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Characteristic Chinese State-paper, being a Report, or Memorial, on the Coast Defences of China, from the Feng to yamên of Peking, which described us practically at once the Board of Regency, the Ministry, and the Foreign Office of the Empire.
2. It is well known, however, that at Peking, as at Constantinople, under both the Byzantine Emperors and the Ottoman Sultans, the policy and actions of the leading statesmen, and of the Viceroys, or Tashas, who are the Governors of Provinces, are liable to be thwarted and even often by the Palace intrigues of women and eunuchs.
The Empress Dowager, who is referred to in the enclosure, is believed to exercise much influence during the minority of the reigning Emperor.
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