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CHAPTER VI.

GOVERNMENT AND LAWS.

THE EMPIRE UNITED—THE GOVERNMENT BASED ON PARENTAL AUTHORITY—THE EMPEROR SUPREME—THE MINISTERS OF STATE—THE TRIBUNALS—OF CIVIL OFFICE—OF REVENUE—OF RITES—OF WAR—OF PUNISHMENTS—OF PUBLIC WORKS—THE CENSORATE—THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE—THE LAWS OF CHINA—THEIR CHARACTER—CIVIL LAWS—FISCAL REGULATIONS—RITUAL ENACTMENTS—MILITARY ARRANGEMENTS—CRIMINAL CODE—DIRECTIONS ABOUT NATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS—IMPERIAL PALACE—THE FORBIDDEN ENCLOSURE—THE GARDENS AND PAVILIONS—THE NORTHERN CITY—THE SOUTHERN.

The civilization of China will further appear from the consideration of the stability, regularity, economy, and efficiency of their government. The country, no longer torn by the contentions of rival princes and independent states, is united under one regular and established authority. The emperor, residing in his capital, extends his influence to the remotest corner of the land. Every officer that presides in the most distant district is especially appointed by the court, and every measure of importance is the result of arrangements issuing from the centre of power. To exert an influence over such an extent of territory, and for such a length of time, argues a minuteness of arrangement and a comprehensiveness of system, which could not have place in an uncivilized country.

The question has frequently been asked, how do the