The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-09-12
THE INDEPENDENCE OF COREA
Japan Is Bound to See 1t Ac-
c0mplished.
The Dragon Must Take His Claws
Off the Kingdom.
An Important Treaty Between Japan
and ChinA's Former Dspsnd-
ency-Latest News OF
the War.


By the Associated Press
WASHINGTON. Sept. ia telegram
was received st the Japanese legation
this afternoon that an important treaty
had been negotiated between Corea and
Japan, which authoritstively defines
the relations OF the two countries to.
wards each other aad towards China.
The object Of the treaty is stated in
the preamble to be mutual desire on
the part of the emperor OF Japan and
the king of Corea to definitely fix and
determine the attitude of each country
towards each other, with q view to
clearly elucidate the existing relations
between Japan and Corea, which have
been created by the request which the
Corean government has made to the
Japanese government to compel the
Chinese to evacuste Corea. To secure
concerted action for the more effective
accomplishment of this object, the
treaty of alliance between the two coun-
tries was signed at Seoul August 26th
by Oteri, the envoy of Japan, and the
Corean minister OF foreign affairs.
The treaty consists of three articles.
Article one defines the object of the
alliance to be the strengthening and
perpetuating OF the independence OF
Corea es an autonomous state and the
promotion OF the mutual interests of
Japan and Corea by compelling the
Chinese forces to withdraw from Cores
and by obliging China to abandon her
claim to the right 10 dominate the affairs
of the country,
Article two binds the Japanese gov
eminent to carry ON warlike operations
against China, both offensive and de-
fepaive. The Corean government is
bound by the article to afford the jap
anese forces every possible facility in
their movement and to furnish them
with supplies OF provisions at a fair re-
Enumeration, 80 far as such supplies may
be needed.
By article three it ia provided that the
treaty shall terminate so soon as treaty
of peace shall have been concluded by
Japan.
Mr.. X urino, the Japanese minister
talked to an Associated Press reporter
today regarding the new treaty between
Japan and Corea.
1--WE have nothing but the announce
ment of the treaty." said he. "but my
inference from its terms is that it will
prove highly advantageous to Corea.
There has existed there under Chinese
auspices the most corrupt syHtem of gov
eminent known. The constant intrigues
of China there have been threat to the
peace OF the east. The Japanese govern
ment has desired the settlement of this
question only for the peace of the east.
1t has been entirely without expectation
of territorial aggrandizment or exercise
OF suzerainty over Corea.
with the assurance OF autonomy to
Cores. which is the design of this trea-
ty, there will be opportunity for great
improvements in her system of govern
ment, international administration and
other affairs. Already she has advanced
from the condition of the rule of an in
dividual influenced by China, and has
cabinet of six members and prime
minister to whom the ruler looks for
guidance. This change was made under
advice of the Japanese representative
at Seoul"
Mr.. Kurino said he did not think the
treaty could be called step toward
peaceful settlement with China, az
China was tenacious on sentimental
grounds of her claim OF suzerainty.
China might, he said, have put an end
to the difficulties before now by consent
ing to some improvements in Corean
affairs.
The improvement in government in
situations in Corea, it would be admit
ted, require foreign advisers and coun-
sslors. and these might be Japanese or
might be other foreigners. He did not
admit that the termination of the pres
ent treaty by making peace with China,
could open the way for revival of
Japan old claim OF suzerainty which, he
said, Japan had expressly relinquished
and would put herself in as bad posi-
ton as China by renewing.
"Corea, under the inadequate govern
ment that China gives her," he says, sis
weak, and other governments, such as
Russia. are constantly threatening to
come in and seize portion OF her ter.
rjtory and thus cause war in the east.
A guarantee of her autonomy will guard
against this. All the great powers will
be interested together in protecting her
from outside attack"