Mr. Wu to Mr.
Hay.
Chinese
Legation,
Washington, September 18,
1901.
Sir: I have the honor to state that I have
received an Imperial edict, a translation of which is herewith
respectfully inclosed.
In obedience to the command of the edict, I beg to express to your
Government the feelings of deep sympathy and sorrow which Her Majesty
the Empress Dowager and His Majesty the Emperor share with the
Government and people of the United States.
Accept, etc.,
[Page 129]
[Inclosure.]
imperial edict transmitted by the privy
council under date of september 16, 1901, to minister wu, and received by him on
september 17, 1901.
“By direction of Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager, this edict is
issued by us.
“The plenipotentiaries (Prince Ching and Viceroy Li) have
memorialized the Throne by telegraph that they have received a note
from the United States minister at Pekin, conveying the sad
intelligence of the death of the President of the United States.
“It is with unspeakable sorrow and consternation that Her Majesty and
Ourself have heard the distressing news. The late President always
gave manifestations of sincere friendship, and during the events of
the past year he pursued a policy marked by a high sense of
justice.
“Wu Ting-fang is hereby instructed to convey to the United States
Government this message of Our sincere condolence. Respect
this.”
