26
THE CHINA REVIEW.
nel. There is one censor for the Capital, and thirteen for the provinces. The rules are altogether in the way of freedom in the criticism of the Government and the officials. In some respects they are the very highest officers in the Empire. The members of the cabinet and even the Emperor himself cannot consider themselves as free from their attacks.
Commissioner of Information.
This is the office through which pass all the memorials from the provinces, and all Imperial edicts from the throne.
Court of Appeal.
The chiefs of this Court are two, one Chinese and one Manchu. It is a kind of Court of review of the decisions of the Board
of Punishments.
The Board of Punishments, the Censorate and the Court of Appeal are called the Three Law Commissioners. The officials have a fabulous animal embroidered upon their robes which signifies the stern and haughty oharacter of their office as judges.
Court of Sacrifices (Vol. 82.)
The chiefs of this Court are two one Chinese and one Manchu. They have charge of the worship at the Capital and the several kinds of sacrifices, as described above in the Board of Rites.
Forms of Prayers, &c. (Vol. 83.)
These are read and afterwards burned; a careful study of their contents and disposi- tion is necessary to a right understanding of their significance.
Imperial Academy (Vol. 84.)
The constitution of this institution is twO chiefs one Chinese and one Mancha, both having the ranks of Vice-President of the Board of Rites. They have charge of the Dynastic History, Libraries, Imperial Docu- ments, Edicts &c. The larger part of those who obtain the fourth literary degree are members of this Academy, and they occupy the most favourable position on that account for official promotion.
Dynastic Annalists. These officials keep an account of Imperial movements and of passing events. There are twenty of them,
sight Manchu and twelve Chinese. They are near the Emperor's persons, and the diaries are proserved for future reference.
Department for Reference.
The chiefs of this institution are members of the Imperial Academy, one Manchu and ono Chinese. They accompany the Emperor and sometimes hold also the office of Anna- lists. They are applied to for precedents in the past and take part in the direction of the Imperial studies. They are supposed to be learned men.
Court of the Imperial Kitchen (Vol. 85.) There are two chiefs, one Chinese and one Manchu. They have charge of the Imperial provisions for the table and for feasts.
Court of Imperial Retinue (Vol. 85.) There are two chiefs, one Manchu and one Chinese. They have sharge of Imperial horses through all the provinces, and the Imperial Retinue; a large number of the subordinate officials are Mongols, who are good horsemen, and probably the horses are chietly from Mongolia.
Department of Shun Tin.
As the Government of the District of Washington is separate from that of the State of Maryland, so the Department in which Peking is situated is separate from the province of Chihli. The chief is generally a high official, who holds this office in con- nection with some other.
Department of Tung Tin.
This is the Chief Department of Shing King and like the previous one is one of great honer.
Court of Masters of Ocremonies,
This institution has charge of ceremonies of Court, sacrifices, and feasts. The chiefs are one Chinese and one Manchu, but the subordinate officers under them are mostly Manchus. They direct the manner of outer- ing the limperial presence, when to advance, when to kneel, when to rise, retire &c. They are responsible for broaches in these matters of Court etiquette.
National College. The chiefs of this in- stitution are one Chinese and one Manchu,
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW OF THE CHINESE EMPIRE.
but the office is held in connection with some other. The Imperial Academy, the Department of Reference, and the National College are the three departments which have principally to do with literary and educational affairs. It is to be regretted that this College at the Capital and those in the provinces are practically, in modern times at least, of little value considered as educa- tional institutions. The instruction given is more a matter of form than anything else, and but little or no help is afforded by them to students in the way of learning and science.
Astronomical College (Vol. 86.) The chiefs of this institution are ono Chinese, and one Portuguese, the offices held in connection with some other. For many years no foreigner has held this office, but the distin- guished services of some of the Romish priests, about the time this work was published, were much appreciated by the Chinese Government and people. Quite a large space is given to plates and descrip- tions of the Astronomical Instruments in the Imperial Observatory.
Medical Academy. There is a large staff of professors and physicians. In theory the Chinese pay much attention to this branch of science, and it has a distinct recognition by the Government. The time cannot be distant when they will accept the theory and practice of the modern school of the West. The science and art of healing in China is very like those of the ancient world in the West. Some of the physicians at Canton have something like a diploma from this Academy which they display.
Department of the Imperial Household (Vol. 87.)
This is of course an extensive establish- ment. The chief is either a high Manchu official or one of the nobility, selected by the Emperor. Under the chief are seven Super- intendents of as many departments.
(1.) Superintendent of Receipts and Dis-
bursements,
12.) Superintendent of Accounts.
27
(3.) Superintendent of Ceremonies (Vols.
88, 89, 90.) There is a supplement attached in regard to Official Education, and Medical Dispen.
sary.
(4.) Superintendent in Charge of Parks.
(Vol. 91).
(5.) Superintendent in charge of Punish-
ments.
(6.) Superintendent in charge of Con-
struction.
(7.) Superintendent in charge of Herda
and Flocks.
Imperial Stables (Vol. 92). Warder of Gardens.
There is a supplement in regard to weav- ing and dyeing.
Arsenal.
Imperial Retinue (Vol. 93). Department of the Commander of Imperial Guard (Vol. 94.)
Generals of the Eight Banners (Vol. 95.) This refers to the eight great divisions of the Manchu people, representing the differ- eut armies which were employed in the con- quest of China.
Regulations in regard to the-
Banners. Population.
Lands.
Military Regulations (Vol. 98). Teaching and Practice (Vol. 97), Distributing Office.
Hereditary Honors. Toaching and Support. Imperial Bounty.
Mode of Public Business.
Commander of the Vanguard (Vol. 98). Commander of the Guards.
Guides.
Commander of the Infantry (Vol. 99). Comp of Fire Arms (Vol. 100).
Guard for Un-Ming-Un (Summer Pa-
lace).
"Firm and Courageous" Camp.
"Three Banner Tiger" Camp.
The study of this work takes us back to ancient times, to the days of Marco Polo, and
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