Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-09-04
MONDAY. SEPT, 4, 1871.
Our RcIntions with Corea.

Its now stated that the government decides
NOT to renew hostile proceedings against the
Coreans. This decision is wise. twill not suit
Europeans residing in China, who have talked
written, and published their "vicws," aiming to
incite our government to renew the attack but
it will have the cordial approval of all sensible
Americans who understand the case. The mex
cusable and unfortunate proceedings of our
squadron under Admiral Rogers, in Corean
waters, have done more injury in that quar-
ter to the American name and to American in
1ercsts, than our best efforts can readily re-
pair. The squadron was sent on peaceful mis-
sion to Corea. With due courtesy and forbear-
ance, this mission might have been successful.
1t was put in jeopardy, soon after the feet
reached Corea, by that armed surveying party.
An officer of the squadron says in a published
letter, that, when this party was sent out, he ex
pressed the opinion that il would make a treaty
with Corea impossible. 1t certainly occasioned
the subsequent hostlities. An opportunity to
succeed was thrown away, after the first COLI
sion, by the naughty refusal to accept the ex-
PLANTATION and presents of the Coreans.
The course pursued made success impossible.
The mission failed utterly; and now the end
sought is well nigh impossible. We can not
suppose the possibility of such proceedings of
an American squadron, in Spanish, Italian, nor
even Turkish waters. But it was assumed that
Americans are not bound to respect the rights,
much less the maritime regulations, of Corcans.
Therefore, courtesy was laid aside; respect for
Corean nationality was put out of sight; and
the natural result was furious fighting instead
Ofia treaty. Those in command of the expedi-
ton, we fear, went to Corea, more impressed by
the mischievous influence of foreign residents
in China, especially the English residents, than
by the spirit of their instructions from Wash
ington. English traders in that part of the
world would delight to have our government
'open Corea" with a high hand, and compel
the country TO submit TO commercial inter
course with foreigners. This being done, they
could rush in, say sweetly to the Coreans, eve
did not make war against you! we are not your
enemies" and Immediately monopolize all the
advantages secured for trade. They did not
wish to see Americans go to COrea peacefully
and make a treaty; and it can be easily under
stood that their influence was directed to incite
Admiral Rogers and Mr., Low to take such II
course as would necessarily occasion hostilties.
Since the attack was made, they have continued
this policy, and moved all their newspaper or
gans to assume that the United States would
now fit out an expedition strong enough to
"open Corea." They will not be accommo-
dated.
All the circumstances which led our govern
ment to send an amicable mission TO Corea are
not generally understood. Some time since
ga certain American scoundrel" $50 he is de-
scribed,) organized plundering expedition to
rob the royal sepulchre OF Corea, in which there
are jewels Of great value; and It was also part
of his purpose to carry off the body Of dead
king, in order TO blackmail the Coreans, who,
heSupposed, would pay large sum of money
to recover the body. This fellow did not snc-
coed to the extent of his desire, and was fortu-
nate chiefly in escaping when his foul opera
tons were detected; but he did succeed in
making the American name infamous among
the Coreans. Documents, giving a full account
of this affair, sent from one of the consular
offices in China, are on file in the state depart
ment at Washington. Not long after the visit
Of this grave-robbing expedition an American
vessel, the Gen. Sherman was wrecked on the
coast of Corea. If the crew or any part of il
escaped death they fell into the hands of Co.
reans. Nothing is known of their fate Mr.
Low and Admiral Rogers were instructed TO
make inquiry concerning the Gen. Sherman and
her crew, and, if possible, make a treaty with
the Coreau government for the protection OF
shipwrecked seamen. Instead of this, they or
dered proceedings which made negotiation i'm
possible 1t is a sad failure; and we rejoice tC
know that the hostile proceedings which caused
it will not be repeated.