No. 225.
Mr. Denby
to Mr. Bayard.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, July 30, 1888.
(Received September 11.)
No. 678.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of
an edict recently promulgated by the Empress Regent, having relation to her
retirement as director of the Government, after the marriage of the Emperor,
which will be celebrated some time during the month of February next.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 678.]
an edict issued by the empress regent, published
in peking gazette, july 27, 1888.
Inasmuch as when the Emperor first assumed the reins of Government there
would he questions arise that might cause His Majesty some hesitancy as
to the means to be
[Page 341]
adopted to
meet them, we could not refuse to offer our advice when occasion made it
necessary, and we therefore felt constrained to yield consent to the
entreaty of our servants of state to continue the direction of
government for some years.
During the past two years His Majesty has devoted his leisure hours in
continuing his course of instructions, and has shown skill and
cleverness in the advancement of his education.
In the matter of governmental questions whether important or otherwise,
His Majesty has proved himself competent to determine the pros and cons as they
arise, and to deal with them in a manner befitting and right. To us this
is a source of great joy.
His Majesty will enter the bonds of matrimony some time during the first
moon of next year (about February), and he should thereupon assume the
entire charge of the administration of government, thus satisfying the
aspirations and hopes of our ministers and the people of our Empire.
Let the board of astronomy reverently select an auspicious day during the
second moon of next year (March) for our retirement and report to
us.
Respect this.
