MANDARIN', a general term applied to Chinese officers of every grade by foreigners. it is derived from the Portuguese mandar, to command; the Chinese equivalent is ktcan. There are nine ranks, each distinguished by a different-colored ball or button placed on the apex of the cap, by a peculiar emblazonry on the breast, and a different clasp of the girdle. The balls are ruby, coral, sapphire, a blue opaque stone, crystal, opaque white shell, worked gold, plain gold, and silver. Theoretically, these grades are-indicative of relative merit, but as office and titles are sold to a great extent, the competitive examin ations, which are the only legitimate road to distinction, have lost much of their value. A rnandarin is not allowed to hold office in his native province, the intention being to prevent intrigue, and to draw to Pekin the ambition and talent of the country, where temporary employment is given in subordinate offices, prior to appointments to the prov inces. He is not allowed to marry in the jurisdiction under his control. nor own land in
it, nor have a near relative holding office under him; and lie is seldom continued in office in the station or province for more than three years—a system of espionage which serves further to strengthen the imperial government. It is incumbent on every provin cial officer to report on the character and qualifications of all under him, which he peri odically transmits to the board of civil office; the points of character are arranged under six different heads, viz., those who are not diligent, the inefficient, the superficial, the untalented, superannuated, and diseased. According to the opinions given in this report, officers are elevated or degraded so many steps in the scale of merit, like boys in a class. They are required also to accuse themselves when remiss or guilty of crime, and to request punishment.