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other leading Chinese Statesmen. The Xigning Emperor of China is a boy of fourteen (14), and has never yet been seen by any foreigner. But I was presented at the Tsungli Yamen, or Foreign Office, of China by Sir Harry Parkes, to the High Officers of State who form the Cabinet, and Board of Regency, which practically governs the Empire. They all received me with great distinction; and Prince Kung, the uncle of the Emperor, conferred on me a special mark of favour. So also Li-Hung Chang gave a banquet in my honour; to which the Ministers of England and France, and several high Chinese Functionaries were invited.
6. Sir Harry Parkes and I never agreed on what should be done, or (which is equally important) on what should be left undone, respecting the pending question, affecting the relations between China and the Colony of Hongkong. I shall shortly address Your Lordship on these matters.
7. With