Evening journal., 1895-11-05
THE POLICY OF JAPAN.
Attitude of the Mikado's Gov
ernment Toward Korea.
PURELYALTRUIsTIO BEEBvoLBNoE

The Japanese Minister Declares That His
Country Does Eot Desire Protectorate
Over the Hermit Kingdom Korea In n
Chaotic Condition.
w lsHINGToN, Nov b-The telegram
from the Japanese government to its min
lister at Washington announcing authori-
tatively the policy of Japan in Korea has
created great deal Of interest In diplo-
matte circles. The Japanese minister,
whom approached upon the subject said
very frankly that this announcement OF
Japnn's attitude toward Korea could only
be construed in one way-namely as an
indication Of the earnest desire of the
japanese government to remove all posi-
bic cause for misapprehenslon upon the
subject. Recent events in Korea, 4" said
Mr.. Kurino "have unfortunately given
rise TO the Impression in some quarters
that Japan is seeking to exercise exclusive
control over that country-in other words,
to establish a protectorate. Nothing could
be further from the truth than this suppo-
sltion. In dealing with Korea Japan has
but one object-the establishment and
maintenance of the Independence Of the
Korean kingdom.
"ln holding this purpose the japanese
government Is not aotuated by any wish
20 control Korea or by any motive OF pure
ly altruistic benevolence. Her own inter-
ests demand that Korea shall bo independ-
ent, and that the Korean government
shall bo strong enough to maintain order
within the kingdom and to protect for
eigners residing there. Eighty per cent OF
korea's trade is with Japan The regular
lines Of communication between Korea
-.
Japanese control, while large numbers Of
Japanese reside in Korea for purposes Of
business. Through tho weak and vascil-
lating policy OF the Korean government,
largely due formerly to the misohievous
influence exerted by Chinese agents, all Of
those interests were constantly endanger-
cd. informal disorder became tho rule
rather than the exception in Korea, and
at every fresh outbreak it was Japan or
her subject that suffered most. 1t can be
seen from this that Japan had strong
motive entirely different from anything
like an ambitious design to control the
political destinies of Korea, in assuming
and maintaining the attitude she occupies
Korean Anairs In Chaotic Condition.
Korean affairs are still unhappily in
most chaotic condition, and the best meant
efforts to improve the condition of the
government and the people are be8et by
obstacles which seem we'll nigh insur-
mountable Consequently there has been
somo misunderstanding in Europe and
America concerning the real situation in
Korea and the true designs OF Japan. All
such doubt should be removed by the dec
laration of policy contained in the tele-
gram from my government which is a
clear and at the same time n very frank
statement Of its true designs. The pres
ence Of large force of Japanese troops in
Korea has doubtless been one reason why
the impression has gained ground that the
japanese government desires to establish
proteotorate thore.
1.-The declaration of Japan does not
mean that all Of the Japanese troops will
DO withdrawn from Korea when Port Ar
thur is evacuated, for the retention OF a
suitable forco will probably still be neces.
sary for the protection Of japanese sub
iects and the legation and consulates
But the maintenance of even such force
is clearly regarded as temporary, as is
shown by the statement that the Japanese
government hopes that the work of re-
form having been set in motion will pro-
gress, and that consequently Korea will
shortly be able to maintain order and pro-
tect Foreigners in which event the troops
still retained for those purposes will be
recalled These declarations should servo
20 eifeotually set at rost the rumors re-
garding Japan's designs upon Korea
which have already gained some degree OF
credoncs and which, il uncontradioted
are calculated to lead to most mischieyous
and injurious consequences. The attitude
Of Japan has been consistent from the be.
ginning AT the outset she declared that
her sole object was the maintenance of
Korean Independence "