Acting under Manchu guidance, chiefs and leading tribesmen were entrusted with important executive offices; they had to keep the peace among their people, and to collect the revenue of local produce to be forwarded to Peking.

These posts were hereditary.

On the death of the father, the eldest son proceeded to Peking and received his appointment in person, together with his seal of office.

Failing sons or their children, brothers had the right of succession.
In 1741 the population was estimated by Pere Amiot, S.J., at over one hundred and fifty millions, as against twenty-one million households in 1701.
In 1753 there was trouble in Ili.

After the death of Galdan II., son of Arabtan, an attempt was made by one, Amursana, to usurp the principality.