Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-09-06
Why Corea's King Threw Off the
Chinese Yoke.
UNUSUALLY PROMPT and IdPJLSIVE
Acted CONTRARY to the Que,n's
Wishes.
SOME NEW WAR HISTORY


YOKOHAMA. August 24.-Since the last
dispatch of news to America circumstances
have occurred which throw much light on
the long-disputed question to which side
in the war was favored by the King of
Corea. The lower classes in that country
have no opinions on political subjects II
the middle class have any they are not
allowed to express them. Even the aris-
tocracy have learned the necessity of keep
ing silence, if their views are opposed to
those of the governing body.
The only voice hitherto heard has been
that Of the ministry, a corrupt monarchy,
composed of the Ming family and their de-
pendents, who are completely under the
control Of China. 1t has been to their in
terest to represent that the sovereign was
heartily in accordance with Them and until
the last few weeks their assurances to this
effect have been generally accepted as
true. The queen, who is a blood relative of
the Mings, is undoubtedly under the infiu-
ence of China, and as she is understood to
be greatly superior to her consort in in
tellect and force of character, her power to
impress her ideas upon him has been cas-
lily credited.
That the Mings acted really in the kings
name and with his sanction was not seri-
ously questioned up to the time when the
serted his post and left the court free from
surveillance. Then the Japanese envoy re-
ceived a message from the kings father.
suggesting that If interview could be
arranged in the palace, his son could be
induced to recognize the justice and friend
llness of Japan's intention without much
difficulty.
The kings father, officially known as the
Tai Won Kun, was at one period the regent
Of the country, but through the intrigues OF
the Mings he was deposed some ten years
ago and condemned to a long captivity
After his liberation he was forbidden to ap-
preach the court, but that he kept watch
full eye upon the course of events is proved
by the accuracy of his statement respecting
the sovereign.
The Japanese envoy at once Insisted upon
conditions that should enable him to speak
his mind without restraint. Being denied
this privilege by royal advisers he deter
IT lined to present himself with an armed es-
cort, and sent for a detachment from the
Japanese forces outside the city AS this
small guard passed by the police on the way
to the ENJOYS residence 1t was fired upon
by Corean soldiers in the service of the
MinSs.
Settled the Mings.
These shots settled the fate of the min
istry. The native troops were dispersed
with scarcely a struggle, and an hour later
the representative of Japan was in AMIGA
BILE conversation with the sovereign, who
Cid not hesitate to declare that he had been
Under coercion ever since the beginning of
the imbroglio with the Chinese. and that he
was far from feeling the hostility toward
Japan which his government had publicly
attributed To him.
In token of his sincerity he had already
rid himself of his late council and sum-
n.oned the TAI Won Kun to assist him in
forming a new administration. Before the
day was over a cabinet made up Of radical
opponents of the Ming faction had been in
stalled with the Tai Won Kun as prime
minister, and a committee of seventeen to
reorganize the administrative system, and
reform the national laws upon a basis rec
commended by Japan. Such activity and en-
ergy had never before been witnessed since
the foundations of the Corean monarchy
were laid.
Extraordinary Promptness.
The extraordinary promptIess of the
king in asserting to every proposition put
forward by the Japanese envoy might have
laii him open to the suspicion of seeking
merely to conciliate the newcomers and to
avert their animosity by unconditional sub
mission but for the discovery of an action
on his part entirely ir consistent with any
secret sentiment of i'll will.
AS soon as The outgoing cabinet had left
the palace and without waiting to consult
his new council, he called together the com
manders OF the few troops remaining a his
disposal and ordered them instantly to Join
the japanese army on the way to attack
the Chinese at Asan. He was not instigat-
ed to do this by anybody. No one expected
IL or MIN, and no one was more surprised
IMAM the japanese representative when he
heard 1t.
To suppose that the king was actuated by
modes of policy would be to credit him with
a sagacity which he certainly does not pos
sess. The universal belief in his lack of
spirit and cieyerness seems to be well
rounded His demonstration is explained ,
rather as signifying his delight at being re-
lieved from ali irksome restraint and his
determination to get even in some way
with the men who had kept him for wears
In leading strings. But it effectually de-
stroys the old stories that he has nothing
but hatred for Japanese, and would resist
10 the utmost every attempt of Japan.
Welcome Japanese Vfctors.
Since the day he came in contact with the
envoy he has shown every disposition to CO.
operate, so far as he was able with the
II ovements for, Corea's regeneration. When
the Japanese army returned victorious to
Seoul, bringing with them the captured
arms and standards, he sent a deputy To
welcome and congratulate them. He has
appointed commissioner to visit Japan
and thark the emperor for the promise of
peace and a stable government to his coun-
try, and he has formally renowned the
SuZerainty of China and proclaimed his in
tentton 20 assert his Independence and
equality in all future dealings with that ma
ton. Unless Japan fails utterly in the war |
the vassalage OF the past will never be re-
Eewed.
The political and social reforms which |
Japan demands are designed not only to |
prevent China from interfering hereafter |
but also to give the whole people of Corea |
Cppoi tunity and power to improve their |
condition and to prepare the country for
the introduction of western civiliZat ton. |
Several Of them have already been decreed |
and put in force.
Proposed Reforms.
These are: The adoption of 4 new royal
title, which, though still meaning king in
English, shall carry with it no significance
Of inferiority to a higher monarchy, as was
previously the case; the establishment of a
diplomatic service, under which |
ministers shall be sent to all the treaty |
states; the eligibility to office of all classes
without the distinction of rank; restric- |