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has nothing to fear from its myrmidons, and so long as he lives at peace with his neighbours, officialdom does not obtrude itself into his existence. It has been well said that the doings of Chinese officials are harmless compared with those of old Rome, or of Europe four or five centuries ago; that "to the honour of the Chinese, life is seldom sacrificed for political crime or envious emulation," and that an official need not dread either a bowstring from his lord paramount or the dagger of an assassin hired by a vindictive competitor. What is further certain is that quite a large proportion of Chinese officials really strive to rule equitably and justly, and to discharge the of their office in the manner most conducive to the people's happiness and their own credit. The contemporary and past history of the country abounds with the names of such men; it has always been noted that virtuous and conscientious officials obtain not only promotion but also esteem, and the testimony of Occidental observers, who have enjoyed opportunities of judging, is that the statesmen they encountered in Peking and in the Provinces commanded respect for shrewdness, skill, and loyalty. Public testimony also is not wanting. There is no nominal system of popular representation, but the people have provided a means of making their views felt in official circles by posting up pasqui- nades which are regarded, not as mere vulgar lampoons, but as sober expressions of opinion,