Legation of
the United States,
Peking, March 4, 1889.
(Received April 23.)
No. 835.]
In honor of this event the foreign ministers today displayed their flags and
sent cards to the members of the Yamên. The flag of this legation was
elevated for the double purpose of signalizing the advent of the Emperor to
power, and in honor of the ceremony of the inauguration which was then
transpiring in Washington.
[Inclosure in No. 835.]
The Tsung-li Yamên to Mr.
Denby.
Your Excellency: The prince and ministers have
the honor to state that the following edict was issued by her Majesty,
the Empress Regent, on the 27th of July last:
“Inasmuch as when the Emperor first assumed reins of government there
would he questions arise that might cause His Majesty some hesitancy as
to the best means to he adopted to meet them, we could not refuse to
offer our advice when occasion made it necessary, and we therefore feel
constrained to yield consent to the entreaty of our servants of state to
continue the direction of government for some years.
“During the past two years His Majesty has devoted his leisure hours in
continuing his course of instruction and has shown skill and cleverness
in the advancement of his education. In the matter of governmental
questions, whether important or otherwise, His Majesty has proved
himself competent to determine the pros and cons as they arise, and to
deal with them in a manner befitting and right. To us this is a source
of great joy.
“His Majesty will enter the bonds of matrimony some time during the first
moon of next year (February), and he should therefore assume the entire
charge of the administration of government, thus satisfying the
aspirations and hopes of our ministers and the people of our Empire. Let
the board of astronomy reverently select an auspicious day during the
second moon of next year (March) for our retirement and report to us.
Respect this.”
Upon the 30th day of July, 1888, Her Majesty issued the following
decree:
“In obedience to our command, the imperial board of astronomy having
memorialized us, selecting an auspicious day for the occasion, we
command that the 4th of March next be chosen as the day for the full
assumption of power by the Emperor.
“Respect this.”
As in duty bound the prince and ministers send your excellency copies of
the above decree for your information.
A necessary communication, etc.
