Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Countries (Vol. 34)

Volume 6, Section 12: Foreign Atlantic — Eastern Route of America original: "𠰴利堅" (Yǎ-lì-jiān), an early phonetic transcription of "American."

On the third day of the week Likely referring to Wednesday, the traditional day for the Maine Legislature to convene in the early 19th century., the Council original: "副總制" (fù zǒngzhì), literally "Deputy Governors." Maine’s Executive Council consisted of seven members. meets. Within this council, the Governor original: "總制" (zǒngzhì). is publicly elected, receiving an annual salary of 1,500 silver dollars. Should a vacancy occur, the head of the Inspectors original: "巡按" (xún’àn); likely referring to the President of the Senate or the Chief Justice. shall temporarily administer the office.

Aside from the Council, there is a Secretary original: "善書" (shànshū), literally "one skilled in writing." This refers to the Secretary of State. who assists in administration. Regarding military affairs, a Commanding Officer The Adjutant General. is appointed to ensure the security of the borders. Every year, the Governor, the Inspectors, and the Council meet to deliberate on the laws of the state. Once a law is passed, it must be strictly enforced, and its execution must begin with those in high positions.

Furthermore, there is one Chief Court original: "正察院" (zhèng cháyuàn), a term borrowed from the Imperial Chinese Censorate to describe the Supreme Judicial Court. within the state, with other branches distributed across various districts. The total annual expenditure for all officials across the entire state is calculated at a rate of 200,000 silver dollars.

There are two Academies secondary schools or preparatory colleges. and one University original: "大學公堂" (dàxué gōngtáng)., which is a place where scholars laboriously apply themselves to the study of sacred texts original: "聖文" (shèngwén). While this term usually refers to the Confucian Classics, the author uses it here to describe a Western classical or theological liberal arts education.. In the rural districts, there are thirty middle schools in total. Beyond these, primary schools for children are found in every location. Each person contributes an annual sum of 0.28 silver taels Approximately 28 to 30 cents, reflecting the local school tax of the era., which is simply handed over to the school trustees.

Additionally, there are Holy Churches original: "聖教會所" (shèngjiào huìsuǒ).; those who...