Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 401

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the people are generally anxious for a change; the reverse of this, however, sometimes happens and at their especial request his period of service may be extended, or by imperial permission renewed for another three years. The business of his office is divided after the manner of the imperial court, into six departments, and each of these six is subdivided into three or more branches, according to the amount and kind of business they have to manage. To each of the six there is a chief clerk and a great number of assistants, all supported by salaries from the public chest. The magistrate has also his private secretaries.

All these subordinates constitute his household, and are, or ought to be, men of letters. They are liable to degradation by the magis trate, who has power also to promote them if they are found merito- rious. Persons thus employed, are permitted by law or usage, after a period of five years,to go to the governor's palace for examination, where they are required to write essays and forms of proclamation; and if found able and expert, the governor is authorised to give them rank and office, subject however to the approval of the emperor through the proper Board. If in this way they are successful, they are not required to attend the ordinary examination for de- grees. If on the other hand, when they come before the governor, they are found deficient in ability, they must either take a new name or retire from the magistrate's, employment, and give place to others. The “knower of the district of Shánghái” has his residence very near the centre of the city, at the head of the main street, leading up from the great southern gate. With all its departments it covers a large area, and around it are congregated a mass of leeches that live on the vitals of the people. Jails and houses of confinement, etc., are also there to be seen. The present incumbent, Lán Weiwan,

E has no good reputation; what may be his real merits,

however, we have not the means to determine.

4. Kiáu yũ is commonly, but very improperly called by foreigners, the "literary mandarin." He is charged, by the constitution of the government, with the control of the public schools, and more will be said of this office under that head.

5. The hien ching is a sub-magistrate, second to the chí-hien, ap- pointed by high authority, and acts as an assistant in the chief mag- istracy. In case of need he becomes the deputy of his superior, to whose residence, his own is contiguous.

6. The chí pú," lord-registrar," or registrar general, and originally