New-York tribune., 1908-11-22
DIPLOMATS In PALACE
SOLEMN RITE IN PEKING.
Nations Condolences Expressed
Some Reported Dead Present.

pekinr Nov 21-The ceremony at the i'm
perial palace this morning, when the members oi
the diplomatic corps presented the condolehces
of their respective governments over the deaths
of the Emperor and the Empress Dowaser OF
China, was one Of the most impressive ever wit
messed in Picking. 1t was attended by degree
of solemnity and pomp that will long De re-
menbered by every foreigner present
4 noticeable feature of the proceedings was
the presence of every member of the imperial
clan, as well as every official, who lately has
been reported dead or eliminated from the con-
duct of affairs of state. This was the answer
of the government to the rumors OF suicides and
deaths current in Peking for the last week
Prince Ching for the first time since the passing
away OF their majesties appeared officially as
the head of the Foreign Board. The heads OF
the various governmental departments were
present with the members of the imperial clan
and in addition several thousand minor officials
all dressed in white, had assembled at imperial
command At the close of the functions in honor
of the dead the diplomats paid their respects to
Prince Chun, the Regent.
Each foreign legation was represented by
three of its members The foreigners marched
through q throng of mandarins distributed over
the three marble terraces leading to the Chen
Ching Kung Hall, which is at the head or the
main avenue of the Forbidden City. This build
ing is used to receive foreign ministers Wnen
they come to present their credentials, and us
position is a commanding one. The approaches
We're lined by a remarkable display OF red UNI
breIIas, huge fans and screens of many colors
and other objects of decoration used by the court
for state professions. The day was bright and
sunny and the multi-colored emblems were
vivid against the white stonework and the spot
lessIy white garments OF the assembled officials
The bodies of their majesties repose each IN
separate hail. The catafalque of the Emperor
on dais in the Chien-Ching Hall, and was
draped in black satin embroidered with dragons
The large image of a bird above the throne,
emblematic of "the glory of good government,
was covered with white curtain, as were also
the numerous mirrors in the throne room.
White satin screens set at oblique angles to the
catafalque shut out from the view of the for
eign representatives numerous gathering of
mourning palace attendants and servants.
Prince Chun, the Regent, stood at a cable beside
the catafalque OF the Emperor.
The Empress Dowager lay in state in her own
private palace, called Huang-C -Chi-Tfen, where
she received the congratulations Of the diplo-
mats on November 3, the occasion Of the
seyenty-fourth anniversary of her birth This
palace is in the east wing of the Forbidden City,
a section heretofore called the harem quarter.
The diplomats passed from the hall where lay
the body of the Emperor to the palace Of the En-
press Dowager and they were preceded by Prince
sChun who covered the distance with unmistak-
able evidences of haste. The catafalque of her
majesty was also fanked by white screens.
Behind that on the left were grouped all the
women of the imperial clan, attended by their
serving women, and they all were plainly visible
to the foreigners. The men of the imperial clan
were behind the screen the right hand side.
The mourning dress of the court is exactly the
same as that worn by the populace
Practically every official in Peking, with many
men of high standing who expect office, was
present. Prince Ching, president of the Foreign
Board, was conspicuous for his alertness; Yuan
Shi Kai, it was noticed. Imped from the effects
of a recent accident. Yuan Shi Kai is MEM
Der of the Grand Council and one of the
strongest men in the empire.
The appearance of Prince Chun was noted by
the foreigners present with the greatest interest
The praises of the Regent have been sung dur
ing the last few days in fulsome terms. and
result cautious diplomats were prepared for
something different from what these eulogies
had led them to expect, particularly in the light
of the ed;ct issued yesterday accentuating the
powers of the Regent In appearance the prince
was O. disappointment He bears a strong
semblance to the late Kuang-Hsu. His face
was worn and drawn and wore an expression Of
apparent fright.