File No. 1518/85–86.

Chargé Fletcher to the Secretary of State.

No. 758.]

Sir: In continuation of Mr. Rockhill’s No. 745, of September 28 last, I have the honor to inclose translation of an imperial edict, published the 9th instant, on the subject of the abolition of race distinctions as between Manchus and Chinese.

I have, etc.,

Henry P. Fletcher.
[Page 197]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Imperial edict in re the abolition of race distinctions.

We have this day received the following edict from Her Imperial Majesty Tzu-hsi, etc.:

“Etiquette and duty are affected by the influence of custom; law and justice are the embodiment of fundamental principles. Manchus and Chinese each have their own ancient customs handed down from generation to generation, such, for example, as those in connection with official life, mourning, etc. Then, too, there is a certain inequality in the severity of punishments as meted out to Manchus and Chinese. All this shows a lamentable lack of uniformity.

“Let the board of rites, therefore, cooperate with the ministers intrusted with the revision of the law and draw up a set of social rules and rules for the regulation of punishments which shall apply everywhere to Manchus and Chinese alike, except, of course, in the case of the imperial clansmen, for whom there are special and definite laws laid down. Let them present these rules upon completion to the Throne for approval, after which they will be proclaimed throughout the Empire for the universal observance of officials and people. This plan is adopted to clear the way for the general observance of similar customs by the Manchus and the Chinese.

“Respect this.”