Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
No. 408.]
Legation of the
United States,
Pekin,
China, September 10, 1900.
Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the overleaf,
my telegrams of the 4th and 6th instants,1 and to say that Prince
Ching called on me on the 6th and I returned his call to-day.
He looks badly and appears greatly worried. Says he is ashamed of his
Government, but was himself powerless to prevent what has happened. It was
understood that the visits were only friendly visits, and so no discussion
of business was had. He said he was awaiting the arrival
[Page 33]
of Li Hung-chang, who with him had been
appointed plenipotentaries together to settle affairs.
I inclose copy of communication from him, and reply by the dean of the
diplomatic corps concerning their appointment.
As suggested in my telegram, it seems to me that, leaving Peking under
military occupation, negotiations could be more speedily and satisfactorily
conducted at Shanghai, or, better still, at Washington. The question is so
large and so many of the great powers vitally interested therein that
constant and quick communication between all is necessary. This can not be
accomplished from here. The telegraph line is at present totally inadequate
and is not likely to be sufficiently improved in the near future.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]
President of the Tsungli
Yamen to Mr. de
Cologan.
The grand council has communicated to me the imperial decree of the 3d of
the 8th moon of Kuang Hsu: (August 27, 1900).
“We order Prince Ching to return immediately to the capital to treat of
affairs with full powers. It is unnecessary for him to come to rejoin
the court. As for the plenipotentiary, Li Hung-chang, he has now
likewise received the order by decree to come promptly to Peking and
discuss and treat regarding affairs in concert with Prince Ching.”
Respectfully received.
It is necessary that I address your excellency by this dispatch a
respectful copy of this imperial order, and I pray you to transmit in
turn the communication to the representatives of the powers.
I profit by the occasion to inform you that the seal with which I have
sealed this dispatch is the seal of the Yellow Bordered Manchu Banner,
of which I am commander in chief.
[Subinclosure.]
Reply to Prince Ching.
Peking, September 9,
1900.
I have the honor to receive the note which your highness addressed to me
on the 6th of this month, communicating to me that your highness had
been named by imperial decree with full powers to treat of affairs, and
that orders had been given to the plenipotentiary, Li Hung-chang, to
come promptly to the capital to treat of affairs in concert with your
highness. I have transmitted to my honorable colleagues the information
contained in the note, of which I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt.
I beg you to accept, etc.,
