by the Father of the Republic, and its great founder and namesake, 

 the pride and glory of a great Republic. 



What a contrast to the indifference exhibited by our own Govern- 

 ment on the subject of learning and intellectual improvement is the 

 liberal conduct of one which we are taught to look upon as barba- 

 rian ! 



" Education," says the author of l The Chinese as they are,' 

 u from what has been already said as forming the only path to dis- 

 tinction and eminence, and as inculcated in all their works, it wil* 

 readily be supposed, is an object of primary importance among the 

 Chinese. Nor is it limited or confined to one class, but is generally 

 extended. Its importance was recognised, and was so well known 

 in China, that a work written before the Christian era speaks of the 

 'ancient system of instruction,' which required that every town and 

 village, down to a few families, should have a common school. 

 Jlnd it is worthy of remark how the general peace and prosperity of 

 China has been promoted by the diffusion of intelligence and edu- 

 cation throughout all classes. 



" Strict examinations, regulated by a fixed code of laws, have 

 been instituted, designed solely to elicit this * true talent.' At 

 these examinations, which are open for all, it is decided who shall 

 rise to distinction, and confer honor on himself and his descendants, 

 and who shall live on and be forgotten. 



" At the close of the second trial seventy-two are selected of the 

 most intelligent out of the 10,000 assembled from the province, 

 (speaking of Canton,) and an equal number from each of the other 

 provinces, making in all about 1,300 for the whole empire. The 

 fortunate persons are then publicly announced, and handbills are 

 circulated far and wide, not only for the information of the candi- 

 dates themselves, but also of their parents and kindred, who re- 

 ceive titles and honors in common with these favored relatives. 

 Presents are then made to the triumphant scholars, and splendid 

 apparel provided for them, so that they soon become rich and 

 great. To-day they are dwelling in an humble cottage, and to- 

 morrow they are introduced to the palaces of the powerful, and 

 every where received with the greatest honor. 



''- The advantages of this system are evident. Caste is by this 

 means abolished. No privileged order is tolerated ; wealth and ranL 

 are unavailing to procure advancement, and the poor are enabled by 



