The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-09-05

mutually represented by permansnt le- gations, we have stood unlnterrupted in friendly relationship with one anotn- CT, especially since the visit or Frlnce Henry, whom I had the privilege Of re- ceiving frequently and treating with on intimate terms Unfortunalely' in the fifth month of last year the Boxers rebellion penetrated into Peklh ana the soldiers joined them. The result was the murder of your majesty $ Hllflster' Baron von Ketteler, man who as long as he. occupied his post at PeKln paid careful attention to the interests of our countries and to whom we are bound to pay our especial acknowledgements. We regret most deeply that Baron von Ketteler met so terrible an end among us The fact that we were not Ill a position to take due protective meas ures was painful to our sense or re- sponsibility. It was this feeling ot re- sponsibility which prompted us to erect monument on the spot as sign that the crime should not remaln un- expiated, Further, we have sent to Germany with this letter the imperial prince, Chun-Tsai-F -Fong, heading special mission.
 "Prince Chun, our own brother, will assure your majesty how deeply the events of the past year have grleVed us and how deeply feelings or penitence and shame still animate us. Your maj esty sent your troops from a far dist ance. put down the Boxers rebellion and restored peace, for the welfare or therefore manded Prince Chun to express person. ally to your majesty our thanks TOT your efforts in promoting peace we cherish the hope that your majesty indignation will be replaced by the old friendship. That the relations between our empires will be even more eXten- sive and of more intimate and benefi- cent character than hitherto is our firm assurance"
 Prince Chun, in delivering the letter said: "I am in a position to assure your majesty that the emperor, my most gracious master, stood aloof rom these complica tions which brought mis- fortune upon China and loss and care upon Germany. Nevertheless, in ac- cordance with the customs of thousands of years, the emperor of China has taken the blame on his own sacred per son. I have, therefore, the task or ex- pressing to your majesty the most cor dial feelings of the emperor, my Illus trious master, toward your imperial majesty and the whole imperial family. I hope the passing cloud will only in tensify the succeeding sunshine and mutual friendship of the two great em- pires when they understand the value of each other better"
 Emperor William, in reply, said: Tt is no Joyous or festive occasion, nor the fulfilment of simple act of courtesy which brings your imperial highness to me; but a deeply melancholy and very serious event. My minister to the court of the emperor of China has been slain in the capital of China by the murderous weapon of an imperial Chl- nese soldier acting under superior com mand. an unheard-of crime which Is branded as infamous by international law and the usages of all nations From the mouth of your imperial highness have just received an expression of the deep regret of the emperor of China. readily believe your imperial brother personally stood aloof from this crime and the subsequent acts of violence against the inviolable legations and peaceful foreigners. All the greater the guilt resting on his advisers and government The latter must not de- Jude themselves with the belief that they are able to obtain atonement and pardon for their guilt by the expiatory mission alone They will be Judged by their future conduct, in accordance with the laws of nations.
 If the emperor of China conducts the government of his great empire henceforth strictly In the spirit of these prescriptions then will his hopes be full filled and the results of the complica- tions of the last year will be overcome and between Germany and China as formerly, peaceful and friendly rela- tions will again prevail. In the sincere wish that this may be so, l bid your imperial highness welcome.'