New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-08-26
THE WAR IN THE EAST.
COREA,S REGENERATION DAY.
LIBERAL POLICY OF THE EMANCIPATED
EMPEROR.

EMPEROR.
sELr.coNrRoL AND MODERATION OF THE JAP
ANEsE-FIGHr AT THE PALACE-OVER-
THROW OF THE MINGs.
Seoul, July 80.
The 23d Of July. 1894 1t now seems prooaoie
will stand in Corean history as the date OF the
country's regeneration. On that day the young
King after long period Of uncertainty ana Vacli-
iation, announced formal resolve to free hmseIi
from the domination Of his arbitrary neighpor
and trust his destiny. with that OF the natoh lie
feebly rules 10 the more liberal and civilzing IN
huences Of Japan. 1t was found Impossible u
effect the change without show OF force OWING
n the stubborn refusal Of the soveregn's late
Ministers to surrender the authority they had
corruptly welded for years-not in the interest
OF their own people but largely IN that Oh d"
alien State While the Ming family and It's al
lies were in the ascendant, the supremacy OF
China was scarcely questioned and at the insti-
cation OF that empire. the whole policy or the
Corean Government was so directed as to fomeht
ceaseless auarrels with Japan, to humiliate her
agents and to cripple her trade to an extent
that should in time compel the withdrawal or all
Japanese residents The Mings appeared 10 ac-
cept the pretensions Of China with bllnd lal'h'
and to rely confidently upon her sei1-assuii'ei
power TO dictate terms to the island empire al
any moment. All they desired was the assurance
that they should permanently control the Gov
eminent holding the King in virtual sub)ecuon'
This was readily conceded by China, on conoltoh
that japan should be excluded from all consloera-
<,on and made TO feel that she could enjoy no
commercial or other privileges except by perihis-
sion Of the magnates Of Picking. On these lines
Cd
despotsm of the Ming statesmen provoked for
nidable rebellion, and her course toward Japan
exhausted the forbearance Of that empire Affairs
having arrived at this point, some three months
400 the subsequent march Of events was rapid.
Tho Ming faction terrified by the sudden ana
Aesnerate revolt OF the oppressed populace, ap-
nealed to China for protection. Armed assistance
WAS promised to an unlimited extent and sInaii
force In advance was actually dispatched from
Taku A convention between CHINA ana japan
vigorously stipulates that neither country sha"
send troops to Corea without previously houis-
ing the other. AS a matter OF fact emma uiu ho'
fulfil this obligation until after her hrst oetach-
rnent had started; but this breach OF faith dd not
act much to the disadvantage OF government
40 watchful and alert as the japanese. "i"'i
one week. division of 5000 was rnoDiiizeu SNIP
ned at Simonosaki, and landed on Coreah SOIL
The alacrity Of this operation not only s'upeieu
the Ming Ministry, but for a time seemed to para
I'VE the Chinese. But when these latter fouho
that the Japanese did not at once proceed 10 eN-
1remities they recovered their composure. and in
structed their Corean proteges TO MAINTAIN an
attitude Of bold defiance. as only lew oa's
should pass before the japanese were driVeh'
shattered and disgraced from the field.
JAPAN's PEACEFUL EFFORTS.
= An >ore,oners In Seoul-except possibly or
Two new corners who have not studied the situa-
tton-are aware that Japan made every effort 10
secure a peaceful settlement Of disputed ques-
tions Though outnumbering the Chinese nve 10
one her troops were held in restraint ana uip-
lomatic consultation was proposed 10 LII nuns
Chang with a view to joint action in reorganiz-
sne the Corean Government. This invitation was
CURLY rejected and the japanese were admon-
ished to retire instantly from the peninsula ana
await the Middle Kingdoms pleasure. The Jap
nuese envoy then approached the Ministerial al
visers in Seoul. informing them OF Chinas re-
fusal to cooperate, and announcing that MS Gov
eminent was determined TO satisfy itsel
that the necessary reforms should be enacted. If
the Mings and their party were prepared to unite
with him, he would accept their allegiance: but
their decision must be prompt. Still infatuated
with the idea that the might Of China would
proye Irresistible the deuded Cabinet scofed at
the arnicable offer and under the dctaton OF the
Chinese representative returned an offensive re-
N.Y. ACCOMPANIED by threats Of violence. After
this but one course open TO the Envoy OF
japan He signfed his intention 10 seek per-
sonal interview with the sovereign. and to ascer-
tain whether Coreas suicidal course was or was
not sanctioned by the royal authority. In conse-
i1uence OF the menaces directed against him. he
thought It desirable to order the attendance OF
small body Of troops not supposing. however.
that their services could be required, or that the
hostile Ministers would In any case be so rash as
to offer forcible opposition But the gods OF the
.Mings were apparently bent upon the destruction
of that family and in pursuance Of the proverbial
preliminary its members one and all. went mad.
At4 o'clock on the morning OF July % a Japan
sse column entered Seoul by the South Gate. and
ma rched through the streets toward vacant
space selected for their encampment at some lit-
tie distance in the rear Of the kings residence.
Their presence awakened varying sensations
among different classes Of the community. The
lower orders who had suffered greatly from the
depredations OF the Chinese soldiery. and who
had no conception OF the existence OF discipline
An an army were at first stricken with dismay.
Many fled preciptatey. Others timidly ap-
preached, with appealing signs and gestures The
vegetable and fruit; market was just opening
and 1t was observed by an American spectator
that the vendors were curiously divided between
the fear Of losing their produce and the appre- !
taension of arousing resentment by carrying 1t
away Most of them left their stalls laden with
goods, and watched furtively from convenient
corners. When they beheld that nothing was
taken they slowly resumed their stations. and
though trembling with excitement and astonish- |
ment, ventured to hold forth peace offerings in |
the shape OF a few choice melons. The troops !
standing at rest, declined these gifts following |
doubtless the spirit Of their instructions; where
at the amazement OF the tradesmen knew no !