Foreign aduirs (M8 op 4% fe 8 PA). pronounced favourably on Mao Chang-hsi's recommendation that the Imperial Commissionership for Trade at the three northern ports should be abolished. Li Hung-chang was thereupon directed to take the management of all affairs. He has reported that, Tientsin being a very im portant place, sume change must be made in the old' arrangement, and the Imperial Commissionership for Trade at the three ports must be abolished, with which we fully agree. All the affairs of whatever kind that arise at Tientsin are therefore confided to the Viceroy of Chihli, who will appoint an intendant to assist in looking after the matters hitherto under the control of the Imperial Commissioner for Trade. The Bourd of Rites is directed to devise a seal to be forwarded to the Viceroy. The Viceroy is directed to reside at Tientsin uring the season of each year when the port is not blocked up, returning to Paoting-fu for the winter. If however during the open months any very important matter should turn up at Pao-ting-fu, the Viceroy is at liberty to repair thither, for its settlement, but that effected he is at once to return to Tientsin, The intendant of Téngchou-fu, Lai-chou-fu and Ching chou-fa in Stantung who has charge of the port on the Eastern sea (Chefoo), and the intendant of en-ching, who has charge of the port of Niu-chwang, are placed under the orders of the Viceroy of Chihli, {nasmuch as both the native and foreign affairs that present themselves for settlement at Tientsin are iany and important, it is necessary to add an intendant to the official staff there, as recommended by the Viceroy. The officers in charge of barriers are to report everything of importance. The newly appointed intendant is to work harmoniously with the prefect and the district magistrate in the arrangement of all questions, referring constantly to the Viceroy for guidance. If the intendant from any cause is unable for a time to discharge his duties he is at once to report to the Viceroy, begging that a suitable person may be sent to take his place. If there be any suggestion that appears of importance, Li Hung-chang is to make it at once. (Peking Gazette—Cycle
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.