Chargé Coolidge to the Secretary of State.
(Referring to his telegram of November 7, Mr. Coolidge says that the edict promises no distinction between Manchus and Chinese in appointments. The reorganization leaves 20 high officials temporarily out of office and necessitates many transfers. The only changes in the foreign office are the transfer of T’ang Shao-i to the vice-presidency of the new board of communications, being replaced by the minister at London, and a general reduction of the staffs of the boards. The edict is regarded as a compromise between progressive and conservative elements. The special commission continues and will direct its attention to provincial service reformation.)