Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 7,
1902.
No. 872.]Sir: I have the honor to confirm my
telegrama of to-day
announcing the return of the imperial court to Peking this afternoon,
and to inclose copies of imperial edict and correspondence with the
foreign office in relation thereto.
In compliance with the request of the foreign office, that on the day of
the court’s return and that previous, foreigners would not use the
imperial way, I addressed a circular letter to all Americans residing
here, expressing the hope that the wishes of the Chinese Government
would be respected. I am glad to say that this was generally done. The
soldiers of the various legation guards were kept within their
respective camps.
There was, however, no restriction placed upon the observation of the
actual entry of the court so far as foreigners were concerned, and a
great many availed themselves of the opportunity to see it from the city
wall and other points of vantage. A courteous note was addressed to the
legations, stating that provisions would be made for the comfort and
convenience of such of their personnel as might desire to witness the
imperial cortège, and most of the legation ladies, accompanied by
secretaries and interpreters, accepted this invitation. The foreign
office provided an escort for them, and they were conducted to one of
the principal silk stores on the Chien men Great street in the Chinese
city, from the balcony of which they were enabled to see all that
passed. Every possible courtesy was shown them by those detailed to act
as their escort.
Their majesties reached Machia-pu outside the wall of the Chinese city by
train about 1 o’clock. Here they remained for some time to
[Page 143]
rest. The foreign-drilled
troops of Viceroy Yuan Shih-k’ai and Generals Ma and Chang were drawn up
in double line from the gates of the palace to Machia-pu. As the
imperial party passed, the Chinese officials and the troops stationed
along the route knelt, but large bodies of troops marched as an escort
before and behind the imperial cortège.
As the Empress Dowager was borne past the balcony on which the party from
the legations stood, she leaned forward in her chair and returned their
salutations with evident cordiality.
The military and civic parade was in every way creditable. Perfect order
prevailed, not only along the route, but throughout the city.
Some time before the death of Li Hung-chang an informal request was made
to the ministers to participate in the reception to the court outside
the city on its return, but, as several of the ministers had not
presented their credentials and for other reasons, this was not deemed
advisable. Having thus refused to participate in the reception
officially, they refrained from attending it out of mere curiosity. They
did not, therefore, accompany the ladies and their staffs to the place
of observation.
As indicated by the inclosed imperial edict, an audience will probably be
granted to the diplomatic body at an early date. The Empress Dowager
also expressed her desire to receive the wives of the foreign ministers.
The tone of this edict is one of unusual friendliness.
On the 2d instant the ministers of the foreign office and the members of
the various boards made their usual New Year’s call upon the legation.
Thev came in two parties, one headed by Prince Ch’ing, the other by Wang
Wen-shao. During the call frequent reference was made by them to the
friendly attitude of the United States toward China throughout her
recent troubles and in the subsequent negotiations.
On the same day Generals Ma and Chang and His Excellency Hu, military
governor of Peking, called at the legation and also upon Major
Robertson, commanding the United States legation guard.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
The foreign office to
Mr. Conger.
F. O., No. 311.]
We have received from the yamen of the general commandant of the
gendarmerie a note saying that, as Their Majesties are returning to
the capital, it behooves those in charge of the roads to put them in
thorough repair in order to manifest proper respect, but that the
soldiers and merchants of the various countries, going daily to and
from the trains, pass in and out of the Cheng Yang Gate (Ch’ien
Men), there was danger that such a multitude of carts and horses
would cut up the road reserved for Their Majesties and hinder this
very important work. They therefore request that we forward their
statement to the several ministers of the foreign powers residing at
Pekin, and ask them to notify their soldiers and merchants that on
the day of the court’s return, and that preceding it, not to travel
over the Imperial Way, etc. Having received this request, we have
transmitted it to your excellency for your consideration.
We avail, etc.
Eleventh moon, 23d day (January 2, 1902).
Cards of Prince Ch’ing, Na-T’ung, Wang Wen-shao, and
Lien-Fang.
