, to pray for rain, which is much required. 

(2) The Censor Têng Ching-ling having memorialised the Throne asking that two Appeal cases which had been ranging on for years, and in which it did not appear that justice had yet been done, might either be referred to the Board of Punishments or that a high officer might be specially deputed to try them --- His Majesty remarks that the Censorate was established for the purpose of receiving all complaints of the people, and there had never been delays in listening to any complaints so presented, but the case was at once referred to the Viceroy and Governor of the particular province, with whom was associated the Criminal Judge in capital cases ; and if the local authorities fa led to do justice, it would be his duty then to hand them over to the Board of Punishments. The two cases in question were only ordinary ones, and the memorialist must remember that the Viceroys of Provinces were high officers responsible to him for their decisions ; and to depute a special high Commission to go and try every case would be an undignified method of government. The proposition is so unreasonable that it need not be considered. Therefore, Li Hung-chang is ordered in the usual way personally to try the two cases from Tsun hwa-chow, and report ; and hereafter all Viceroys, &c., must be careful to hear such appeal cases in person, and not by deputy, and decide them equitably, in accordance with the wish of His Majesty, which reaches to the wrongs of the humblest of his people. 

(3) Edict referring the appeal case of Lu Chien-chi to the Viceroy and Government of Kiangsu for their decision. 

(4) This and the following Gazette are filled with a long account from Tso Tsung- t'ang, Viceroy of Kansuh, and the Tartar General, of the recapture of Suh-chow from the Mohammedan Rebels. The city was besieged from the 1st of 7th moon for over two months, desperate fighting going on in the meantime, till the rebels had to surrender for want of food. Then had only 70 odd horses in the city, the rest having been all eaten, but vast quantities of arms of all kinds were captured. Nine of the chiefs --- most of whom bear the name of Ma --- were hacked t pieces, and over 4,000 of minor degree were shot or burnt or stabbed or otherwise slain. These were parties whose names had been procured from the rebel-chiefs themselves, as being the most prominent in the rebel ranks. (See Gazette of Dec. 15 for the Edict.)

Dec. 29th. ---(1) On the 24th of the 2nd moon of next year, his Majesty, along with the Empress-dowager and Empress-mother, will set out for the Imperial mausolea, to perform the usual sacrificial rites. Ordinary business will be transacted by each yammer till his return.

(2) A memorial having been received from T'ehlunpu, the military Commissioner in Cobdo, reporting the extirpation of a horde of banditti, various rewards and honours are bestowed on those who have distinguished themselves.

Dec. 30th. --- (1) Memorial from the Viceroy Governor of Kiangsoo, reporting favourably of an Expectant Taotai named T'sai Sze-pao (formerly in Tsung-li Yamên), who has recently joined the provincial staff of officials. ---Rescript: Let the Board take note.

(2) From Liu K'un-i, Governor of Kiang-si, reporting that Mei Yu-han, magistrate of Lo-ping, has at last succeeded in arresting the thieves who some years ago broke into a cash shop in that city, and asking that his button, of which he was then deprived for his negligence, may be now restored to him. --- Rescript: Grants the petition as prayed. Let the Board take note.

(3) From the Governor of Kiangsoo, reporting the case of 21 shipwrecked Coreans. On the 14th Sept. they were washed ashore at Hai-Mên, having been drifting about for 3 weeks in a helpless condition. They were kindly taken care of and sent to Shanghai, where the Taotai procured them passages to Tientsin by steamer. As their language was unintelligible, they were asked to write down their names and business, &c. 11 were merchants, the rest sailors. ---Rescript: Let the Board of Rites take note.

31st Dec. --- (1) This is a long Edict apportioning various degrees of punishment among several cloaks in the Yamên at Hangchow, for the supply of silk to the Imperial Household, who had been guilty of embezzlement and various other misdeeds. The whole case had been sent for investigation to the Board of Punishment, whose report is now before His Majesty. The chief offender, named Sun-chin, is ordered 100 blows of the heavy bamboo and to be banished for 3,000 li. His accuser, Han Pu-hwa, having been guilty of carrying his plaint to the Tartar General while the case was still under investigation by the Criminal Judge, and of having fraudulently purchased an official rank, he not being entitled to that privilege, &c., &c., is ordered 100 blows without benefit of buying himself off, and to be sent to his native district, to be there kept under official surveillance. Several other parties are more or less severely dealt with; even the Tartar General is to be reprimanded for having received the plaint of Han Pu-hwa.

(2) Referring the appeal case of Li Kwang-chiang to the Viceroy and Governor of Kiangsoo, for determination.

(3) The appeal case of Wen Sên-ling in like manner referred to the Governor and Judge of Honan.

(4) An appeal case from the Censorate. Appellant, by name Liu Cheng-wên, a native of Pao-chih hsien in Chihli, alleges as follows: --- His father's elder brother had a concubine named Shen, who so badly treated his (petitioner's) brother's wife that she died. The affair was smoothed over by friends of the family; Shen was turned out of doors, and the brother's child, by name Shih-erh, was handed over to his grand uncle, the elder brother above named, to be brought up. But after some years Shen turned up again, along with her daughter and son-in-law, whose name was Wang, and had such influence over the old man that he turned his lawful wife (petitioner's aunt) out of doors, and married young Shih-erh to somebody against the will of his other relatives. Not content with that, Shen, who had got in league with a sorceress, took opportunity when the old man was ill, to administer some cakes to Shih-erh which caused violent pains, vomiting of blood, and death. Thereupon Wang and his wife hastily rifled the house of money and clothes and decamped. The local authorities had been appealed to once and again, but by false swearing and bribery on the part of Wang, not even an inquest had been held. Grief at hearing all this had caused his uncle's death, and failing to get redress elsewhere, he had brought this appeal to Peking on behalf of his aunt the widow. --- Rescript has already appeared.

(5) From the Commandant of Têh-ho, proposing Ch'en Pên-tso to be Magistrate at Chao-yang. ---Rescript: Let the Board consider and report.

(6) From the Literary Chancellor of Szechuen, asking for three months' leave of absence to repair his family burying ground. Rescript: Granted.