For, In The First Place, They Were No Longer
Free Agents, And Tungche Had Himself To Be Considered In Any Arrangement
For The Reception Of Foreign Envoys.
The discussion of the question
assumed a controversial character, in which stress was laid on the one
side upon
The necessity of the kotow even in a modified form, while on the
other it was pointed out that the least concession was as objectionable as
the greatest, and that China would benefit by the complete settlement of
the question. It says a great deal for the fairness and moderation of
Prince Kung and the ministers with him that, although they knew that the
foreign governments were not prepared to make the Audience Question one of
war, or even of the suspension of diplomatic relations, they determined to
settle the matter in the way most distasteful to themselves and most
agreeable to foreigners. On June 29, 1873, Tungche received in audience
the ministers of the principal powers at Pekin, and thus gave completeness
to the many rights and concessions obtained from his father and
grandfather by the treaties of Tientsin and Nankin. The privilege thus
secured caused lively gratification in the minds of all foreign residents,
to whom it signified the great surrender of the inherent right to
superiority claimed by the Chinese emperors, and we have recently seen
that it has been accepted as a precedent.
The sudden death of Tseng Kwofan in the summer of 1873 removed
unquestionably the foremost public man in China.
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Words from 163350 to 163601
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