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undermine the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the treaty Powers. In this connection His Majesty's consul-general at Chengtu observes that the new system is in all essentials the same as that introduced into Korea by the Japanese advisers of 1891 and the constitution of the courts is practically identical with the Japanese.
In view of the importance of the reform, the following sketch of the new judicial system and the constitution of the courts may be of interest.
At the foot of the scale is the preliminary court, or court of first instance, which is to be establishment in each "hsien," or county town, of each department; above this is the district or assize court to be established in every "fu," or prefectural city, and at independent sub-prefectural cities. From the district court an appeal lies to cour de the provincial high court, and thence to the final court of appeal, or cassation," in Peking. In the more distant provinces branches of the final court are to be attached to the high courts.
The high court is presided over by a "president" who ranks with the judicial commissioner. It has a civil and a criminal side, each of which is provided with a judge and two puisue judges. An assize court has a "president and judge," with one assistant judge for civil and one for criminal cases, while a court of first instance should be under an assistant judge. Attached to each court is a staff of secretaries, clerks, ushers, &c. The high court and the assize court each have have a "procurator- general" assisted by a "procurator," and a court of first instance a "procurator" only. The duties of these officers combine those of Crown advocate and sheriff. All officers of, or above, the rank of puisne judge or "procurator are styled law officers, and are selected by examination, except the "president" and " procurator-general," who are appointed by commission from the Throne. The examinations are held in Peking, except for the more distant provinces, which receive examiners from the capital.
Prisons.
His Majesty's consul at Nanking reports that a step is being made towards prison reform on western lines by the establishment of a model gaol for offenders Convicted of the less serious crimes. The prisoners are properly fed, and made to keep their cells clean and take regular exercise. They are also taught a trade, and earn wages which are remitted to their families. His Majesty's consul at Pakhoi reports that Kuo taotai has caused the prisons of Ch'in Chou to be conducted on similar reformatory lines. In November a training school was opened at Chungking for 700 rural police for the neighbouring country districts. In Kiangsu an attempt is being made to police the streets of Isinghua and a police system has been inaugurated at Huai An Fu.
Other Reforms.
Standardisation of Weights and Measures in Szechuan-His Majesty's consul at Chungking reports that an attempt is being made to introduce the standardisation of weights and measures of length and capacity, but great difficulties are being met with in regard to weights owing to the confusion and opportunities for cheating attending the transition stage.
Post to Thibet.--The Imperial Chinese post is extending its service from the former western terminus of Tachienlu to Batang, a difficult portion of road notorious for robbers, and a similar extension is to be made from Lbassa to Chiamdo. The two lines are doubtless eventually intended to effect a junction.
Railways,
Tien-tsin-Pukou.—The coupling of the Tien-tsin-Pukow with the Peking-Mukden Railway is now an accomplished fact. The opening ceremony was performed on the 19th December. The Tien-tsin terminus is what was formerly known as the "city station," now called the Tien-tsin Central Station. A regular service of construction trains runs between Tien-tsin and Tsinan, the journey occupying some fourteen hours. The line is open to Taian-fu, 76 kilom, south of Tsinan. On the southern sectiou construction trains now carry passengers, and the section between Pukow and Lin Huai Kuan will be opened to traffic in spring.
Hankow-Canton Railway.—Very little progress has been made on the Chaugsha- Chuchou section. About 14 miles of sleepers and rails have been laid between Chuchou and Chaoshan, but the permanent way has not been ballasted, and no bridges have been erected. Between Chaoshan and Changsha the road-bed is being
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made. It is hoped to complete the line from Yochow to Chenchou in about five years.
Szechuan-Hankom Railway (Hupeh Railways).-Considerable progress has been made during the quarter. At lchang three godowns and an engine shed at the wharf are finished, and the east-gate station buildings are nearing completion. The first tunnel of about 1,000 feet, at about 12 miles from Ichang, has been pierced, and a construction train runs for a mile or two.
Canton-Kowloon Railway.-The British section of Canton-Kowloon Railway was opened during the quarter as also the first section of the line at the Canton end.
Canton Kowloon-Yuch-Han Railway.-It is proposed to build a line connecting the Yueh Han and Cauton Kowloon Railways. This line of some 3 or 4 miles would pass through the north-east suburbs of Canton. The route has been surveyed and presents no engineering difficulties. The line would soon pay.
Shanghai Hangchow-Ningpo Railway. The Chekiang Railway Company have gradually carried out improvements on the permanent way so that the line is at present in fair condition. ́A. handsome red brick station has been erected within the Hangcbow city walls and is practically complete.
Is is rumoured that work is soon to be stopped on the Ningpo-Shaoshing section for lack of funds.
Peking-Kalgan Railway. (Chang Sui extension).The distance from Kalgan to Sui Yuan Cheng is about 220 miles by the proposed route via Tatung-fu. The rail- head has reached Tsai Kou Pu 30 miles from Kalgan. It is expected to complete and open the whole section to Tien Chen Hsien by the end of the year, but the Board of Communications have ordered the suspension of construction beyond this point for four years.
Taichow-Shiherhwei Railway.--The construction of the Taichow-Shiberhwei Railway and the raising of the necessary funds has been sanctioned in Peking. It is estimated to cost about 2,250,000 taels, but it is not clear where the money is to come from.
Fokien Railway. (Chang-Hsia).-The railway is being mismanaged and work continues very slowly-10 miles complete. It is proposed to carry the line round Pholum which will add too its length, but obviate expenditure on a large bridge.
Kiangsi Railway (Nan-Hsün).—Work is proceeding slowly and trains run as far as Wang Lao Men, about 20 miles from Kiukiang Station.
Tsingtau.-The growing importance commercially of the port of Tsingtau is shown by the fact that German mail steamers from Europe call now regularly both on outward and homeward voyages. The P. and O. Company is now sending intermediate steamers to Tsingtau and the Messageries maritimes are contemplating similar action.
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