Page:Inside Canton.djvu/96

Rh the son of heaven; by viceroys, sub-governors, judges and generals, it comes down to the people, where it is manifested only by the presence of inferior agents, sub-prefects and mayors."

"It is true," said I, laughing: "but it appears to me that the charge of these latter must be very light; they are invested with so small an authority, that their responsibility cannot run any great risks."

"You deceive yourself," replied Pan; "doubtless they have not to interfere in state affairs; they are not consulted about treaties of commerce, about declarations of war, and terms of peace; all that concerns the national unity is confined to the high mandarins. What light could these inhabitants of the country, entirely governed by local influence, bring to the discussion of these questions? But they are masters at home; with the old men of the village they form an administrative council, which regulates the rate of taxation, keeps the public roads in repair, supplies granaries of reserved corn, and considers the best means of preventing bad harvests, and preserving social order. These are occupations suited to their intelligence, for which all that is required is probity and good sense."

At this last piece of information I cried out:—

"Thank you, my friend; I abandon at present my intention of penetrating within the walls of the city, but on one condition—introduce me to a Chinese family!"