No. 82.
Mr. Low
to Mr. Fish.
Peking, March 25, 1872. (Received May 23.)
Sir: Since closing my No. 138, of the 15th instant, in which yon were informed of the Emperor’s proposed marriage in October next, several additional decrees concerning the same subject have been issued.
From them I learn that the 16th of October is the day fixed upon for the marriage; that the betrothal presents are to be bestowed on the 30th of August, and the wedding presents on the 19th of September. In return for the favors granted to him the Emperor has, by decree, conferred additional laudatory titles upon the Empresses. It is also expected that, in accordance with long-established custom and precedent, there will be a special dispensation of imperial bounty, in the form of brevet rank and titles to officials, and several months’ extra pay to the soldiers, when the marriage takes place.
The belief is becoming general that the marriage of the Emperor and his accession to the throne as sovereign de facto will be simultaneous.
So strong is this belief that I have reason to think that some of the foreign representatives have already sent telegrams to their governments stating this fact and asking for instructions in regard to making a demand for audience.
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I have. &c,