CHAPTER XXXI. 270

HER MAJESTY THE EMPRESS DOWAGER (CONTINUED) Her Charities--Incident of the Boxer Rising--Widows’ Petition to the Empress Dowager--Her Majesty’s Action thereon--Her Extravagance--Extravagance in the Palace--Efforts of Past Emperors for Economy--Cost of Food in the Palace--Her Majesty’s Personal Extravagance--Her Jewels--Wardrobe-- Examples of Her Economy--Her Patriotism--Scheme of Taxation-- Her Penetration--Her Judgment--Her Prejudices--Sarcasm--Her Determination--Tact--Social Instinct--Reception of Young German Prince.