Chang Chih-tung reports that he has assumed office as Governor-General of Hupeh and Hunan. He arrived at Wuchang Fu, on the 17th of December, and on the following day the archives and insignia of his office were delivered over to him by the retiring Governor-General. He humbly returns thanks for the favour shown to such an insignificant and unworthy indi ideal as himself in appointing him for a second time to rule over tw provinces together. He is not altogether unacquainted with the country to which he has come, as he formerly performed the duties of Literary Chancellor there. The inhabitants, he finds, are at the present moment deeply suffering from the effects of the recent floods. It will be his duty, in accordance with the Imperial desire to revive them and relieve them from their distress. He will als" maintain the effciency of the army and keep the country entirely free from brigandage. He will reserve the most friendly relations with is colleagues, the Governors of the two provinces, consulting them on all matters of business.—Rescript: Noted.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.