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THE CHINA REVIEW.
Vol. 14. Cinage of Cush.-It is a sin- gular fact that China has never possessed either gold or silver coins, and that the cash is of so very little interest. In theory at least it is an important branch of the Go- vernment.
Vol. 15.-Rules for the Salt Monopoly.—- It is not strange that this necessary article of diet should produce an immense revenue when the immense population of the Empire is considered. The increase in value as the distance is counted from the place of pro- duction is wonderful. Kevision in the mat- ter of transit dues, and railroads, would introduce an immense boon to the people of the interior in this respect alone.
Vol. 16. Customs Duties.-This includes all on the coast, on the rivers and inland. The revenue from Foreign Trade was not contemplated and is not specially provided for in this work. It affords an instance of what has often occurred in the bistory of other nations, of the springing up of im- portant branches of service outside of the original intention of the constitution. Like the Foreign Trade it had insignificant be- ginnings, and the duties were collected by the Superintendent of the river-police at Canton, called Ho-pok-shof, of which the came Hoppo is a corruption. When it became known to the authorities at Peking that the receipts were considerable, one of the Imperial family and generally one near of kindred to the Emperor was sent to manage the business. At first the revenue was ostensibly appropriated for the purchase of cosmetics and ornaments for the ladies of the Imperial Harea, but it is well known that at the present time the receipts from this source, as foreign trade has developed and extended, have become immense, and with a prospect of great increase in the future. The origin of the Foreign Ins- pectorate was alluded to in the former article, and is well known. It has already an in- teresting history. This branch of the service affords a favorite security, upon which to hypothecate foreign loans.
The Imperial Authority at the capital has been pleased within the last few months to give the office of Comptroller of Customs and that of Tartar General to the Viceroy at Foochow. A Chinese and a native of the Canton Province. This has been a mutter of surprise, as both offices have hitherto been considered as belonging especially to the Manchus alone,
Vol. 17. Sundry Taxes.-This refers to the products of the mines, precious metals, taxes on tea, tax for sealing deada &c.
Vol. 18. Government Grants.—Those paid to the mombers of the Imperial family, various officials at the capital, and in Shing- king especially those in charge of the It- perial Tombs.
Vol. 19.-Remission of Taxes and Lar- gesses in times of famine. This includes provision for the poor at the Capital, to whom distribution is made every year.
Vol. 20.- Board of Rites and Ceremonies. Only a little less than one half of the whole work is included under this division. From ancient times great importance has been attached to the rites and ceremonies, not only by the official and higher classes, but in the eyes of the masses of the people they are placed first. It is a kind of religion, aud has made it impossible to introduce many changes into the popular customs, as in marriage and funeral rites. The present dynasty has even in governmental cere- monios conformed very much to Chinese customs, instead of insisting upon what is peculiar to the Manchu traditions.
The chapter on this subject may be con- sidered as the Canon Law. It is like an established religion, in which the Emperor
is the Great High Priest, and the officials constitute a class of priesthood for worship- ping the gods recognized by the State. Little more can be attempted in this article, than giving the subjects as they are mentioned in the Index, with brief notes. There would be wide differences of opinion among students of Chinese in regard to many points, upon the discussion of which it is not pro-
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW OF THE CHINESE EMPIRE.
posed now to enter. It may, however, be stated that a critical examination of these sections will be necessary to decide many important questions in dispute.
The whole subject is an exceedingly in- teresting study. The history-meaning-- changes and necessity for some plain and sensible Code of Ceremonies are all matters of importance. It is believed that a brief examination of this portion of the statutes, and the practical result of them, will convince every honest student, that while a certain amount of outward form is desirable, a rigid system, carried out in details, is fatal to the life and development of all true sentiment, politeness and religion.
The Constitution of this Board is very much like that of the others. Presidents, one cach, of Manchu and Chinese, and Vice Presidents, two each, of Manchu and Chinese; with four Superintendents.
(1.)-Superintendent of Court Ceremoniul Observunces-
4. Propitious Rites.
Attendance at Court.
Vol. 21.-Attendance at Court. Vol. 22.--
"
Vol. 23.-Ceremonies connected with As- cerating the Throne.
Worship of Imperial Ancestors. Vol. 24.-Choice and establishment of Em- press.
Honors conferred upon Imperial maternal ancestors.
Honors conferred upon conenbines.
Vol. 25.--Regulations in regard to Im- perial Education.--
Worship of Confucius.
Imperial Travelling. Eutering a New Falace.
Vol. 26.-Imperial Ploughing. Attendance of Empress upon Silkworms. Vol. 27.—Regulations for the Imperial Calendar.
Publishing Imperial Edicts.
Rewards.
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Vol. 28.-Presentation of congratulations by officials to the Emperor and Imperial
Family. This is very much a more matter of furra, for drafts are made by the officials at the Capital and distributed throughout the Empire to be sent up again to the scat of Government.
Regulations in regard to Officialt Seals.-- They are cast by a special commission under the direction of the Board of Rites. Great importance is attached to them, and they carry with them great authority. Some are of silver. The Emperor has a number, othors are for the Empress and various members of the Imperial family, kindred and many offi cials of the Capital and the Provinces. They are regarded with superstitions rever- ence, as having high delegated authority from the Emperor.
Vol. 29.-Imperial Marriage.
1. Emperor.
2. Heir Apparent.
Vol. 30.-Ceremonies connected with arri ming at manhood,
Ceremonies connected with putting on hat and clothes of a man,
Vol. 81.--Literary Examinations. These relate to those after the first degree. Those for the second degree are held in the pre- vineea, and are called "Country examina- tions," those for the third degree are held in the Examination Hall at the Capital, and are called "Assembled examinations," be- cause collected from all the provinces, those for the fourth degree "Imperial Hall Ex- aminations," because held in the palace. These last are in the presence of the Em- peror, during which the scholars sit upon the floor and write the essays.
The object of these examinations is to dis- cover those among the people who have ability to assist in the government, and such are recommended for employment.
Vol. 38,-Colleges. This section refers to examinations for the first degree. The Dis- trict Magistrates first examine, and send the names of the greater number to the Prefect of the Department, who again recommends the greater number to the Literary Chan- cellor, who visits the Departmental Cities