The Governor of Shansi submits an application from 'Sion Kuo-ebiin, who sone time ago gazetted Judicial' Commi sioner of Kueichow, praying for permission to retire from the service in order that he may devote himself to the care of his father, who is of an advanced age and in a bad state of health. On his appointment last year to the above-named post he was granted two months' leave of absence for the parpose of paying a visit to his father, whom he had not seen for an unduly long time, and subsequently his own ill-health led hint to apply for extension of leave. Another month was accordingly granted him, at the expiry of which he was to proceed to Peking for audience without further delay, and his furlough having now nearly expired he was just about to start on his journey northwards. His father, however, is over 70 years of age and suffers from' chronic expectoration and shortness of breath seeing his son about to start for Peking he has urged him to set out at once, so as to arrive in good time, but it is evident that his son's approaching departure weighs greatly on his mind, and that in consequence his malady is getting worse every day. T'ien Kuo-ch'iin's younger brother died Years ayo, and as there is consequently ito one but himself to look after his father, he cannot bear the thought of being separated from him by such a distuace. After much anxious rejection he has come to the conclusion that as he is only 50 years of age, he has still a long life before him to be spent in the service of his country, whilst but a short time can remain to be devoted to the care of his father. In the case of officials who are only sons and whose parents are over 70 years old it is usual to allow them to remain at home to attend on their parents to the last, applications of this nature invariably receiving the favourable consideration of Hig Majenty. Under the circumstances and urged on by his sense of filial duty Tien Rue-chin has begged Memorialist to submit on his behalf an application for permission to vacate his appointment, so that he may beat liberty to wait on his aged father, during the remaining years of his existence, the prolongation of which will be entirely due to the kindness of His Majesty should he be pleased to sanction this request.
Governor of Shansi_ accordingly submits the foregoing application, merely observing that it is prompted by a sincere sense of filial obligations.—Reseript already published.
10th June.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.