Mr. Conger to Mr.
Day.
Legation of the United States,
Pelting, China, September 24,
1898.
No. 49.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the
overleaf, my telegram of yesterday, and to inclose a copy of the
imperial decree upon which it was based.
[Inclosure in No. 49.]
Translation of a decree published in the Peking
Gazette, September 21, 1898.
At the present time many difficult national questions are waiting to
be settled. Night and day we have labored diligently and cautiously
managing these multitudinous affairs, and even when at leisure have
taken great pains to avoid making any mistake.
[Page 219]
In looking back, we find that since the time of the Emperor Tung
Chih, the Empress Dowager has, upon two occasions, conducted the
affairs of the Government most excellently. Therefore, reflecting
upon the importance and dignity of our country, we have very
earnestly besought the Empress Dowager to compassionately assist us
in the administration of the Government and to condescend to our
request. This would be for the happiness of all the officials and
people of the Empire.
Beginning with to-day, the administration of the Government will be
carried on in a side hall. On the 8th of this moon (September 23)
the princes and ministers will follow us into the Ch’in Cheng Hall,
where the proper ceremonials will be observed, the various Yamêns
which have control of these ceremonials having been instructed to
make due preparation.
