ABSTRACT
Until 1720 this Kingdom was governed by an absolute and independent King (under the sovereignty of the Dalai Lama). In October, 1720, it passed under the rule of the Emperor of China and is now governed (by a King, Tisri Telchin Bathur, and) by ministers who represent him: some are Chinese Tartars, others pure Chinese, and a few are Thibettans. All edicts and verdicts are now written in three languages: Tartar, Chinese and Thibettan. After the ministers rank the four Kaa-Lung-sciá [Ka-lon], superintendents of public justice in civil and in criminal suits. Their tribunal is in the Lha-brang, which I have described when speaking of Lhasa. Their duties are to sit daily in this tribunal, give public audiences to all, to listen and decide on cases and give orders and sentences on minor things. All more important matters used to be referred to the King, but now are referred to the aforesaid ministers, who decide them. There are other inferior Kaa-Lung-sciá who aid their superiors by obtaining information, instituting legal processes, and such like things. The King once gave, but now the ministers of the emperor of China give daily audiences, or at least receive petitions and appeals, which they often settle at once. Every province has a principal governor called Debà, who depends solely from the King and has other ministers under him, partly elected by the King, partly by the Debà, and some vice-governors who can settle small matters; all more important business must, however, go before the Debà. He generally remains in office for life and is succeeded by his son. These governors have full powers in their provinces, they can even sentence malefactors to death. They collect the taxes and tributes which must all be registered and in due time sent to the royal exchequer, and every year at Davà Tang-bò [Dawa dang-po], or the first new moon, when the Lo-sar or celebration of the new year takes place, they must go to the capital and present their tribute to the King. Other Debà, who are not governors, but lords of territory held in fee from the king, must do likewise, and at the same time the King of Bree-mè-jong is obliged to send a deputation to Lhasa to the King with his tribute.
