The unbending rule of the present dynasty hins been to advance officials accurding to seniority. The Emperors of the earlier dynasties used to advance men of filial piety and careful habits to the rank of chifjén, and_ theo ultimately became members of the different Bosrds at Peking. They were first, perhaps, made prefects at provincial capitals, and when they returned to the metropolis they attained to the three highest -ranks, This usage the resent dynasty has altogether ignored.
rom the rank of Censor men are promoted. according to seniority, theough the nine ranks and five orders of metropolitan officials. The Doctors must first serve in Peking for ten years as unsularied officials, whereupon they are advanced into the five ranks according to age. Therefore scholars have lost heart and energy and are us trees without foliage or fruits.
In ancient times Wu Ti of the Han dynasty und T'ai Tau of the Mings advanced men according to merit. This, of course, stimulate the ardour and enthusiasm of all students, Kuang Hsii has, in this particular, departed from the rule of lis dynasty. He advanced Yuan Chang and. Tsen Chtun-yuen, because of their wise words, to be Provincial Treawurers. Wang Chay, who boldly opisters and showed an affairs, was called to ed to the fourth rank, Kiang Piao, who was x minister of Public Instruction in Hunan, was also advanced to the fourth rank because he led the way in government reform. These are but a few cases; there are many other, The Emperor indeed has not hesitated to advance competent scholars. He thereby inspired the souls of others, and encouraged them to put forth their p-wers, The Ens. peror also permitted me, Yii-wei, who tas only an Assistant Secretary, to have, personal interviews with him. From the time of Hsien Feng, downwards, no-one with the rank of Assistant Secretary, hag been permitted to have personal intervieras with his Majesty. Even the highest davur shown: to men by the present Qynasty will nob ual this, Ina word, iv his treatment of scholars, Kuang Hsi has surpassed the most illustrious Emperor of antiquity, and become the model for future generations.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.