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keeper of the public records, of the office where he was appointed to reside. At present, however, his duties are those of Chief thief- catcher, a sort of constable, appointed to look after those whose bus- iness it is to see that the streets and public ways are kept in order.
7. The Tien-Shi, "Ruler of history," was originally appointed as historiographer, to keep up the historical narrative of the district. Now his functions are chiefly concerned with malefactors, having to oversee the jails. Both this, and the one next above in office, are al- lowed, usually for their profit, to manage small cases, and may be appointed, by the magistrate, as his assistant or substitute, in any cases in which he may please to call them to act.
8. Hưúng pú sz' suen kien, is an officer whose jurisdiction would seem to be limited to the river, to manage and regulate the sea-going population. He is a sort of harbor-master, or marine magistrate, subordinate to the chief magistrate, but is expected to manage all minor cases without reference to his superior.
The custom-houses of China, like ancient nunneries, are not only difficult of access, but when reached, their interior is involved in inexplicable labyrinths,if the reports of those best capable of knowing the truth are to be credited. Every attempt we have made to gain knowledge of the custom-house duties &c., has been unavailing. These establishments are under the care of those who know how to turn them to good account for themselves, and prevent any facts regarding the true amount of receipts from being known to their masters or the public.
The military forces, though subject to the general control of the táu tải, have their own officers, appointed to train and discipline, to feed, oversee, aud direct, &c., &c.
The Yú ying yú kih,, "right battalion's pa- troling assailant," as his title literally translated means, is the coin- mander-in-chief of the military forces in the district, he being char- ged immediately with the military defences thereof. He has to sea that all the subordinate officers, in the army, properly perform their duty, receive and distribute rations, pay, &c., and also take care that all the military stores are in safe and proper keeping.
The Yu ying shau pí,,"right battalion's guardian protector," is a subordinate officer, whose especial duty it is to prevent outrage, and to keep the body politic safe, and securely
provided against assaults from without and outbreaks from within
城守干總
The Ching shau tsien tsung,,"city protector
and leader of the thousand," is charged with the particular care of
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