On account of the destruction of the harvest by excessive floods in many parts of Chekiang, the Governor of the province was instructed by the Emperor to furnish a report with regard to the remission of taxation which might be necessary. The Governor's memorial on the subject having reached the Throne, the Emperor publishes a decree announcing the measure of relief which he is pleased to grant. In the three prefectures of Hangchow, Chiahsing, and luchow, where the damage done is greater than elsewhere, the grain tribute for the present season is altogether remitted. In eastern Chekiang, where the distress is lighter, the Governor will ascertain which localities have been able to reap their harvest, and will collect the land tax in these, while he will not levy in other places. In the parts of Hangchow, Chia-hsing, and Huchow which have suffered most severely no land-tax will be collected; but in the other parts of these three prefectures it will be charged or remitted according as to whether the crops have been gathered or not.
23rd December.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.