New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-15
TITLES And DECORATIONS IN CHINA.
SYSTEM OF NOBLE ORDERS UNLIKE THAT OF
EUROPE


Among the articles In a recent number OF the 7" %.
tasatische Lloyd account Of the nobility,
hereditary titles and decorations Of the Flowery King
dom. China, unlike Japan, has retained her own
system of nobility, and declines naturally to model
Il after the recent ones OF Europe
The present system OF creating nobles," says tho
Journal dates from the feudal ages, six centuries
before Christ But the titles given to-day are ofncia
distinctions for particular persons, bearng no prvi'
leges at least privileges such as titles Formerly
gave 70 the bearers in Europe The nine grades OF
noble titles which are used by the Government now
are exclusively rewards for military services which
the recipients have performed for the state These
nine grades Of nobility are Kung, How, Peh, Tsze
Man, King Tschc, Tu-yuc KTuyne fucn-Kryuo
and NCen- XII yue The first five titles, which may
be translated as duke, marquis, count visconnt and
baron have each three classes or degrees When the
titles nrc conferred few words Of praise always
added 10 the patent expressive OF the special service
performed by the recipient. All titles, WIN me cA
cepton OF the ninth, are hereditary for certain num-
Der of generations ranging between twentysix for
Kung of the frstclass, TO one for iuen.Kiyue
All of the titles mentioned may he conferred upon
officers who have fallen battle even after they arc
dead Many titles and decorations conferred upon
favortes during the celebration OF great events sucn
as an Imperial marriage, coronation, etc Inc uties
arc either conferred upon the officer himself or upon
his wife his father or grandfather, whether dead or
alive Titles given 10 civil officials or their relatives
arc also divided into nine classes with Subdivisions
THE titles continues the paper 80 are always useo
in family records in death notices. genealogical trees
and on eravestones. They are also to be seen often
ON painted wood upon the entrances to the houses
The patents OF nobility are sent TO tne recipients WI"
ten upon rolls of silk CLOTH woven In the nVe coors
and containing the embossed figure Of phoenix Tho
record Of services is in the Mandschu ana ShheSe
languages.
lin
peral rewards for military services estab'hed uhdr
Tho present DYNASTY the highest is the yellow riding
Jacket called in Chinese Huang Ma Kua. TINS coat
according to regulations. is only 10 be worn "heh In
attendance upon the Emperor In reality the JACKET
shonId be of the color Of the regimehal sandsru u
which the officer belongs. but In these days Is almost
ALWAYS yellow. Two Europeans have been honored oy
,acevine the right TO wear this jacket. One OF these
was General Gordon, who was murdered few years
ago in KhartOum. lie was distinguished In THIS way
for the services he rendered to emma III suppess"s
the TAPPING rebellion in Kangsu Province Inc other
wns the late NJ Prosper Giquel. who established the
arsenal and military school at Fuishau
aApoher distinction worthy of mention is the pr1vi
,eco NJ riding within the Imperial palace That is an
honor conferred frequently upon public servants. ~
carries with Il tho privilege TO ride instead OF walk 70
n polnt within a certain distance OF the palace doors
when summoned to audience BY the Emperor
But usually the honor which follows the per-
Torrance OF good services under the Mandschu dynasty
the privilege OF wearing the plume or feather There
are various grades Of this decoration also The highest
grade the three peacock feather is only worn BY
immortal princes mobiles Of the highest degree. or BY
men who have done unusual things for the country.
The second grade IS the double peacock plume or
feather for men who have distinguished themselves
among the lower ranks Of the nobility, and the tmn
grade tho one.eyed peacock feather Tie eather Oh
the third class Is given for services OF minor oruer
-, chosa ale The blue plume or PdtHeI
corr.d by every member Of the Imperial guaN anu
also conferred upon officials Of the SKIN GAS 'o
Is,um n1rovc one) was founded about 200 years avg.
and until recently only conferred upon inT,e con
.ros - T., often accompanied BY other distlncti9hs.
Medals often gwen TO brave soldier is y These ON s1 one
~ NJ ~ -, Scbang (reward) Is engraved Inc SO
called Double Order was founded fS0dt r three
iasse having each three grades. 1t Is INTENDED ior
f,raip IN Only.7