No. 56.
Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.
Peking, January 18, 1873. (Received March 29.)
Sir: It was, perhaps, not unnatural to suppose that as the time approached for the Emperor’s assumption of personal authority, some indication as to the course he would pursue with reference to the claims that are almost certain to be advanced by foreign governments, looking to a recognition of diplomatic equality, would be given.
The fact is, however, that nothing has yet appeared which affords the slightest clue to the decision that has been come to concerning these questions. The prince and ministers are reticent, and when the subject is broached they decline to discuss it. In my personal interviews with the ministers recently the subject has not been alluded to, for the reason that, in my opinion, it is the wiser and more dignified course to abstain from such discussions until the appropriate time arrives.
Some of my colleagues, not agreeing with me in this opinion, have endeavored to obtain from the yamên, if not a promise, some decided opinion; All their efforts in-that direction have been met by the same answer, “We cannot assume to discuss the question, much less decide [Page 144] it; it is one which the Emperor can only decide when he assumes the duties of sovereign de facto.”
The French minister informs [me] that he has commenced discussing with the yamen the points of treaty revision. His chief object in beginning the discussion now is to reach the audience question through the second article of the French treaty of 1858. It may be doubted whether this discussion will result in any good. I see no reason to modify the opinions expressed in previous dispatches concerning this subject. Time, and time alone, will determine whether I am correct or not.
I have, &c.,