The Military Governor of Ch'ahar reports that the sentence of Wuch'ung, former] un assistant magistrate connected wit the Yungting River, has expired, but that. being entirely without means, he is unable to defray the expenses required from convicts in connection with the postal service, The rule in such cases is that a punishment of 100 blows should be substituted for the payment of the money, and this is the course which -has been pursued in the present instance.
APPOINTMENT, Shen Yuan-shen, Literary Chancellor of Fukien, has been appointed Junior Vice-President of the Board of War.
13th July.
'TOUR OF INSPECTION BY THE GOVERNOR OF
PENG-T'IEN, Yii-lu, the Governor of Feng: submits' a report upon a tour of inspect which he recently made throughout the southern portion of the province under his jurisdiction. In addition to gaining knowledge upon the spot regarding the towns along the coast line, he was anxious to have an opportunity of consulting with Li Hung-chang on the various matters connected with, the introduction of railways into Manchurii Leaving Moukden on the lith of May ho visited Liaoyang, Newchwang, Haichow, Fuchow and Chinchow, all of which places he carefully examined, and reached Talienwan on the 28th May where ho had along conference with the Viceroy Li. When they separated, the croy proceeded by steamer to Weihaiwei, while the meniorialist, continuing his tour, went to Port Arthur and the 'Vreaty port of Newchwang. Port Arthur and Talienwan are, he considers, far the most important' places from a strategical point of view on the southern coust of the province. Troops are stationed at these points under the command of experienced generals and defensive works of great strength have been constructed. All throughout the province a good understanding exists between theexecutiveandthe military authorities. The memorialist held a careful inspection of the troops stationed at the treaty port of Newchwang. The new fortifications at Tsts vu were also examined and were found to be admirably situated for serving as a support to those on the eust bank of the river. They have not yet been completed, and as the funds for their construction have to be drawn from the Customs receipts at Shanhaikwan, sometime may elapse before they are Gnished. 'The officer in charge has been ordered to carry on the work as the funds arrive atid to' see that it is done ima strong and substantial manner. The Governor returned te Moukden on the 8th jot June and mentions with satisfaction that there as promise of a good harvest in the country through which he passed.
14th July.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.