New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-09-22

nms,nst China whose shrewdness and duplicity
nsbed her to execute her most injurious
scheues without detection.
CAUSES OF THE PRESENT WAR
Tins affairs stood until, few months ago.
Ia Corean Ministry was startled by the news
Nat formidable insurrection had broken out
4, the northern provinces. under leaders who had
been driven to desperation by the prosecutions
which they in common with the populace at
large had long endured. Government in that
country means nothing more nor less than the
systematic plumber OF the masses for the benefit
If the privileged mobiles. BY relentless extor-
lions a few great families, have enriched them
solves, while the bulk the inhabitants have
been kept in abject squa.Or. Fearing not only
dminutlOn of their revenues. but also as the in
surrection gained strength. an invasion Of the
capital. the Kings official advisers applied TO the
chinese representative IL Seoul for assistance
which was promised I'm due course. An armed
body numbering abou, 1000. was sent from
Chefoo to the port of Asan a little southwest of
Seoul. and there encamped to await the progress
OF events The stipulated notification to Japan
was considerably delayed and, foreseeing danger
from this wilful disregard OF the compact OF 1894
the authorities Of Toxic ordered the speedy dis
match Of 5000 troops, who were landed at Ninson
With such rapdty as 10 throw the Corean digni-
taries into CONSERVATION. But though the prompt
nees of the japanese had given them the mastery
az the situation. and enabled them to counteract
vhatever projects the Chinese may have had in
view. they displayed no disposition to abuse their
Ministers that no hostile purposes were enter
tanned. and that the troops there to insure
the safety Of japanese residents and traders.
which appeared TO be mperiled by the presence
of large Chinese force II China remained tran
ouil japan would do likewise. But the time was
Opportune for a settlement; of the controversies
which had disturbed the public peace for sew
eral year past Corea's offensive demonstrations
must come TO end. and the administrative
system which had brought the country almost to
ruin and thrown |; into such confusion as 10
threaten the liberties and lives Of all aliens must
be thoroughly reformed. Above all, Corea must
be provided with Government which her neigh
bors could trust which would guard the nations
Independence, and would perform the highest
duties Of the State with dignity and honor; not
Yield an unressting and degrading obedience to
the commands of a foreign power. These ends
essential to the true welfare of Corea as
TO the interests of Japan; and until they should
be accomplished, the army surrounding Seoul
would hold its position. and If necessary, be
Increased TO any required number
PROOF OF JAPAN's FAIR-DEALING
Japan's next step was TO acquaint the Tsung
n-Yamen with her purposes. and formally to in
vite the cooperation of China in reorganizng
the Corean Government A more convincing
proof Of willingness to deal justly and reasonably
with all parties could not have been given; yet
the only response accorded by China was dis
tnct refusal TO discuss the subject at all, SO .ong
as Japan should continue TO occupy any part OF
the peninsula with an armed force. Failing in
this endeavor TO arrive at an understanding
without recourse to strenuous measures. the Jap
anese next signifed their determination 10
proceed alone in the task OF restoring
national order. Eva then the deiuded
lief that China would rise in her might and
reinsta;e them in their career Of pOmp and pill
lage. They refused to receive the japanese En-
voy opposed his admission TO the sovereigns
presence. and established themselves in the
palace declaring their resolve to await the ad-
vent of their ally and friend. the diplomatic
agent OF the Middle Kingdom at the head OF
legions that should sweep the soldiers Of the
despised empire out Of existence. At this point
II began to be doubted whether the monarch him
self was 80 inveterately adverse to the introduc-
ton Of japanese ideas his councillors would
have him appear The Tai-wouKun. his father,
privately impaired to the Envoy, Mr.. Otori. his
belief that If the King could be approached he
would not be found obstinate in rejecting pil-
dent advice Acting upon this suggestion. the
Envoy summoned small detachment OF guards
70 the city. proposing To use them as an escort
to the palace. On their way 10 the quarters pro
vided for them, these guards were nred upon by
Corean soldiers In the service Of the Ming Min
isters and retaliated effectively as to quell all
desire for future encounters This was the only
occasion when weapons were used by the Japa-
sesn aRains, Cnraans Loo than "sere wore
killed, and less than a hundred wounded.
GREsHAMrs CHARGE UNFOUNDED.
II this is what Nj. Gresham calls levying war.
II Is safe to say that he attaches very excep-
tiona, meaning to that phrase. japanese troops
are stationed in the peninsula in authorized &C
cordance with the provisions OF an agreement
subscribed to by China and Japan with the
knowledge and sanction Of Corea. The japanese
Envoy receives intelligence from the father OF
the King of Corea that Visit from him, the
Envoy. will be welcome TO the sovereign, who,
however Is prevented from slgnifyng his Wish
by the members Of the Ming faction in the Gov
eminent The Envoy. believing that his entrance
to the palace will be forcibly hindered. calls Tor
a detachment OF soldiers TO accompany him, ana
as these are passing through the streets they
are attacked by Coreans and compelled 10 DEFEND
they Dc in solid good earne3t
The Corean assaiiants are not following the
orders Of the King. but OF a Ministry SO HttIe
of the royal confidence that they are
turned out Of office the same day. and replaced
by men in full sympathy with the japanese plans
FOR the rehabilitation Of the country. From thai
moment no signs Of dscord have been visible in
Seohl That war has sounded It's a.arm else
v here Is quite true China and Japan nave eX-
changed defiance and battles have been fought
on sea and land But no greater or more IN
founded error could be made than 10 assert that
Japan has or ever had. the purpose OF "levying
war upon the nation which is now in the midst
,f remedial Transformation under her whole
some guidance, and the independence OF whlch
she proposes 70 guarantee and MAINTAIN win
right good faith and honesty of spirit. and with
ali the material strength she can bring TO the
task