Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 832

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THE EMPEROR HIENFUNG.

The reigning monarch over the Chinese empire is the seventh emperor of the present Tsing, or Pure Dynasty. His reign com- menced Feb. 26th, 1850, on the demise of his father Táukwáng, but out of respect to his memory, the first year of his reign was not to be reckoned until Feb. 1, 1851. His majesty is in his 21st year, having been born in August, 1931. The words Hienfung mean Complete Prosperity, and have been selected for the style of his reign; it is called the Kwoh Háu, or National Designation, and is not considered as the personal name of the monarch, but rather the name of his reign; though among foreigners it is usually used as the personal appellation of the monarch.

His present majesty is the 244th emperor who has ruled over the blackhaired race of Hán, during a period of 4702 years, being an average of 191 years to each monarch. The present is the 28th dynasty, and its first monarch began to reign in 1644.

Inaugural Proclamation of the Sovereign upon his succeeding to the Empire by the ordinance of Heaven.

Our Great and Pure (Ta-Tsing) Dynasty has continued the subject of He- aven's most parental affection. Its mighty foundation was laid in ancient times by our great progenitors Tai-tsú and Tai-tsung: the whole of China was brought under the single rule of the first of the Imperial line: our other ancestors, the Sainted, the Immotal, the Exalted, and the Humane, each like his predecessor excelled in virtue, and shed an influence of renovation [upon men], increasing the glory of the Empire and blending its parts harmoniously together; and our late Father now departed, during the thirty years that he has held the reins of government, has sat late in his robes, and has eaten when the moon was past, diligently aiming at perfection of rule From his own distinguished merit, and the conduct of his statesmen, the Court commanded respect. The richness of his bounty extended to all parts of his dominions, insomuch that there was tran- quillity within and beyond their frontiers, and the black-haired flock was be- holden to it for their happiness.

Thus might it have been hoped that his illustrious years would be greatly 'prolonged, and that blessings would be continued to him for evermore; but on the afternoon of the 14th of the 1st moon, having appointed us his heir-apparent, he sped upwards on the Dragon to be a guest on high, and the [charge of the] spiritual vessel devolved on our insignificant person.

When we called to mind our own insufficiency, profound was our fear that we should not be equal to the task, until we bethought us of the counsels be- queathed by the Holy Ones, and of the trust imposed on us by His Majesty, our late father; and as the Throne committed to us could not long remain unfilled, we put constraint upon the grief we so sincerely feel, and reverently obey the word that is passed. Upon the 26th of the 1st moon we shall therefore solemnly announce our accession to Heaven, to Earth, to our Ancestors, to the Spirits celestial and terestrial and the gods of land and the grain. Let the ensuing year be the first of HIEN-FUNG.

We look upward, hoping to continue what was admirable in our predecessors, and clasp our breast with feelings of awe and earnest solicitude. And whereas at the time of promulging our inaugural proclamation, our bounty should extend to all our kindred, all things that it is fitting we should do are stated in order below. This great bounty have we extended to our dominions upon succeeding to the Throne. Oh! then, do ye Princes and ministers, civil and military, aid us in the service we have undertaken, that we may add stability to the mighty line the succession of which has devolved upon us. Let each one give evidence of his fidelity, aiding us by his counsels [to the attainment of] perfection; that boundless blessings may be manifested to this realm for thousand million of years. Let this be published throughout the Empire, that all may be informed thereof.