'The Viceroy at Nanking acknowledges the receipt, on the 3rd of October last, of an Imperial Decree commanding hima' to adopt energetic measures for the purpose of eradicating the long-standing abuses connected with the naval and military administration of the provinces within his jurisdiction. In reply, the memorialist explains that the matter has been receive his earnest attention ever since he enter upon the duties of his post in April last, and adds that he has constantly pressed upon the naval and military commanders with whom he has been brought in contact: the importance of improving the disciple of the troops and of securing efficiency together with the abolition of the corrupt practices hitherto so prevalent in the service. The valley of the Yangtze is the resort of disbanded soldiers and the criminal members of secret societies whose doings are carried on with great secrecy and require to be carefully watched. Hsii-chou and Haichou in particular, which form the meeting ground of three provinces, are infested by brigands, whose movements defy all attempts at apprehension. It is quite possible that the army comprises some members of confederated societies and other characters bent upon stirring up mischief. The commanding officers have all received instructions to keep a sharp look out, and if they notice anything of a suspicious nature, totakestringent measures of repression. The adoption of regulations, however excellent, is of little practical value unless the proper men can be found to carry them out. The memorialist has, therefore, determined to make some changes in the commanding officers. The Commodore of T'ai Hu, Li Hsin-yen, who is by no means an efficient officer, has been replaced by Chu Hung-chang, an officer who hotels the brevet rank of Commander-in-Chief and was formerly Brigadier General of the, Holi district in Yunnan. I Chih-chung, the General at Chinkiang, though an officer of distinction, is not competent to perform the important duties devolving upon him at a Treaty Port, and he has accordingly. been transferred to Chiangp'u, his place at Chinkiang being taken by' Li Chan-chun, who was formerly Brigadier General of the Tingchou district in Fukien and who is an officer of much bravery and experience. The Commander in charge of the forts at Kiangyin, Liu Tse-hsii, is man of no great weight or reputation, and he has been recalled to the provincial capital, his place being taken by Ch'én Chi-hsiang, an officer holding the rank of Commander-in-Chief and endowed with capacity and experience, who is now stationed in command of two battalions of troops at Shanghai. The appoinitment at the latter place has been conferred upon Yang Chin-lung, a soldier of unusual courage and ability. The memorialist hopes that these movements may, to some extent, improve the discipline in the army and conduce to the tranquillity of the country, the two objects which the Emperor is so anxious to attain.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.