Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1894-09-14
PATRIOTISM IN JAPAN.


The News of the Victories Sets the Pop
ulatiOn Wild.
WASHINGTON, August 27.-Mail adj
vices from Japan, including official and
private letters and files of newspapers
that have been received at the Japanese
legation in this city, say Tai Won Kun,
father of the King of Corea, has been
declared Regent of that country. When
the last demands of Mr.. Oton, the Jap
anese Minister to Corea (who is reported
to have been assassinated a few days
ago., had been refused by the Corean
government, he started for the palace to
have personal interview with his Maj
esty. His troops also acted as escort to
Tai Won Kun at the latter's request.
When the party was about to enter the
palace, it was fired on by men wearing
the uniform of Corean soldiers. The
japanese repulsed the attack, and Mr..
Oton and the Kings father proceeded to
the royal chamber, where the King APP
pointed Tai Won Kun Regent. 1t is
claimed that the attacking party con-
sisted of Chinese soldiers in disguise.
The japanese press is exceedingly pleased
with the appointment of Tai Won Kun.
Liberal subscriptions have been received
by the japanese government Tor the
troops in Corea. Many entertainments
with this object in view are being held,
and these and other efforts closely re-
sembe the affairs given to provide cloth
ing and material comforts for both the
Union and Confederate troops during
the late war. Wealthy people have sub
scribed many thousand yen. 1t is inter-
esting to note that 200, 900 catties OF
biscuit ordered by the War Department
were made of second-grade American
-four, which is considered superior to
the japanese flour.
Patriotism in Japan is apparently al
most universal. News of victories over
the Chinese sets the population wild
with enthusiasm. The supply of volun-
teers for war service exceeds the de-
mand. The Japanese professional wrest-
lers, of whom there are many that have
offered their services, are to be formed
into an organization of "strong men"
and Japanese newspapers estimate that
Nshinoma, the champion, would be
match for nine and two-thirds China
men. Fencing masters and their pupils
have also applied for enlistment for the
avowed purpose of cutting of Chinese
pig-tails with heads attached. A num-
Der of fires have broken out in the Chi
nese quarters OF Japan towns, and these
usually result in fights between mobs of
each nationality. The police have man
aged to protect the Chinese in these at
trays, acting under instructions to pre-
vent Japanese from insulting, ASSAULT
ing or hurting Chinese residents within
the borders of the Empire. Many Chi
nese have attempted to disguise them
selves. The owners of a Chinese lottery
have, it is reported, let their hair grow,
cut off their queues and adopted the
Japanese costume. Speculation is rlte
in Japan as to what demands should be
made on China after she is defeated for
that end is accepted as q surety. One
newspaper says China should be made
to pay an indemnity of 30, 100000 yen in
gold, while another hopes that China
will be compelled to promise not to
interfere in Corean affairs, and that the
Island of Formosa will be coded to
Japan. Another paper says:
"After reducing the Chinese govern
ment to submission, if it should prove
incapable of inaugurating new epoch
OF progress and improvement, or when
there is danger of internal connection or
foreign Intervention, Japan should take
upon herself the responsibility of under
taking the reform of China, just as she
is now doing in Corea."
The general sentiment prevailing in
Japan appears to be in favor OF the
pacitcation and reform of Corea, and
not its possible annexation. 1t is the
understanding that the government in
tends to push her troops straight for
Picking. The sudden appointment of
Mr.. Kurino as Minister to Washington
is construed by the vernacular press to
be connected with the Corean affair.