New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-02
REBEL UPRISING IN COREA.
THE LIVES OF ALL FOREIGNERS IN
DANGER.
AN URGENT REQUEST FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN
AMERICAN wARsHIP SENT BY THE KING
THE CHIEF PROVINCE OF THE KING
DOM lN INsURGENT HANDs.


Washington. June 1.-The Corean Legation
here received a cable message to-day from the
Kings palace at Seoul. saying that the rebels
had gained possession of Chunlato the southern
and chief Of the eight provinces of the kingdom.
that the lives Of all foreigners IN danger.
and that the presence of a United States war
ship Chemulpo without delay TO protect
Americans was urgently needed. The officials OF
the Legation Immediately presented the facts to
Secretary Gresham. and impressed upon him the
Importance Of prompt action. They explained
that there were between 300 and 400 Americans
In the four principal cities Of COrea. and that
the revolution really directed against them.
The people Of Corea are divided into two polt-
ical parties the East and the West. the latter
representing the progressive element In favor
Of Western civilization typ.hed by the Ameri-
cans This party supports the King who Is a
warm admrer OF the United States. and who
has frequently given proof OF his friendship. as
in the present instance The opposition adhere
to Eastern notions. and this party has rapidly
grown stronger In the inaccessible portions of
the country until. according 10 the dispatch Just
received they have succeeded In selling an i'm
portant province not more than 100 miles from
Seoul the capital. and within d few days march
Of the three free ports where the foreigners reside
Unless they are checked by some stronger power
than the Government seems able 10 exert, IL Is
considered probable that many. II not all. the
American residents Will be murdered.
a little more than year ago there was
similar uprising in Corea against foreigners.
though the movement was not so large. ana IL
was qucled by the prompt appearance OF the
Marion and the firing Of a royal salute. The
news quickly spread through the country that
man-of-war had arrived to punish onences
against American citizens and the anti-forelRh
movement was quickly ended little later the
Alert made three visits TO Chemulpo. the port or
Seoul and since that time Americans have feit
perfectly secure until lately. The present out
break Is attributed to the fact that no American
naval vessel has shown the flag in Corean waters
since the visit Of the Alert. and that the natives
have conceived the notion that the foreigners
are unsupported.
Secretary Gresham laid the matter before the
President this afternoon. but up TO n late hour
tonight no action had been taken. the President
deeminC II advisable to await report from MIN.
,ster Sill on the subject Acting Secretary OF
the Navy McAdoo. who was called into consul
tation said that one ship was available Tor use
in the conference.-the Baltimore. now nj Nag
nsoki Japan She could reach Chemulpo within
fortv-eight hours after orders were Issued 10 her
II is understood that orders directing the Bal
t!more 10 proceed 10 that port have already been
prepared in cipher and Will be cabled as soon as
The President authorizes such action.