The system of raising funds for the repair of the breach in the Yellow River by the sale of official titles was originally sanctioned for one year only, but its successful working has led the Government to extend its operation for another year. Monthly reports of all money realised in this way are forwarded from the provinces to the Central Government which issues to the subscribers the titles and decorations to which they are entitled. The Viceroy of Szechuan, whose province contributed largely during the past year to this fund, reports a considerable falling off in the receipts during the first month of the sent year. Only some 17 minor ranks were disposed of and the proceeds amounted to less than Tls. 800. Kueichow, whose reports come in more tardily, disposed of over 40 subordinate titles during the sixth month in which the system was in force, but the amount realised reached little more han Ts. 500, GENERAL AT FOOCHOW, To Luan-pu, member of the banner colum riy at Hsi-an' Fu was appointed Manchu Lieutenant-General at Foochow in 1879 and served there with great credit to himself and advantage to the public interests until Inst summer, when he caught a severe cold and was obliged to apply fora month's leave of absence to enable him to recruit his health. In his previous career, when fighting against the Taiping rebels, he had received two severe wounds in his eft leg which again became troublesome with his present illness. He eventually obtained leave to vacate his appointment at Foochow, and now he applies for permission to retire permanently from the public service and abend the remainder of is days at Hsi-an This he does the more Teadily as he is now nearly 70 years old and his constitution is so completely broken down that he has no hope of a speedy restoration to health,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.