(Translation.)
2
Inclosure in No. 1.
Extract from " Official Gazette" of November 23, 1909.
MEMORIAL of Liu Kuo-chieh, Marquis of the First Class Su I. Deputy Assistant Chamberlain, and Senior Councillor Board of Agriculture, denouncing a high official in accordance with his deserts.
WHEREAS a high official showed contempt for the court and, filled with his own importance, behaved without any sense of decency and fitness, I hereby denounce him in accordance with his deserts.
was
Being deputed by the throne to accompany the cortège of Her Majesty the late Empress Dowager to her last resting-place at the Eastern Tombs, I noticed some official underlings carrying cameras and taking photographs along the road. On the 13th November, as the funeral cortège arrived at the Empress's mausoleum, the same men were in the tomb enclosure and taking photographs as they pleased, both inside and outside the enclosure. I overcome with surprise. On the 15th November I heard that the Khorchin Prince Potisu saw the same men He at photographing as before on the Tung Sha Hill behind the Imperial tomb. once had them arrested, and, on questioning them, they informed him that they were taking photographs under instructions from the Chilli Viceroy. He thereupon examined them in conjunction with Prince Su (when I was not present, being in attendance at the Imperial obsequies), and elicited the following information: There were four me--the first named Liu Shou-shan, a native of Tien-tsin, aged 24, and official servant to the Chihli Viceroy; the second, Yin Shao-kêng, aged 37, likewise a native of Tien-tsin, and proprietor of the Fu Shêng photographic establishment, Tung Ma Lu, Tien-tsin; the third, Yin Tsang-t'ien, the younger brother of the last named; and the fourth, a carter named Mồng Ch'ang-lu. At the conclusion of the enquiry the four men were handed over to Tuan Fang by Prince Su to be dealt with.
On the 16th November I suddenly learn that the men have been sent to the High Court of Appeal to be there tried and dealt with. It was the universal opinion that Tuan Fang had wished to shield the men on the ground that in no foreign country was photography forbidden. He seems to have forgotten what the tombs are and what man he himself is-the contrast between their greatness and his insignificance that when the catafalque is being laid in its last resting-place it is an occasion for the demonstration of the utmost signs of grief for the loss sustained, not only as officials, but also as sons. Also to take photographs along the route without the slightest reverence is not only a proof of lack of respect, but shows a total want of either intelligence or heart.
Again, on the third day of the funeral ceremonies, at the time of the burning of the clothing of the late Dowager Empress, and as I myself was attending the ceremony, I suddenly saw the Viceroy quietly mount his chair, when he was carried across the sacred road. People made way, and he passed across, the cynosure of all eyes, while all condemned him for his improper conduct.
Again, I myself saw within the precincts of the Imperial tombs long lines of telegraph wire, I was told that they had been installed by the Chilli Viceroy to facilitate the transference of communications with regard to the business of his vice- regal office. Their object was of course that the Viceroy might pay proper attention to his official work. He might, however, just as well have installed the wires outside the precincts of the Imperial tombs; they would only have been from 3 to 4 miles distant, and mounted messengers might easily have transmitted the messages to and fro. Why was it necessary for an official to merit the death penalty for disrespect by making telegraph poles of the rows of trees before the tomb ?
All three incidents show an habitual overweening conceit of himself which leads to disorderly behaviour and a contemptuous attitude towards the court. If we seek the cause, we find it in the tender years of His Majesty the Emperor, in the kindliness aud consideration which His Imperial Highness the Prince Regent shows to all below him. It is for these reasons that he dares to look on laws as if they did not exist, and to behave as it pleases him regardless of order. If the interdict of the throne is not put on his behaviour, and if no severe punishment is allotted to him, it is to be feared
3
that his subordinates will copy his example; and as the hoar-frost when trod on slowly becomes ice, so the authority of the throne will from these occurrences soon
come to an end.
What my eyes have seen and my ears have heard it is impossible for me to conceal I humbly await the decision of the throne as to what punishment shall be meted out when the facts are brought to your knowledge. I have merely set forth my reasons for denouncing him as he deserves, &c.
Imperial decree already published 22nd November, 1909.
52
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.