No. 182.
Mr. Denby
to Mr. Bayard.
Peking, March 17, 1888. (Received May 5.)
Sir: From the reign of Yang Cheng, A. D. 1723, down to 1860, it has been customary for the emperors to hold court about five months [Page 269] in the year at the Yuen Ming Yuen, or summer palace, situated about 8 miles northwest from Peking.
For the inhuman treatment of the Chinese authorities toward the French and English prisoners who were captured by treachery, Lord Elgin and Baron Gros gave orders that this—the favorite summer residence of the reigning family—should be destroyed as an act of retribution. Of these palaces the most gorgeous description has been given. They were surrounded by every variety of hill and dale, woodland and lawn, interspersed with canals, rivulets, and lakes, with numerous temples and pagodas, containing a large portion of the moveable riches and presents of the Emperor of the reigning family. Since their destruction there has been no available resort where the Emperor could spend the summer months.
About two years ago the Empress ordered that the imperial pleasure-grounds, which were in a more or less dilapidated condition, should be extended and put into a thorough state of repair. Work was commenced, palaces built, and accommodations necessary for the court were made at an enormous outlay. By a decree, which appeared a few days since, the Empress and Emperor, with the members of the court, will move to these pleasure-grounds, which are in close proximity to the prohibited city, on the 20th of May, and there remain until the autumn.
I have, etc.,