CO129-286 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black Governor Sir Blake & Public Offices - 1898 [11-12] — Page 51

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the Man Chung Hin Emperor (Note by Translator. This is the po-

sthumous title of the Emperor Ham Fung). With regard to the

invariable rules of justice of our humble nation, the Emperor

only recognises the principal wife (of his father) as his le-

gal mother, and cannot recognise (his father's) concubine as

his mother. Na La Shi, the Empress Dowager who has now usurped

the power of the Government, was regarded by Muk Chung (Note

by Translator. This is the posthumous title of the Emperor

Tung Chi) as his own mother. To the Emperor (Kwong Su) however

she is the surviving concubine of the former Emperor (Hem

Fung). Since they are not related to each other as mother and

son, the duty due by the Minister to the Sovereign should be

maintained (Note by Translator. The argument is doubtless that

the Empress Dowager should take the position that a Minister

should occupy towards his Sovereign). The Emperor has been clai

in his robes and been enthroned for 24 years. He has always

exhibited anxiety and diligence (for the welfare of his coun-

try), and it has never been heard that he is deficient in vir-

tue. But now the licentious and depraved Palace Concubine has deposed our holy, intelligent and great Emperor. She has irre- gularly issued a feigned edict (in which) she designates her- self (as the one who shall issue) instructions with regard to the administration (of affairs). Why need a young holy and in- telligent Emperor wait for instructions in Governmental mat- ters? The people should not have two monarchs and a nation two sovereigns. The right name to give to her to set forth her cri-

me is really the Usurper of the Throne.

Fosters

This