The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1901-09-14
cHlNA,s APOLOGY.


i
Berlin. Sept. 6.-Emperor Williams
reception of the Chinese mission of
expiation, headed by Prince Chun,
which took place Wednesday at Pots
dam, was marked with all the sever
ity consistent with an audience nom
inally friendly.
Prince Chun bowed thrice on enter
ing and leaving. Emperor William
remained seated during the reading
of the Chinese address. Afterward,
however, he relaxed his stern de-
meanor and welcomed the envoy
courteously, and subsequently, ac-
companied by his adjutant. he called
upon Prince Chun at the Orangery.
Later in the evening the emperor,
Prince Chun and dozen members OF
the expiatory mission took tea on an
island in the Spree.
The emperor had evidently arranged
tie entire ceremony with view OF
impressing Prince Chun with the
feeling that the ceremony meant ex-
piation for foul crime and that only
through expiation had Prince Chun
acquired the right to be treated with
princely honors. Not until after the
ceremony did the atmosphere change.
The following is the text OF the
letter presented by Prince CAun to
Emperor William:
..The Great Emperor of the Chinese EN-
pIre to His Majesty. the Great German En-
peror, Greeting: Ever since the empires
have been mutually represented by per-
manent legations we have $1,000 uninter-
H-lz v~aIa
another especially since the visit or Prince
Henry, whom I had the privilege OF re-
ceiving frequently and treating Win on IN
Innate terms. Unfortunately In the n1th
month of last year the Boxers rebeliiousiy
penetrated into Picking and the soldiers
Joined them. The result was the murder or
your majesty's minister, Baron Won ket-
teller, man who as long as he occupied
his post at Peking paid careful attention 10
the Interests Of our countries, and TO whom
we are bound to pay our special acknowl-
edgments. We regret most deeply that
Baron Won Ketteler met so terrible an END
among u.s. The fact that we were not In
position to take due protective meas
ures was painful to our sense OF respon-
sibility 1t was this feeling OF response
blity which prompted US to erect a monu-
ment on the spot, as q sign that the crime
should not remain unexpiated. Further, We
have sent to Germany, with this letter. the
Imperial Prince Chun-Tsai-Fong heading
H.
brother will assure your majesty how
deeply the events of the past year have
grieved us and how deeply feelings OF pen
itence and shame still animate us. Your
jesty sent your troops from far as
lance, put down the Boxers rebellion and
restored peace. for the welfare OF our ma
tons We have therefore commanded
Prince Chun to express personally to your
majesty our thanks for your efforts In pro-
noting peace. We cherish the hope that
n -. u...lIl H.. Inc. a
by the old friendship That the relations
between our empires will be even more ex-
tensive and of a more Intimate and bench
cent character than hitherto Is our firm as
surance."
Prince Chun, in delivering the let
ter, said:
az am in a position to assure your maj
esty that the emperor my most gracious
master, stood aloof from these complica-
lions which brought misfortune upon
China and loss and care upon Germany.
Nevertheless, in accordance with the Gus
toms of thousands OF years, the emperor
of China has taken the blame on his own
sacred person. I have, therefore, the task
of expressing to your majesty the most cor
dial feelings Of the emperor, my Illus
trIous master, toward your imperial maj
esty and the whole imperial family. hope
the passing cloud will only intensity the
succeeding sunshine and mutual friendship
stand the value of each other better
Emperor William, in reply, said:
ut Is no joyous or festive occasion, nor
the fulfillment of a 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 weapons
Of the Chinese soldier. acting under SUI
perior command, an unheard-of crime.
which is branded as Infamous by inter-
national law and the usages OF all ma
lions From the mouth of your imperial
highness / have just received an express
sion OF the deep regret Of the emperor of
China. l readily believe your imperial
brother personally stood aloof from this
crime and the subsequent acts of violence
against the inviolable legations and peace
full foreigners, all the greater guilt
resting on his advisers and government.
The latter must not delude themselves
with the belief that they are able to OBJ
tain atonement and pardon for their guilt
by the expiatoSy mission alone. They will
be judged by their future conduct In ac-
cordance with the laws of nations. II the
emperor OF China. conducts the govern
ment of his great empire henceforth strict
ly In the spirit of these prescriptions, then
will his hopes be fulfilled and the results
of the complications of the past year win
be overcome. and between Germany ard
China. as formerly. peaceful and friendly
relations will again prevail. In the sincere
wish that this may be so, bid your impe-
rial highness welcome
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