[Page 144]
[Inclosure 2.—Circular.]
Mr. Conger to
American citizens.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 4, 1902.
To all American citizens in
Peking:
I am directed by the minister to cause to be circulated among the
American citizens resident in Peking the attached copy of a note
received from the foreign office in regard to the return to Peking
of the imperial court.
The minister of the United States expressed the hope that the wishes
of the Chinese Government in this matter will be respected.
W. E. Bainbridge, Secretary.
[Inclosure 3.]
Mr. Conger to
Major Robertson.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 4, 1902.
Mis., No. 1059.]Sir: I inclose to you herewith a copy of a
note received from the foreign office regarding the preparations
making for the return of the court to Peking, and requesting that on
the day of the court’s return and that preceding it foreign soldiers
and others be not permitted to travel over the Imperial Way,
etc.
I have to request that proper orders may be issued to secure
compliance with this request on the part of the United States
legation guard.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 4.]
Mr. Conger to
Major Robertson.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 6, 1902.
Mis., No. 1063.]Sir: The Chinese Government, in order to
avoid every possibility of accident or trouble, have requested that
the legation guards should be kept within their several camps during
the entry of the imperial cortege on the 7th of January.
I have to request, therefore, that you will take this apparently wise
precaution with the men under your command. This, of course, does
not apply to sentinels on regular posts.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 5].
Orders to United States legation
guard.
United States Legation Guard,
Peking, China, January 4, 1902.
General
Orders,
No. 1.In compliance with the request of the United States minister, all
officers, soldiers, and civilian employees of this command are
forbidden to travel on or over the Imperial Way (Chien Men street)
on the day of the arrival of the imperial Chinese court and the day
preceding. Notice of these dates will be given later.
E. B. Robertson,
Major, Ninth Infantry,
Commanding.
General
Orders,
No. 2.
United States Legation
Guard,
Peking, China, January 6,
1902.
In compliance with the request of the United States minister, the
troops of this command are forbidden to leave the barracks
to-morrow during the entry of the imperial Chinese court.
[Page 145]
[Inclosure 6.]
The foreign office to
Mr. Conger.
The Board of foreign affairs has the honor to inform your excellency
that on the 24th of the eleventh moon of the XXVII year of Kuanghsu
they received the following imperial edict:
“We have received the commands of Her Imperial Majesty the Empress
Dowager, as follows:
“‘The Government and the friendly powers have renewed their pledges,
revived good feeling, and strengthened their cordial relations,
which is a cause of mutual congratulation. The court being now about
to return to Peking, it is urgently necessary to fix an early date
when the ministers of the various powers may be received in
audience, in order to give due recognition to the importance of our
international relations and due weight to diplomatic affairs. After
a date shall have been selected His Majesty the Emperor will receive
the ministers of the various powers in audience in the Ch’ien Ch’ing
Throne Hall. On a former occasion the wives of the foreign ministers
paid a visit to the palace, which was a praiseworthy and courteous
action, and one that was deeply appreciated. We now propose that a
date shall also be fixed for an audience to be granted to the wives
of the foreign ministers in the Ning Shou Throne Hall, in order that
there may be a mutual manifestation of friendly feeling, etc’
“Respect this.”
Besides memorializing the throne in regard to the fixing of a date,
of which we shall inform you later, our board as in duty bound has
reverently copied the edict and transmits the same to your
excellency that you may respectfully comply therewith.
Kuang-hsu XXVII year, eleventh moon, 26th
day. (January 5, 1902.)
[Inclosure No. 7.]
Mr. Conger to
the foreign office.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 6, 1902.
F. O., No. 330.]I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the dispatch of your
highness and your excellencies of the 2d instant, requesting me to
notify my nationals that on the day of the return of the court to
Peking and on that preceding it the Chien Men and the Chien Men
street will be closed to all traffic, etc.
I have the honor to inform your highness and your excellencies that I
have complied with your request.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to your highness, etc.,
