functions except in conjunction with others, they were unable to devote themselves exclusively to the former. It is naturally, therefore, proper to create special functions, so that each one may have his particular attributions.

"We command, in consequence, that the Office of Foreign Affairs (Tsung-li ko kuo shih-wu ya-men) be changed into a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wai-wu Pu) and take rank before the six Ministries. And we designate Yi-K'uang, Prince of the First Rank Ch'ing, as President of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Wang Wen-shao, Grand Secretary of State of the Ti-jen Ko, is appointed Assistant-President of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ch'ü Hung-chi, President of the Board of Works, is transferred with the same rank to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which he is appointed Assistant-President. Hsü Shou-p'eng, Director of the Imperial Stud, and Lien-fang, Expectant Metropolitan Subdirector of the third or fourth rank, are appointed first and second Directors (or Under Secretaries).

"As regards the fixing of the personnel, the rules to be followed in its choice, the salaries to be given the Ministers, Directors, and other Agents, We command the Councilors of State to come to an agreement with the Board of Civil Office and promptly to submit to Us their conclusions in a report.

"Respect this."

1°. Solemn audiences to be given by His Majesty the Emperor of China to the Diplomatic Body or to Representatives of the Powers separately shall take place in the palace hall called "Ch'ien-ch'ing Kung."

2°. In going to or coming back from these solemn audiences the Representatives of the Powers shall be carried in their sedan chairs as far as outside of the Ching-yun gate. At the Ching-yun gate they will get out of the sedan chair in which they have come and will be carried in a little chair (i chiao) as far as the foot of the steps of the Ch'ien-ch'ing gate.

On arriving at the Ch'ien-ch'ing gate the Representatives of the Powers shall get out of their chairs, and shall proceed on foot into the presence of His Majesty in the Ch'ien-ch'ing Kung hall.

When departing the Representatives of the Powers shall return to their residences in the same manner as that in which they arrived.

3°. When a Representative of a Power shall have occasion to present to His Majesty the Emperor his letters of credence or a communication from the Head of the State by whom he is accredited, the Emperor shall cause to be sent to the residence of said Representative, to bear him to the Palace, a sedan chair with yellow trimmings and tassels, such as are used by the Princes of the Imperial family. The said Representative shall be taken back