Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-08-09
Russia, England. and Coren'


VIII russia or England, or both. gather
advantage from the struggle OF Nni''"
and yanan over Corea? Russia covets a
seaport south of VladivostocS when IL
closed by ice during a considerable par
of each year With her growing interests
on the Pacific coast, likely 70 become
more important by her trans-Aslah ran
road no doubt she would gladiy aHn,A
ali Of Corea, and, at least, would IKE
one OF the many good harbors on the
long coast line of the p ninsuia.
For more than a dozen years RUSSIA
desires have been well known. ana nave
created from time to time alarm IN Great
Britain. China, and Japan. AS long ago
as 1859 the Russians sought TO occupy
the large island or islands of Tsushima,
between Corea and Japan, and belonging
to the latter: but England was alert. ana
Japan also refused to cede the territory;
Half a dozen years ago II was reported
In Shanghai that Russia had made a secret
treaty with Corea which secured the
establishment OF an exclusively RUSSIAN
port at Fune. That proved to be lncor-
rect: but she did obtain, about three years
ago. the opening Of the town of kiou-
Lying. on the Yumen river, on the north
ern boundary of Corea. A Russian
Vice-Consu was established there. some
special commercial privileges were con-
ceded and plot OF land was granted FOL
the use OF the animals employed in Rus
sian trade between Siberia and Corea:
4 rurnor Yves lately rife that Russia had
scnt troops 10 occupy GenSan, the north
ernmost of the open ports; and such
report indicated the anxiety with which
Russia's attitude toward the Corean
dispute is watched. In the Usurt district.
where Vladivostock is situated, many
Coreans are found.
1t is true that Russia has formally
agreed with China not to seize Corea; but
should she take an active part in the
present quarrel against Japan, she might
have a pretext for occupying Port LaZa-
ref, which is a few miles north Of Cen
san. or even Fousan. at the southern
end of the peninsula, on the ground that
this latter Is the port nearest to Japan,
and the place where large majority
of the japanese residents in the peninsula
are concentrated.
There are other ports and strategic
points which both Russia and England
might covet. and whose possession by
either would be resented by the other.
Prominent among these is Port Hamilton,
an island lying 20 the south OF Corea,
which has excellent harbors. 1t was occu-
pied by the English In 1856. but Russia
resented that occupation and 1t was af-
terward abandoned. Not long ago the
news came that several British war ves-
sells had anchored in the inner harbor OF
Port Hamilton, presumably with the in
tenton of being close at hand to keep
watch upon the pending struggle in Corea
South of Port Hamilton is the large
island of Quelpaert which Is also con-
sidered of strategic Importance, because 1t
commands the entrance to the straits be-
tween Corea and Japan, and hence
threatens the commercial cities OF the
latter. 1t has even been reported lately
that Japan desired TO take back this
island in exchange for Tsushima. for
which she formerly parted with it. on
the other hand, it has been said to have
no good harbor In which vessels may find
shelter in the season OF the typhoons.
Turning again to Port LaZareff. on
Broughton bay, the harbor is reported to
have an area of about eight square miles,
with depth of seven to ten fathoms.
and a well-protected anchorage, as the
Nakhimoff peninsula shelters IL on the
east with its broad bluff. There are seve-
raj small islands in the outer approaches.
but lighthouses would make the way safe.
This is probably the port chiefly desired
at present by Russia.
Such are some of the strategic points
and footholds In and around Corea upon
which Russia and England keep watch
full eyes while China and Japan are in
the forefront of the quarrel.