Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 526

46

PROVINCR.

KWEICHOW. (Continued)

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.

OFFICE.

INDIVIDUAL.

Literary chancellor. Fing Keäpaou, TR

Treasurer. Lo Jaouhing,

Judge.

a

羅繞興

Woo Chinyih,吳

孫起瑞

Grain commissioner Sun Ketwan,

THE NINE RANKS.

The grades of officers in the Chinese government are distinguish- ed by various insignia into nine ranks, the officers in each of which are subdivided into principal and secondary, the order of precedence being according to these ranks, and civilians going before military

The insignia are here given.

men.

Civilians of the first rank wear a precious ruby or transparent red stone; a stork is embroidered on the back and breast of the robe, and the girdle clasp of prehnite set in rubies; military men differ only in having a unicorn instead of a stork, their buttons and clasps being the same as civilians. On common occasions, red coral but- tons are worn. The chief ministers belong to the principal; and the presidents, censors, and guardians of the heir apparent, to the secondary.

Civilians of the second rank wear a red carved coral button, a robe embroidered with a golden pheasant, and a girdle clasp of gold set in, rubies; the lion is emblazoned on the military. The secondary guardians of the prince, governor-generals, and vice-presidents of the Boards belong to the principal; ministers in the cabinet, Hanlin, governors, and treasurers of provinces, to the secondary.

Civilians of the third rank carry a sapphire, and one-eyed pea-. cock's feather, a robe with a peacock worked on the breast, and a clasp of worked gold; military officers have a leopard instead of a peacock. Deputy censors, presidents of the courts, and provincial judges are principal; salt commissioners are secondary.

Civilians of the fourth rank are distinguished by a blue opaque stone, a crane on the breast, and a clasp of worked gold with a silver button; military officers carry a tiger instead of a crane. Vice-pre- sidents of the courts, and intendants of circuit are principal; pre- fects and superintendents of some subordinate courts, are secondary.