Mr. Denby to Mr.
Bayard.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, February 25, 1889.
(Received April, 15.)
No. 827.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
translation of the official announcement of the Yamên of the approaching
marriage of the Emperor, and a copy of my reply thereto.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 827.]
The Tsung-li Yamên to Mr.
Denby.
Peking, February 19,
1889.
Your Excellency: The Prince and Ministers have
the honor to state that sometime since the following decree was issued
by Her Majesty the Empress:
“From the time that the Emperor reverently entered upon the succession to
the throne he has been gradually advancing up to manhood, and it is
fitting that a person of eminent character should be named to fill the
position of His Majesty’s Consort and aid him in the performance of the
duties of the Palace, to the end that the exalted position of Empress
may be properly filled, and the Emperor assisted in following the path
of virtue; Yeh-ho-na-la, the daughter of the Deputy Lieutenant General
Kuei Hsiang, a woman of moral excellence, whose deportment and bearing
are befitting and of a high dignified character, having been selected,
we command that she be appointed Empress.”
The Prince and Ministers have now received a communication from the Board
of Ceremonies stating that by Her Majesty’s commands, the 26th day of
February has been selected for the performance of the marriage
ceremonies.
As in duty bound the Prince and Ministers send this communication for
your Excellency’s information.
A necessary communication, etc.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 827.]
Mr. Denby to the
Tsung-li Yamên.
Peking, February 25,
1889.
Your Highness and Your Excellencies: I have the
honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication of your highness
and your excellencies wherein you announce the approaching marriage of
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China.
I am directed by the President of the United States to convey to His
Imperial Majesty his earnest felicitations on this auspicious event, and
to express his sincere hope that these gracious nuptials will be blessed
by Heaven, and that happiness and prosperity will always attend their
Imperial Majesties.
Availing myself, etc.,
