Li Hung-chang points out thatthe present Intendant of the Tientsin Circuit, Hu Chiifen, having been promoted to the post of Provincial Judge of Kuangsi, it is his duty to proceed to Peking and be received in audience; but as Hu has not as yet settled the multifarious details of the Famine Relief Works and his successor, Chou Mao-chi, i at present in Fukien and some time must elapse before the arrival of the latter, it would be inexpedient to suddenly place an inexperienced maniu charge. Ever since the 2nd year of Kuang Hsii, HuChii-fen has been employed in Chihliand in his administration Of the various offices confided to him he has displayed extreme ability and evinced a tender regard for the people. His manner of dealing with river works has been eminently successful, and he has proved himself in every respect most competent officer, and most valuable assistant to memorialist. During the unprecedented foods that overwhelmed Tientsin last year ing relict, repairing dykes and adopting his energy was indefatigable in distribut-
measures to protect the people. Although plicated, still a good deal of work renuatters this year are not neatly 60, cow-mains to be done in connection with the above mentioned distress, and memorialist would ask for permission to temporarily retain Hu Chiifen at his post until his successor arrives, in order that he way finish up, as fur as is possible to do so, the work on' his hands still uncompleted.—Request yrauted,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.