Foreign Relations of the United States, 1901, Appendix, Affairs in China, Report of William W. Rockhill, Late Commissioner to China, with Accompanying Documents

Cablegram from Earl Li Hung Chang, dated the 7th September, 1900, transmitted by the Chinese minister at St. Petersburg under date of the 9th September and received by Minister Wu on the last-named date.

[Handed to Acting Secretary Hill on September 10 by the Chinese minister, Mr. Wu Ting-fang].

I am in receipt of an imperial edict of the thirtieth day of the seventh month (August 24, 1900) transmitted by way of Paoting Fu. It is as follows:

Li Hung Chang, envoy plenipotentiary, is hereby vested with full discretionary powers, and he shall promptly deal with whatever questions may require attention. From this distance we will not control his actions. Let this edict be forwarded with extra expedition at the rate of 600 li per day (to Earl Li) for his information and guidance. Respect this.