New-York tribune., 1901-09-05
THE EMPERoR's STERN REPLY.
TEXT OF THE PRINCES MESSAGE AND THE
GERMAN RULERS ANSWER


Potsdam. Sept 4.-The text of the letter pre-
sented by Prince Cnun to Emperor William was
as follows:
The Great Emperor of the Chinese Empire to
ms Majesty the Great German Emperor.
Ever since the empires have been mutually
represented by permanent legations have
SIood uninterrupted in friendly relationship with
one another. especially since the visit of Prince
Henry, whom / had the privilege Of receiving
frequently and treating with on intimate terms.
thlortunately, IN the fifth month Of last year.
the Boxers rebelliously penetrated into Peking
ana the soldiers Joined them. The result was
Ihe murder OF your majesty's minister, Baron
Won ketteler, man who. as long as he occupied
his post at Peking. paid careful attention TO the
interests OF your countries and 10 whom we are
bound 10 pay our especial acknowledgements
We regret most deeply that Baron Won Ketteler
met so terrible an end among US The fact that
We were not in position 10 take due protective
measures was painful TO our sense Of responsi-
bility- II this feeling Of responsibility which
prompted US 10 erect monument on the spot,
as a sign mat the crime should not remain un-
expiated Further. have sent TO Germany.
with this letter. the imperial Prince Chun Tsai
Fong, heading special mission. Prince Chun.
cur own brother viii your majesty how
deeply the events OF the last year have Erieved
US and how deeply feelings of penitepce and
shame still animate Your majesty sent your
troops from far distance, put down the Boxers
rebellion and restored peace, for the welfare Of
our nation. We have therefore commanded
Prince Chun TO express personally to your maj
esty our thanks for your efforts in promoting
peace. We cherish the hope that your majesty's
Indignation VIII be replaced by the old friend
ship That the relations between empires
VIII be even more extensive and Of more in
innate and benefcent character than hitherto is
our firm assurance.
Prince Chun. in delivering the letter. said:
I am in a position tc assure your majesty
that the Emperor, my most gracious master.
stood aloof from these complications which
brought misfortune upon China and loss and
care upon Germany. Nevertheless, in accord
ance with the customs Of thousands Of years, the
Emperor Of China has taken the blame his
own sacred person. I have. therefore. the task
Of expressing 10 your majesty the most cordial
feelings Of the Emperor. my illustriOas master,
toward your imperial majesty and the whole
only intensity the succeeding sunshine and mu-
tual friendship of the two great empires when
they understand the value of each other better.
Emperor William in reply said
1t is no joyous or festive occasion, nor the
fulflment Of a simple act Of courtesy which
brings your imperial highness TO me. but
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 imperial Chinese
soldier acting under superior cOmmand-an un-
heard Of crime. which IS branded infamo ouS
by interns tIonal law and hy the USages Of all
nations. From the mouth Of your imperial high
ness l have just received expression OF the
deep regret Of the Emperor Of China I readily
believe your imperial brother personally stood
alOof from this crime and the subsequent acts Of
violence against the inviolable legations and
peaceIul foreigners All the greater the quit
resting on his advisers and government he
latter must not delude themselves with LHe be
lief that they are able 20 obtain atOuemeut and
pardon for their guilt by the expiatory mission
alone. They viii be judged by their fuLure cCp-
duct. in accordance with the laws ~ nations. II
the Emperor Of China conducts the government
OF his great empire hencefOrth strictly in the
spirit of these prescriptions, then will his hopes
be fulfilled and the results OF the complications
of the last year will be overcome. AMI between
Germany and China. as formerly. peaceful and
friendly relations will again prevail In the SIN
cere wish that this may be so, bid your i'm
perial highness welcome