The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-01-25

as WOULD enable her to insist upon a
radically curative treatment of Korea S
malady. The frequent recurrence OF
such troubles were not only dang rous
to Korea but threatened the peace of
Japan herself. AT all hazards, the
independence OF Korea must not be
sanctioned.
But right here occurred an unfor
tunate incident China, in giving
Japan the above notice, described
Korea as her "tributary State.' Fer
the sake of peace, Japan would have
preferred to pass this by, but at this
juncture it was vital point. China
had thrown down the gauntlet. Since
1870 Japan had dealt with Korea as
her equal, and cou'd not now allow
Chlna's boast to pass unchallenged
But the Chinese statesmen took no
notice of her protest, and continued
to use in diplomatic messages the dis
puuvc term. They also undertook 10
set limits to the numbers and move
ments of Japan's troops in Korea. In
the polite forms Of diplomatic usage
they Indicated to Japan that China
would settle the affairs of Korea, and
Japan might stay at home where she
was needed. Japan again protested
against the use Of the term tribu-
tary State denying China's right to
set any limits as to the number or
destination of her troops in Korea.
Io.-The next step in the affair was
a proposition by Japan that the
umpires should unite, first in Suppress
ing the insurrection, and then in the
reform of Korea, as this was a matter
OF great Importance to them both.
But China refused everything, and de-
manded that Japan should withdraw
her troops from Korea. Japan frank
ly stated her inability to do this unless
valid assurances could be given that
the internal affairs of Korea should
be so reformed as to remove the dan
ger to herself and to her neighbors.
The British Minister at Peking now
rendered his good offices to help set
tie the difficulty, but China refused to
negotiate before the Japanese troops
were withdrawn, and her manner
toward Japan now became insolent.
The Cabinet at Tokyo finding it i'm
possible to secure the aid of China in
the task to be accomplished resolved
to undertake 1t alone. China prepar-
ed and sent more troops to Korea.
Japan waited in vain 26 days for
China to recover her sober senses.
Japan then informed her, July 18th,
that the sending of any more troops
to Korea would be considered as
belligerent act.
II.-During this period Of waiting,
Japan had been working with Korea
When China refused to cooperate,
Japan directed Mr.. Otori Koisuke,
her Minister at the Korean Court, to
treat directly with the Korean Gov
eminent on the subject of reforms.
These reforms were simple, and show
upon the face of them that their OBJ
ject was the betterment of Korea
namely, (D Recognition of personal
responsibility of officials. (2) A
SEPARATE department for foreign rela-
tlons; (3) The reorganization of the
Judiciary; CD The improvement
of internal communications (5) The
adoption of system of strict scrutiny
into matters Of revenue and expendi-
ture; (6) The improvement OF the
educational system Cd The selec-
tion of students Of promise for study
abroad Avowing her determination
to help Korea, to remove the danger
to her own interests through the con
slant troubles arising in Korea, and
to assist in the civilization of the
Orient, Japan begun her work of re-
forn. always, however, maintaining
toward Korea an attitude of friendi-
ness and courtesy, and always dis
claiming any aggressive designs. The
Korean Government at first appear
ed wholly willing to undertake the
reforms above proposed. A commits
sion was appointed to carry them out,
and the commissioners expressed
themselves satisfied with the much
needed movement. Mr.. Oltori then
asked for their consent in writing.
Now they showed total change of
front. The scheming of the Chinese
Resident, who for nine years had
played the part of an uncrowned
king was clearly evident. To day
the Korean Government would pro-
mise everything tomorrow they
would make the withdrawal of
Japanese troops an essential prellmi
nary High officials known to favor
reform were degraded. Mr.. Otori on
July 10Th sent an ultimatum to the
Korean Government, to which the
Min politicians after some delay re-
piled in an insulting manner. Mr..
Otori then asked for personal inter
view with the King, who by this time
! seems to have cOmDrehended the stu.