No. 175.
Mr. Denby
to Mr. Bayard.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, June 8, 1887.
(Received July 25.)
No. 382.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of a
recent decree issued by the Empress.
It indicates the approaching marriage of the Emperor, but is chiefly an
earnest appeal for economy. I send it as a fair specimen of the utterances
of this remarkable woman.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 382.]
a decree issued by the empress regent. published
in the peking gazette, june 6 1867.
The ceremonies attendant the marriage of His Majesty the Emperor are of
an exalted and eminent nature, and it is proper that all necessary
preparations should be made beforehand.
Let the comptrollers of the Imperial household, in due observance of the
rules laid down in the dynastic institutes, reverently and with due care
take action in the premises.
The expenses of the court are limited to definite rules. At present the
reorganization of military matters has necessitated an enormous outlay
of funds. The provinces are from time to time visited with calamities,
such as droughts and floods. On account of these it is still more right
and befitting for us to be mindful of the sufferings and hardships of
the people and not overtax them. The practice of economy by the Emperor
himself in the expenditures of his court is to lead or set an example to
the people. The said comptrollers and others must all bear in mind the
purposes of the court to attach importance to what is necessary, and to
put aside unnecessary show and luxury. They are to strenuously enjoin
upon all officers to thoroughly and honestly attend to the business
assigned them, and not allow any excess in the way of squeezing.
In the matter of expenses let Prince Chun (seventh prince, and father of
the Emperor) be appointed to scrutinize each account, as they merit, to
the end that the expenditures may be really and honestly made.
As to the many duties incumbent upon the various yamêns to perform, let
an examination be reverently made beforehand as to the rites and
ceremonial that should be observed, and a report be presented to the
throne to await the issuance of our rescript to take action
accordingly.
Respect this.
