Prince Kung to Frederick F. Low, February 23, 1873

Prince Kung to Mr. Low.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication:

A dispatch has been received from the hoard of ceremonies to the effect that that hoard had been honored by a special decree from His Majesty the Emperor, as follows:

“We are the humble recipient of a decree from their majesties, the two empresses, declaring it to be their pleasure that we, being now of full age, should in person assume the superintendence of business, and, in concert with our officials in the capital and the provinces, attend to the work of good government.

“In respectful obedience to the commands of their majesties, we do in person enter upon the important duty assigned to us on the 26th day of the 1st moon of the 12th year of the reign of Tung Chi.” (23d February, 1873.)

As it is right and proper that all friendly states should be informed of the fact before stated, the prince, besides addressing a communication to the ministers of all other powers, sends this communication to Mr. Low.

A necessary communication addressed to the American minister, Mr. Low.