Ngch-lé-ho-pu, Grand Secretary, reports that the' extra period of leave of absence graciously granted by us two months ago in order to enable him to recover his shattered health is now on the point of expiring without any visible convalescence, and' he therefore Deseeches us to allow him to resign his various posts at Court and in the metropolitan government and permit him to rative into private life in order that being freed from all anxiety he may be enabled to gradually recover his heath. Furthermore, he!begs to resign office in order that "his Various posts may not suiter from the negligence liable to be discovered where the holders are only acting officers, ete. We are unwilling to be entirely deprived of the services of a valued and long-tried servant and therefore decline to betwit Ngeh-lo-ho-pu's resign nation, Heis, however, graciously granted another period of two months" leave of absence in order to recover his health.
[Note:—This is the fourth time within six mouths that this officer has asked to be allowed to resign his high office of Grand Secretary which is really a life appointment. It is commonly believed that this anxiety 10 resign arises from his being on unfriendly terms with Prince {Kung who might make it unpleasant for him should the two come into contact {officially with each other. Ngeh-lo-ho-pu fell "sick" immediately upon Prince Kung's reinstatement to the Imperial favour, and the Emperor apparently knowing how the land lies is determined not to allow Ngeh to resign.—Translator.
No news of interest, 18th December,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.