Prince Kung to Benj. P. Avery, January 15, 1875
Prince Kung to Mr. Avery.
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication.
I was yesterday honored by receiving the following imperial edict: A memorial has this day been received from the princes and nobles the inner council, with the presidents of the six boards and the nine superior metropolitan courts, humbly beseeching their Majesties the Empresses to take upon themselves the functions of the regency. I [the Emperor] having respectfully presented this for their perusal, have now reverently received the benign mandate of Her Majesty the Empress Tsz’-an Twan-yu Kang-king, and Her Majesty the Empress Tsz’-hi Twan-yiu-Kang i, in these words:
The perusal of the memorial which the princes and ministers have now presented, has made us feel with added poignancy the sorrow we are unable to dispel. The institution of a regency from behind the curtain is essentially a temporary expedient In consideration of the fact that His Majesty, who has succeeded to the throne, is still of very tender age, and moreover, that in times so filled with trouble, the princes and ministers cannot be left without a source to look to for authority, we have no choice left but to yield consent to their joint entreaty until His Adopted Majesty shall have completed the proper period of his education. When that day arrives we will forthwith return the government into his hands. Respect this.
In reverently receiving the above We have cause indeed to feel devoutly thankful for such a benign command. Though quite unworthy and insignificant in mind and body, we have been honored by their Majesties the Empresses, with their benign mandate to enter upon the succession of the great dynastic line, and be exalted by receiving the glorious commission. “Looking up we now take the burden of the great trust committed to our keeping by His Majesty now departed.” “Great is the bequest and difficult the task!”
Yet, happily for me, the protective care of their two Majesties is my support, until We can take into our hands the supreme power.
It behooves you, O princes, nobles, and ministers, with the officers and servants of every grade throughout the land, to put forth your strenuous efforts, each one exerting himself with public spirit and loyalty, to accord your joint support to an ever-improving rule. In this way you will comfort the soul in heaven above of His Majesty now departed, and at the same time fully gratify the expectations of our subjects of all ranks within the limits of the seas. Then great will be the happiness and prosperity vouchsafed to Us!
Let the princes, nobles, and ministers, as aforesaid, now carefully consult and decide upon the arrangements which is proper should be made in reference to the regency, and present them in a carefully prepared memorial. Let this decree be promulgated throughout the empire for the information of all. Respect this.
As behooveth me, I have now the honor to communicate the above for your excellency’s information.
To His Excellency Benj. P. Avery, United States Minister to China.