Sept. 20th & 2ist.—An edict is issued in reference to a memorial from Li Hung-chang regarding the distress caused by the recent floods, and requesting a grant of tribute rice. "The heavy rains which fell in the metropolitan and' neighbouring prefectures during the latter part of summer and the early part of autumn, so swelled the rivers that they burst their banks and flooded the surrounding country. The districts lying along the course of the Yungting and the Bute are inundated, the crops destroyed and the people driven from their homes. The Throne deeply commiserates the distress of the people, and orders th® appropriation of 105,000 piculs of rice for tribution among them, Trustworthy officials must be appointed to assist the local authorities in dispensing this bounty according to the needs of each place, and the utmost care must be taken to secure just distribution, so that every sufferer may obtain relief.
22nd.—Imperial edict. A short time ago Peng Yitlin, a vice-president of the Bord cof War, was sent to inspect the Yangtex fleet, with powers to make such reforms as he might deem necessary. He has already reported several officers on various charges, He finds that the indolence and general neglect of duty which, chatacteriz the oticers of the fleet, are vices of long stand. ing, which have become gradually worse and worse. The fleet has also copied from the army, the mischievous habit of giving feasts and entertainments, the expenses of which are defrayed by atate levied on the pay (of officers and men.) The high oft must exert themselves to put down such abuses wherever they exist, and effect a reform in their respective forces, 23rd.—An edict is issued granting por. mission to Hwang Yi-sheng, admiral of the Yangtsz Fleet, to retire from office on account of ill-health, occasioned by his wounds, He is severely censured for the negligent way in which ho has discharged his duties, but is pardoned in consideration of his former services against the rebels, and allowed to retire.
24th,—Imperial edict. Chinshun_on being appointed military governor of U! sutai started with his troops from Ninghsia in Kansu to assume charge of his now post; but instead of continuing his journey, stopped at Paotow in Shansi, Edict after edict was issued urging him to press for. ward without delay. Having failed to obey these orders he requested to be handed over to the Board for punishment; he also requested permission to proceed with hi regiment to Kanliang in Kansu, to operate against the rebels in that place. The Throne in its clemency overlooked his shortcomings and granted hi to Kanliang, he having pro view to make some amends for pi But although several months ha he is still quietly ensconced at Ninghsia, where he evidently intends to enjoy himself for a time, and says nothing about going to Kanliang. He is therefore do-Randed over to the Board tobe dealt with rived of the governorship of Uliasutai and
He is also ordered to proceed westward (to Kanliang) without delay, and warned that further dilatoriness will leave the Government no resource but to proceed against him with all the severity of the law. He cannot say he was not cautioned beforehand.
(2) Chang-shun is appointed acting Military governor of Uliasutai, and Toyunpa tsan-tsan of Cobdo, in his place. They are ordered to proceed to their respective posts without delay.
25th—80th.- At the request of the Metropolitan prefect, an edict is issued granting 800 piculs of millet to the Puchi-tang Charity (in Peking) for distribution among the poor, whose sufferings are very it in consequence of the recent floods.
(2) Another edict is issued granting 20,000 piculs of rice (in addition to the 60,000 "piculs already distributed) and 60,000 taels for distribution among the sufferers by the floods in the metropolitan prefecture. ordered to select from among the prefects (8) Li Hung-chang, viceroy of Chihli, is of that province the one best fitted to ccoupy the important post of prefect of Paoting.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.