(1) Hsit Ying-kuei is appointed Vieovoy of the Min-Che provinces vice Pien Paochuan, deceased. Pending Hsii_ Ying-Kuei's' arrival at Foochow, the Turtar-General of that city, Tstng' Chi, is to act as Viceroy.
SOFT-HEARTEDNESS, (2) The institutes of this dynasty have always been most severe against bandits and all who pillage with arms in their hands. When caught there is no difference made between the heads of robber bands and their followers and all are summarily decapitated as soon as found guilty. Now, I, the Empress Dowager Tve-hsi-tuan-yn, ete., think that this is rather too severe, for there must be some difference between the guilt of a chief and his follower, and while conceding the justice of the Inw and the necessity of exercising due severity so as to strike terror upon evil-doers, I still think something should be done by which a way may be opened to rescue the less guilty of those bandits captured by the constituted authorities. I would, therefore, refer this matter to the Grand Council who shall consult with the Grand Judiciary—the Presidents of the Board of Punishments, Court of Censors, and Court of Rerision—whereby I may exercise mercy and kindness, beyond the limits of the law, in regard to these my subjects,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.