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Some Leading Principles Of Chinese Law, Gustavus Ohlinger

Michigan Law Review

It has frequently been remarked that of all nations, China approaches most nearly the Jeffersonian ideal in being the least governed. To a greater extent than any other people, the Chinese manage their own affairs. The usages of trade are defined by the various commercial guilds-organizations which have acquired a prestige and influence without parallel in any other country. Commercial disputes are submitted to these bodies and by them are settled promptly, finally, and usually satisfactorily. Matters of currency and exchange are determined by the powerful bankers' guild. Physicians, fortune-tellers, geomancers and even mendicants, have their organizations through which the …