Page:Provincial geographies of India (Volume 4).djvu/132

116 to these States; and the enlightened Chief of Yawnghwe was long a member of the Provincial Legislative Council. The internal affairs of each State are administered by the Chief, subject to the supervision and guidance of the Superintendents and their assistants. Gradually the Chiefs have learnt to administer their revenues with care and to take an interest in public works and other measures for the benefit of their people. A good school for the sons of Chiefs and notables flourishes at Taung-gyi. Modified by rules to prohibit cruel and barbarous practices and to prescribe a simple judicial procedure, the customary law remains in force. Government reserves all rights to forests and minerals and regulates the relations between the several States. Order is maintained by comparatively small bodies of military police and there are a few civil police. But the Chiefs are responsible for peace and order in their own territories. The succession to any Chief is subject to the approval of government. Each Chief on his accession receives a Sanad or Order of appointment defining his rights and privileges and prescribing his duties and limitations. The principal States are Kēngtūng, an extensive territory east of the Salween; Yawnghwe, a western State, wherein is situate the headquarters of the southern section; Möngnai, to the east, but cis-Salween; Hsipaw and North and South Hsenwi in the northern group.

Outside of the main sections are two other Shan States, sole relics of Shan predominance in Upper Burma; Hsawnghsup (Thaungthut) and Singaling Hkampti, both on the Chindwin subject to the Commissioner of Sagaing. Hkampti Lōng, in the far north, is now practically part of the Putao district. Möngmit, formerly under the Commissioner of Mandalay, has lately been attached to the Northern Shan States. The old States of Kale and Wuntho were absorbed long ago into Upper Chindwin and Katha respectively.

Karenni, which lies to the north-east of Lower Burma,