The phrase “insist on our performing those things which we can not
do” seems to apply to the much-apprehended demands of the powers for
the punishment of the Dowager Empress.
The decree as here given is genuine. Of this I have no doubt. * *
*
[Inclosure.—North China Daily News,
October 27, 1900.]
Court to return to Pekin on certain
conditions.
We translate the following decree, published in the Shenpao
yesterday morning, purporting to have been issued on the 13th
instant, and received by Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang on the
21st instant.
We have received the memorials of Liu K’unyi and others, praying
that when matters become settled the court shall return, and
that a decree be issued beforehand informing all of this
purpose. With regard to the present troubles, originating in
hostilities between Boxers and converts, it having transpired
that there was great difficulty in suppressing them, the
disturbances became so widespread that they created war with our
neighboring countries and finally so disturbed the court that we
were compelled to escort Her Imperial Majesty the Empress
Dowager out of Pekin under a rain of bullets and flee in
confusion to the west, undergoing much suffering and
inconvenience therein. We feel that our viceroys and governors,
when they hear of this, can not possibly bear to think of what
we have suffered.
We have already issued a decree accusing ourselves of inability
to govern properly, and we have also denounced the princes and
high ministers who have failed in their duty, and have ordered
them to be severely punished therefor, in proportion to their
various degrees of guilt. This was because we desired speedy
negotiations for peace, in order that we might settle upon an
early date for the court’s return. This was necessary to put our
empire on a firm basis and calm the hearts of our people. There
was, indeed, no intention of ours to willingly and lightly
abandon our capital and selfishly seek peace for ourselves far
away.
At present Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang are in Pekin with the
purpose of opening negotiations for peace with the ministers of
the foreign powers, which have not yet, however, begun, while
foreign troops hold the various parts of the capital, making it
difficult for both officials and well-behaved people to go about
at ease. Hence we would ask how we are to be treated if the
court suddenly returns to Pekin? But only let the foreign powers
show sincerity in their desire for peace; let them not take away
our independence of action or forcibly insist on our performing
those things which we can not do; then as soon as the
negotiations are carried out we will surely issue, on that very
day, notice of the day of departure of the court back to Pekin.
Our present journey to Hsian was originally intended as a
temporary measure, concerning which we have already clearly
given due notice by a former decree. This was a step which force
of circumstances compelled us to undergo, with all its troubles
and sufferings to ourselves. And this, we feel sure, all our
officials and people throughout the empire clearly know and
sympathize with us. Hence we feel surprise that the said
memorialists, with all their weight of years and experience in
governing the empire, should not consider these circumstances.
It is our earnest hope, therefore, that our viceroys, etc.,
carefully guard the frontiers of their several jurisdictions and
diligently send us supplies (during our absence from the
capital).
Let the above decree be sent, at the rate of 600 li a day, to
Prince Ching, Li Hung Chang, Cho Hôpu (Tartar general of
Szechuan), Shou Yin (Tartar general of Canton), Ch’ang En
(Tartar general of Hangchow), Shan Lien (Tartar general of
Foochow), Liu K’unyi, Chang Chihtung, Hsü Yingk’uei, Wei
Kuangtao, Te Shou, Yü Yinlin, Yü Liensan, Yuan Shihkai, Liu
Shutang, Wang Chinch’un, Nieh Chihkuei, and Shêng Hsüanhuai.
