No. 81.
Mr. Low
to Mr. Fish.
[Extract.]
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, March 15, 1872.
(Received May 23.)
No. 138.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose translations
of three imperial decrees, all relating to the approaching marriage of
the Emperor. These decrees are issued in the-names of the Empress
Regents; they have been officially promulgated in the Peking
Gazette.
Rumors with reference to the approaching marriage of the Emperor have
been current, from time to time, for a year or more past, but as they
could not be traced to any reliable source I have not deemed it
advisable to refer to the matter until some official information could
be obtained.
* * * * * * *
The fact of declaring the Emperor of suitable age to marry does not
declare him Emperor de facto.
It is, however, improbable that the regency will be continued any
considerable time after the marriage; indeed, I shall not be surprised
any day to hear that the Emperor has taken the reins of government into
his own hands, even before his marriage.
I have. &c,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 138.]
From the Peking Gazette, March 12,
1872.
A benign edict has, with profound respect, been received from Their
Majesties Tzu An, (the benevolently tranquil,) the Empress Dowager,
and Tzu Hsi, (the benevolently happy,) the Empress Mother, in
language as follows:
Eleven years having now elapsed since His Majesty the Emperor in his
infancy succeeded to the throne, it is meet and proper that a worthy
consort should be found to occupy the principal seat in the inner
palace and to assist His Majesty in administering the government
with virtue, as well as to superintend the royal household.
We have, therefore, selected the daughter of Chung-E, a member of the
imperial academy and reader to His Majesty whose family name
(Mongul) is A-lu-tê; she being accomplished, cautious, correct, and
sedate, we decree shall be Empress.
Respect this.
[Page 134]
[Inclosure 2 in No. 138.]
From the Peking Gazette, March 12,
1872.
A benign edict has been received from Their Majesties the Empress
Dowager and the Empress Mother, as follows:
The daughter of Fêng Hsin, a secretary of one of the boards, (the
board of punishment,) whose family (Manchu) name is Fuchă, we decree
shall be His Majesty’s Hui Fei, or intelligent consort, (first
concubine.)
The daughter of Chǔng Ling, a prefect, whose family (Manchu) name is
Ho-she-li, we decree shall be His Majesty’s Yu-fm, or lustrous
consort, (second concubine.)
The daughter of Sai-shang-ah, lately a lieutenant-general, whose
family (Mongol) name is A-lu-te, we decree shall be His Majesty’s
Hsün-piu, or generous consort, (third concubine.)
Respect this.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 138.]
From the Peking Gazette, March 12,
1872.
A benign edict has been received from Their Majesties the Empress
Dowager and the Empress Mother, as follows:
In keeping with the rules of ceremony on the occasion of an Emperor’s
marriage, we decree that the imperial astronomical board shall fix
upon an auspicious day in the 9th month (October 2–31) of the
present year for celebrating the marriage of the Emperor. We appoint
Prince Kung, and Paochun, president of the board of revenue, who
will concert plans with the proper boards, (boards of ceremonies and
household office,) clearly establishing the necessary rules, and
using respectful diligence in the management of the business.
Respect this.
