(1) We huve received the memorial of Li Ping-hong, Governor of Shansung, re-orting the successful closing of a prench inthe Yellow River which occured in August last at the village" of North Chiochiak'ou in the district of Ts'itung. The Drench above noted was so serious that it soon became similar to the mouth of a river, and the work demanded for the d-sing of the same was most difficult—not to say dangerous. However, by dint of unceasing energy and careful watching of chances the officials along the line of the inundation matiaged to triumph over natural obstacles und within one month of the breach the damages done were nearly all repaired, together with the principal work ut closing the opening. The despatch and energy evinced thereby are must commendable, and we hereby grant the prayer of the said Governor to order the usual rewards and commutation of fines and] punishments formerly commanded with respect to the officials to whom the duty of taking care of the river works had been confided. The Boards are ordered to take the subjoined list of names of the officials concerned and issue the necessary com missions, ete.
(2) The sume Governor reports the eon-duct of a Iveal official who was unable to clear his accounts when handing over his! seals of office to his suecessir, and who upon doing this last' thing secretly absconded to his native town in Kuangsi provine hoping thereby to avoid paying his govern: went dues, ete., Tu appears that he officer noyed, one. Peh Shu-lin, upon handing over the seals of the acting district m: tracy of Ch'ang Yi-hsien to his successor was found to be in considerable arrears with respect to the land taxes of his district: this large amount having been used by him while in office for his private ends. On this account he was degraded by us the other day on the recommendation of the said Governor. But the delinquent officer has since aggravated his offence by ab-scending before paying back to the provineial treasury all his debts, and lence deserves condign punishment to prevent others from following his bal example. We therefore commanded Li Ping-hong to investigate and see what property the defaulting officer has in the provincial capital (Chinanfa) as well as in Ch'augyihiyien the place where he held office. Tu addition to the above the Gover Kuangsi is also commanded to ma inventory of whatever property Pech has in his native province, all of whi are to be confiscated towards the pay of his debt to government. The defwultin: otlicer ix also to be arrested and confined in prison as a further punishment.
17th December.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.