124Toward the commencement of the present dynasty, these abuses had become so flagrant, and the complaints on the subject so unanimous throughout the Empire, that the cantons drew up a memorial against the country tribunals, and presented it to the Emperor Tchang- hi. The answer was soon given, and a curious one it was. "The Emperor, considering the immense population of the Empire, the great division of territorial
125property, and the notoriously law-loving character of the Chinese, is of opinion that law-suits would tend to in crease, to a frightful amount, if people were not afraid of the tribunals, and if they felt confident of always finding in them ready and perfect justice. As man, "continues the Imperial logician, "is apt to delude himself concerning his own interests, contests would be then interminable, and the half of the Empire would not suffice to settle the law-suits of the other half. I desire, therefore, that those who have recourse to the tribunals should be treated without any pity, and in such a manner that they shall be disgusted with law, and tremble to appear before a magistrate. In this manner the evil will be cut up by the roots ; the good citizens, who may have difficulties among themselves, will settle them like brothers, by referring to the arbitration of some old man, or the mayor of the commune. As for those who are troublesome, obstinate, and quarrelsome, let them be ruined in the law-courts — that is the justice that is due to them."