The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-09-04


nese consulate in New York, Hon. Ku-
1nasabro Tanabe. Associated with him
is the Japanese conRul, Hon. Il. Hashi-
guchi- TO these two bright representa-
tives Of their country has been intrusted
the conduot Of commercial Affairs in this
particular portion of the United States,
which, in tho event OF q continued war
with China, may soon assume unusual
Importance. Both speak English and
French fnently, and mono can be more
courteous than they are il communicate
ing to members Of the press all proper
informs alton Of public interest.
NO Nsw Thing
Troubles with Korea said Mr..
Tanabe recently in commenting upon
the situation, ''are not a new thing in
our country. and China has generally
been a participant Friendly relations
between the three countries ceased an
long ago az 1887, and as a penalty for
hostile acts Hideyoshi, the Japanese
commander in chief, who, by the way,
was the son Of a humble foot soldier,
demanded tribute. This being refused,
an immense army, consisting Of 80, 600
men and accompanied by feet aggre-
eating 8, 600 officers and sailors. invaded
Korea, and moving rapidly overcame all
resistance.
Meanwhile the emperor Of China had
dispatched large force to succor the
Koreans. These also met with defeat,
but a second Chinese army followed,
and the war on both sides was prose-
cuted with great vigor until, the plague
having broken out IN the Japanese camps
and supplies becoming exhausted. pro-
posals Of peace were made by a Chinese
envoy, and Hideyoshi dictated certain
articles as basis Of treaty. They were
not accepted, however, and Hfdeyoshi
prepared to attack China, and in the
event Of conquest to transfer the capital
OF Japan to that country.
1.-The war continued, with varying
success, until 1898, a period Of six years,
when, the Chinese being routed on both
land and seas, Hideyoshi, then lying at
the point of death, issued orders for the
recall Of the Japanese armies from Ko-
rea A few years later Korea sent an
envoy to Japan carrying gifts and suing
for peace. The overtures were favorably
received, and amicable relations were
established between the two countries. -
sEapaR's Policy.
In the COURSE Of the conversation the
writer remarked to the chancellor that,
''inasmuch as China and Japan are so
similarly situated in the east they
ought naturally to give support to each
other rather than resort to tho arbitra-
ment Of arms -
THAT has certainly bean the policy
Of Japan, was the reply, t'aince upon
a union Of friendship and confidence de-
ponds much OF their advancement in
the path Of enlightenment and that
mutual prosperity upon which depends
the Development Of all other nations in
the Tar east. And this feeling has re-
peatsdly found expression by our high
officials. even in the presence Of the
most provoking circumstances
For instance, throughout the period
Of nearly 800 years following the war
have described, known as the Tozugawa
period, it had been customary for Korea
on each occasion Of q coronation to send
an embassador for the purpose Of con-
frminR the friendly relations between
che two states. Soon after the restora-
tion in Japan, IN 1867. the government
dispatched an envoy to Korea to convey
intelligence Ct the fact and to renew ex-
presaions OF amity. The Koreans, how
ever. refused to recognize the envoy or
accept his message, owing ostenRibly to
the fact that the term great empire
Of Japan was employed in the impe-
rial letter. Despite this treatment, at
later date the japanese sent home GER
tain Koreans who had been shipwrecked
and took the opportunity Of renewing
expressions Of friendship by the mouths
Of the ofncials who escorted the cast
aways Korea received the Ahipwrecked
sailors, but declined to receive the on
Gals In consequence Of this insulting
conduct retaliation vas insisted upon,
but happily, owing to the existence OF
strong peace party in the cabinet, war
for the time was ayerted.
Korea's 1adePendanoo Recognized
''In August. 1875, q japanese man
war en- route TO China and Carrying a
japanese plsnipotentiary stopped at
Chemulpo for fuel and water, but her
boats we're fred on by the Koreans, and
two Of her men were wounded There
upon the crew Of the vessel attacked and
burned the Korean fortress Subsequent