The number of Manchu troops is estimated at 60,000 men. They are habitually under arms, and are assiduously exercised in their profession. The Government watches over them with great anxiety, for the emperor has a strong interest in not allowing these troops to stagnate in inaction. He takes care that they shall preserve something at least of the warlike character to which they owe their conquest of the empire. A Manchu is under obligation to enrol himself under some banner, and, failing to do so, loses his privileges. Many neglect to enrol_themselves voluntarily in order to avoid the conscription. The Manchu, who are still (1884) ruling, obtained possession of the kingdom in 1643. Their founder was Shun-shi, and the dynasty is styled Tsing, or pure. They have placed Tartar garrisons in all the principal towns. His son Kang-hi, an able administrator, reigned from A.D. 1G61 for 61 years. The people had previously made several important canals, but Kling - hi excavated tho grand canal which connects the inland navigation of the great river with Pekin to the north, and with Ningpo to the south. Early in the 18th century, Kwei-chow broke out in rebellion, but it was suppressed ; subsequently dominion over Tibet was acquired, and in tho beginning of the 19th century Nepal was made tributary.
The Manchu dynasty has four times been at war with European powers, viz. with Great Britain 1840-42, Great Britain and France 1859-60, and France 1884. China proper is arranged into 18 provinces, 15 under viceroys and 3 under governors, and these deputies or the rulers long strove to prevent British ambassadors having personal interviews with the sovereign. The viceroys were all in practice autonomous. But about A.D. 1858 the Imperial Customs depart ment was placed under Europeans, and has been a recognition of the supreme authority. Insisting upon the responsibility of the emperor, and refusing to treat with subordinate or provincial officers, though at first deemed most obnoxious to its pride, has nevertheless afforded the most efficient support to the administrative rights of the Imperial Government.
The Manchu is the most vocalic of the Tartar languages. It approaches to the Corean, but has other special vocalic affinities to the Japanese.— Mr. Rowland Hamilton.