view, as we have already
remarked, that they patronise lamanism, by richly endowing the
Lamaseries, and by granting numerous privileges to the Lamas. So long as
they can maintain their influence over the sacerdotal tribe, they are
assured that neither the people nor the princes will stir from their
repose.

[Picture: Chinese Princess]

Alliances are another means by which the reigning dynasty seeks to
consolidate its power in Mongolia. The daughters and nearest relations
of the Emperor, intermarrying with the royal families of Tartary,
contribute to maintain between the two peoples pacific and friendly
relations. Yet these princesses continue to have a great predilection
for the pomp and grandeur of the imperial court. The mournful,
monotonous life of the desert soon fatigues them, and they sigh for the
brilliant fetes of Peking. To obviate the inconvenience that might
attend their frequent journeys to the capital, a very severe regulation
has been made to moderate the wandering humour of these princesses.
First, for the first ten years after their marriage, they are forbidden
to come to Peking, under penalty of having the annual pension the Emperor
allows to their husbands suspended. This period having elapsed, they are
allowed to go to Peking, but never at their own mere fancy. A tribunal
is appointed to examine their reasons for temporarily quitting their
family. If these are considered valid, they allow them a certain number
of days, on the expiration of which they are enjoined to return to
Tartary. During their stay at Peking, they are supported at the expense
of the Emperor, suitably to their dignity.

The most elevated personages in the hierarchy of the Mongol princes, are
the Thsin-Wang and the Kiun-Wang. Their title is equivalent to that of
king. After them come the Peile, the Beisse, the Koung of the first and
second class, and the Dchassak. These may be compared to our ancient
dukes, barons, etc. We have already mentioned that the Mongol princes
are bound to pay certain rents to the Emperor; but the amount of these is
so small, that the Mantchou dynasty can only levy it on account of the
moral effect that may result. As simple matter-of-fact, it would be
nearer the truth to say that the Mantchous are the tributaries of the
Mongols; for, in return for the few beasts they receive from them, they
give them annually large sums of money, silken stuffs, clothes, and
various a