ABSTRACT
The Government of China would seem at first sight to leave nothing to be desired, so perfect and far reaching a system does it appear. It is based upon the patriarchal idea, the Emperor being the father of the people. He is the sole fountain of power and honour, and there is absolutely no limit to his authority except that imposed by personal incapacity, a poor army, want of funds, or the corruption of agents. The eighteen Provinces are divided into two groups, the first consisting of fifteen Provinces, which are split up into eight vice-royalties, the second of three Provinces, which are administered by governors. The government of the Provinces is practically autonomous, and the Viceroy or Governor has almost unlimited power as long as he observes certain minute regulations which are prescribed for his guidance. He levies taxes and raises his own army and navy, which he pays out of the revenues of his Province.
