December Sth.—Shéng-t'ai, the new Re sident in Tibet, reports the result of reviews of the Chinese and native forces which have been held by himself and his predecessor in ofice. According to prescribed rule, the Chinese and native crops in Eastern' Tibet ought to be inspected twice a year, once in Spring and once in Autumn, the troops from Tamu (Dam) being ordered to Tibet to take part in the latter inspection. The inspection of the Thibetan forces could not be accom-pushed at the usual time last Spring, and the late Resident had just completed on the 13th April last the review of the Chinese troops when he received the Imperial Decree announcing his degrade tion. He had not time to report to the Throne on the result of the inspection, and the duty consequently devolved upon the Memorialist, who did not arrive in Tibet until the Autumn review was close at hand. Accordingly, shortly after his arrival, Memorialist held a review on the 2nd of September of the Chinese troops in the province, as also the Tamu forces, which had been specially called up for the purpose. They marched with great precision and showed great proficiency in volley and in sword, shield, and spear practice. In archery and target practice there were various degrees of skill displayed, but the average exceeded seventy per cent. Me-monalist placed the most successful on the list for promotion, and encouraged others by presents of silk, satin, medals, pouches, and penknives, while a few who failed to come up to the requisite standard were severely reprimanded. The commandants of the forces in Tibet, as well as the Colonel of Tamu, were earnestly urged to continue with redoubled zeal the drill of the troops so that they might form a strong, well-disciplined and united force. The troops of the three encampments in Ulterior Tibet ought properly to be inspected by Memorialist in person, but as frontier questions prevent him from leaving his post an going to a distance at present, he has appointed a day for the review, and deputed officers on the spot to conduct it on his behalf.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.