Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-11-28
CONDOLENCES GIVEN
BY DIPLOMATIC CORPS AT
CITY OF PEKING.
On Death of Emperor and Dowager En-
press of China-Bodies In Separate
Halls-Every Member Of Imperial
Clan Was Present-Wnd Rumors
Proved False.

Peking.-The ceremony at the impe-
rial palace Saturday morning when the
members of the diplomatic corps pre-
scented the condolences of their re-
spective governments on the death of
the emperor and dowager empress of
China was one of the most impressive
ever witnessed in Picking. A notable
feature was the presence of every mem
Der of the imperial clan, as well as every
official who had been reported either
dead or eliminated from the conduct of
affairs of state.
This was the answer of the govern
ment to the rumors of suicides and
deaths current in Picking for the last
week.
No opportunity was lost to make the
function striking. Prince Ching, for
the first time since the passing away
of their majesties, appeared officially
at the head of the foreign board. The
chiefs of the various government de-
partments were present and in addi-
ton several thousand minor officials,
all dressed in white. At the conclusion
of the functions in honor Of the dead
the diplomats paid homage to Prince
Chun, the regent.
Each foreign legation was represented
by three of its members and the spec
tacle as the foreigners approached the
palace was unprecedented. They march
ed through a throng of mandarins dis
tributed over the three marble ter
races leading to the Chen Ching Kung
hall, at the head of the main avenue of
used to receive foreign ministers when
they come to present their credentials,
and it's position is a commanding one.
The approaches were lined by a re-
markable display of red umbrellas,
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 stone work and the
spotless white garments of the assem-
bled officials.
The bodies of their majesties reposed
each in a separate hall. The catafalque
of the emperor was on q dais in the
Chen Ching hall and was draped in
black satin, embroidered with dragons.
The large image of bird above the
throne, emblematic of the greater
glory and beauty that good govern
ment sheds over the world, was COW
cred over with white curtain, as were
the numerous mirrors in the throne
room, while satin screens set at obliquo
angle to Che catafalque shut out from
view of the foreign representatives a
numerous gathering of mourning pal
ace attaches and servants.
Prince Chun, the regent, stood at q
table beside the catafalque of tho EN-.
peror. The dowager empress lay in
state in her own private palace, called
Huang Chi Tien, where she received
the congratulations of the diplomats
on November 8, on the occasion OF
the 74th anniversary of her birth. This
palace is located in the east wing OF
the Forbidden City, section hereto
fore called the harem quarter.
The diplomats passed from the hal
where lay the body of the emperor tC
that of the dowager empress and were
preceded by Prime Chun, who covered
the distance with unmistakable evi
dences of haste. The catafalque of hel
majesty also was flanked by whit,
screens. Behind that on the left were
grouped all the women of the imperia
clan, attended by their servants, an,
they were all plainly visible to th'
foreigners. The men of the imperia
clan were behind the screens on tn,
right side. The mourning dress of tn
court was the same as worn by tn
populace
Virtually every official of Picking, to
gether with many men of high stand
ing who expect Office, were present
Prince Chun, president of the foreig
board, was conspicuous for his alert
ness. Yuan Shi Kai, member of tn
grand council, it was noticed, limpe
from the effects of recent acciden
The appearance of Prince Chun wa
the greatest interest. The praises Q
the regent have been sung during tn
last few days in fulsome terms and 6
a result cautious diplomats were pr
pared for something different tina
what these eulogies had led them I
expect, especially in the light of IL
edict issued yesterday, accentuatir
his powers. In appearance the prin,
was disappointment. He bears
strong resemblance to the late Kuar
Hsu. His face was worn and draw
and bore an expression of fright.