Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China, September 20, 1900.
No. 416.]
[Inclosure.]
Prince Ching to Mr. Conger.
Pekin, September 19,
1900.
Informal.]
Your Excellency: On the 16th instant I
had the honor to receive your excellency’s note, in which you
state that the main object of the expedition sent by the various
foreign powers was the relief of the legations, and as soon as
that was accomplished the ministers showed their willingness to
terminate hostilities and open peace negotiations. Your
excellency also pointed out that it is your personal opinion
that permanent peace negotiations would be very much facilitated
if the Emperor were to return to the capital; that the minds of
the people are disturbed and nothing would reassure them more
than His Majesty’s return. While he remains at a distance the
prospect of a permanent settlement must remain doubtful, however
successful I may be in arranging its terms, for it suggests that
there will be no change in the policy of the Throne toward
foreign powers and their subjects in China. Your excellency
therefore suggested the advisability of making known to His
Majesty the views expressed in your note, and to add that there
need be no apprehension that if he returns he will be treated
otherwise than with all respect.
In reply I beg to observe that on account of the reckless manner
in which the disturbances have been caused by the Chinese
banditti, which resulted in a revolution suddenly breaking out,
the forces of the various foreign powers came to Pekin to
relieve the legations. I feel a deep sense of shame that this
should have been found necessary. Your excellency’s note is full
of peaceful sentiments. You say that the return of His Majesty
will have the effect of reassuring the minds of the people. From
this it is evident that your excellency is interested in what is
good and right and that you hold upright and noble views. Words
are inadequate to express my gratitude and thanks for your
excellency’s kindly expressions.
I have, together with some of the high ministers of Pekin,
prepared a joint memorial to the Emperor requesting his return
to Pekin. I shall have a copy of your excellency’s note made and
send it to His Majesty, together with the other memorial, within
a day.
The grand secretary, Li Hung Chang, has already left Shanghai for
Tientsin and should be here in a few days. When the terms of the
peace have been determined upon and settled China will not fail
to see that they are wholly and sincerely acted upon. On no
account will matters be attended to as heretofore, and your
excellency need not be too anxious about this.
Cards with compliments of Prince Ching.
