Memorial from Shao Yii-lien, Governor of Formosa, reporting his investigation of the charge against Chang Wei-tang of converting to his own use some govern= ment sulphur, of which he had control as officer in charge of the Sulphur Works. Chang Wei-tang is a native of Luchou in Szechuan and was formerly magistrate of Chtingeh'i Hsien in Kueichow. He was denounced from that post, and came to offer his services in Formosa, and was appointed deputy in charge of the North Formosa Sulphur Works, On 8th December 1891 Chang, having a quantity of sulphur refuse in the Hobo store which no one would buy, sent 500 piculs of it to Shanghai in the steamer Cuss, and there sold it to a maker of fireworks for $650. This amount he kept for himself. Denounced by Memorialist and given one year to refund the amount, Chang has now repaid the money. The law provides that a person who robs from the Government property entrusted to his care money or goods of Tls. 330, but not exceeding Tls. 660, in value, shall be sentenced to 100 blows and banishment, Should the stolen property be replaced within one year, all punishments below banishment for life are remitted. Memorialist accordingly proposes to remit the punishment in the present case, but as it appears that Chang is still a defaulter in regard to his accounts at Ch'ingch'i Hsien, suggests that he be sent to Kueichow in custody that the authorities of that Provines may take the necessary steps to recover the amount.—Kescript Let the Boardl of Punishments report.
5th February.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.