SHANTANG, The Governor of Shantung reports that immediately after despatching his memorial of the 10th July on the condition of the Yellow River, he proceeded post haste to make an inspection of the works going on at Kaochiat'ao, which were being pressed on rapidly on account of the news received from Honan, The Governor of the latter province announced by telegram a rise of three feet eight inches in the river within his jurisdiction, and owing to the narrowness of its bed in Shantung this indicated a rise at least double the depth in that province, As early as the 4th of July the force of the current had commenced to make itself felt and the embankment erected by the people at Kaochiat'ao showed signs of giving way. Two attempts were made to strengthen it, but on each occasion the soldiers engaged in lowering the fascines were carried away ips lia Weraie tae, tates octane by the current. the followi
owing to the heavy and continuous rain, and the Governor sent an express mes: senger for Chang Shang-ta, the Taotai in_ ch of river works. This atticer joined the Governor on the Lith of July, although every effort was made both by night and day to protect the embankment, over 30 chang had completely collapsed before his arrival. Further damage was prevented by firmly securing both ends of the breach. In the meantime of serious danger had come from the Ping-yin, Fei-ch'éng and other districts on the upper reaches of the river. At the latter place an embankment gave way and an official who was engaged upon it was swept away and drowned. The Governor asked that a number of minor officials should be stripped of their rank, and that Chang Shang-ta, who cannot be entirely acquitted of want of foresight, should be handed over to the Bourd for the determination of " penalty. He himself also feels very blameworthy in the matter and asks that the Emperor should take notice of his guilt. He is at present stationed at Kaochiat'ao superintending the work, but as reports of danger: in other parts of the river are continually coming in he proposes to start on a tour of inspection as soon as Chang Shang-ta can conic to relieve him, 23rd August. No papers of interest.
24th August.
EMBANKMENTS AT THE NEW MOUTH OF TRE
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.