In_a postscript memorial the Governor of Kirin complains of the improper interference in criminal matters constantly practised by certain of the gentry of Petund who, whenever @ case of homicide occurs readily undertake—for a consideration—to get the matter settled privately, sometimes even going so far as to bring pressure to bear on the parties in order to induce them to drop the charge. Memorialist has hitherto had no opportunity of taking action in the matter, no instance having been brought officially to his notice, but the following affair which recently occurred in the Wuchang district will serve to show the difficulties resulting from this state of things. In March last " nan named Chang Lien-yuan had a dispute with the manager of the Feng Té pawnshop at Shanhotun the above-named district, which led to his being so severely handled by one of the employes in the shop that he died shortly afterwards without, however, having identified his assailant. The case was duly reported to the Sub-Prefect of Wuchang, who demanded the surrender of the murderer; these orders were, however, completely ignored by Hsiao Té-ching, the owner of the shop, who after the man's death called several times on the Sub-Prefect_with a view to securing his offices in the matter. The Sub-Prefect refused to receive him and finally one of the shopmen, named Chang-'Té, was handed ver to justice, although when examined he denied having connnitted the assault. Seeing that his advances were not responded to Hsiao Té-ching began spreading scurrilous reports about the Sub-Prefect, who was so intimidated in consequence that he is now afraid to undertake the enquiry and has applied to have the venue of the ease transferred to Kirin. In reply memorialist has ordered him to proceed with the trial without fear or favour; and now instances the case to show that the current reports are not unfounded, and as more than sufficient however, is a matter which only affects the! proof of the difficulties under which he, Shanghai by a single creek. On the south-abouts in carrying on the government of his province.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.