Tung-ho became our preceptor he never taught us in the orthodox way, nor did he ever explain to us the Classies or show us instances of heroism and pa among the ancients, He merely thought to procure the Imperial favour by presenting us with light reading, famous water-coloured paintings, specimens of ancient art, ete. In fact, by specious and crafty ways Wong Tung-ho wormed himself into our confidence, catering to our wishes and anticipating them in many ways. Hence when our war with Japan occurred it was he who decided for war, and then again for peace, while he had the cunning and craftiness to pass any blame therein upon others. By this and other noxious ways he has brought our Empire to a point from which it will be hard to recover ourselves. Last. spun, Wong Tung-ho advocated reforms ani secretly recommended Kang Yii-wei to us, declaring that Kang's ability and talents exceeded his own a hundred times over. This was done for his own nefarious designs. As we were anxious to make our empire strong in view of the crises and dangers surrounding the State, we wore willing to lower our dignity by conferring with Kang Yi-wei in all things, while Kang taking advantage of this, pushed his treasonable designs against the Throne. Wong Tung-ho's crime in recommending such a traitor to the Emperor is, therefore, unpardonable. Again, formerly, when Wong Tung-ho had any important matter of his own to recommend to us, and we argued the point with him, he would frequently show his distaste for it and attempt to browbeat us into granting his wishes. As we now ponder over his evil conduct at that time we feel angrier than ever and have come to the conclusion that the mere order for him to return home is an insufficient punishment for the baseness of his conduct. We, therefore, feel compelled to cashier and strip Wen Tung-ho of all his rank and titles (Gran Secretary, Imperial Tutor, etc.,) and to dismiss him for ever from the public service. He shall also be placed under the surveillance of the local authorities of his native town (Ch'angshu, near Soochow) in order to prevent him from causing any further harm in the future.; -Let this bea warning to all crafty Ministers of high rank.
Note:—The language used above plainly shows that the Emperor himself was not the author of this decree.—Translator. bth and 6th December.
No papers of interest.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.