No. 371.
Mr. Bingham to Mr. Fish.
United
States Legation,
Tokei, January 2, 1875.
(Received February 8.)
No. 169.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance
of an invitation extended to me by His Majesty the Emperor through the
minister for foreign affairs, I joined my colleagues at the imperial palace
on the 1st instant to tender my congratulations to the Emperor.
My colleagues and myself being duly presented to His Majesty, Sir Harry
Parkes, as dean of the diplomatic corps, read to His Majesty, on behalf of
himself and colleagues, an address, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, to
which His Majesty, as will be seen from the copy of his reply herewith, was
pleased to express his thanks and congratulations.
You will observe that the Emperor, in the address of last year as also in the
address of this year, expressly named presidents as well as sovereigns as
the chief executives of friendly states represented at his court.
It gives me pleasure to note that on this occasion Her Majesty the Empress
was present.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 169.]
Address of the foreign representatives to His
Majesty the Tenno, on January 1, 1875.
Sire: The foreign representatives accredited to
your Majesty’s court, desire to offe to your Majesty their cordial
congratulations on the occasion of the New Year. They regard with
sincere satisfaction the maintenance by your Majesty of relations of
peace and friendship with all foreign powers, and they trust that the
year now opening may be distinguished by the advancement and prosperity
of your people, and by much personal happiness to your Majesty and your
august consort.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
169.—Translation.]
Reply of His Majesty the Tenno to the foreign
representatives, January 1, 1875.
I am extremely rejoiced at the expression of sincere congratulation
proffered to me by the representatives of friendly states on the
occasion of the New Year. I hope that the sovereigns and the presidents
of the friendly states will enjoy the New Year in in health and
prosperity.
I congratulate you on having entered on a new year in good health.
