The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-06-24
A GRAVE CRISIS AT HAND.
Since Japan Yielded TO Russia. Korea
Looks Up to the Latter.
As Russia Wants TO Annex Korea. and
as mat Country Obeyed Japan
Through Fear Only. Japan Is Likely
TO Lose It-Chinese Treachery in
Formosa.

Japanese people continue TO manifest dis
satisfaction with the results OF the war,
and are unwilling to believe that the trou-
bles are yet over. Rumors of foreign in
reference in Formosa were so frequent
at the beginning of this month that the
government thought II eNpedient TO pub
i:sh IN official statement Of Frances deter
mination not 10 NEEDLE with the affairs
OF that island. Notwithstanding the gem
eral incredulity in Japan. il does not seem
probable that any difficulties VIII be en-
countered in this direction, except those
arising from the disposition of the Chinese
occupants TO resist the japanese authority.
The attempt TO set up republic in For
mOsa would be considered altogether ridic-
uloNs by the new owners of the island,
but for the evidence that the malcontents
are mostly openly supported by high pro-
vincial officials in China and not a few
of the court dlgntaries in Peking. Im-
perial DEGREES have undoubtedly been is
sued instructing the local authorities in
FormOsa 10 Vacate their posts and make
way for the conquerors, but no arrange
ments have been made for transporting
the Chinese troops 10 the mainland. and
messages have been sent TO the head OF
the improvised republic, assuring them of
sympathy and practical aid in their efforts
10 prevent the Japanese from taking
peaceful possess on. Large sums OF money
have been conveyed to the self-created
him in abundance. provided he can make
a stand against the forces of Governor
General Kabayama. OF this there is not
the slightest chance. and Tang's only eX-
pectation is to win the favor of his SOW
ereign by brief show of defiance after
which, trusting 10 the habitual clemency
of the Japanese, he hopes TO retire In
blaze of fictitious glory. 1t may prove in
this instance that the patience of the
yictors has been strained too far. Japan
is in no humor to be trified with by CHINA.
however necessary II may be to appear
unrufI1ed by the sights of formidable Eu-
ropean powers
Mr. Foster has strongly expressed his
disapproval Of the proceedings in Formosa.
He accompanied the son OF Ii Hung Chang
to Tamsui in the harbor Of which port
the transfer of authority was effected on
June , The business was transacted on
board a Japanese ship Of war DetaFh-
ments of the Japanese imperial guard
were landed at Tamsui and Keelung, before
which the Chinese retreated in dirorder
A few skirmshes are reported. but no
fighting of a serious nature has yet oc-
CURED.
Although no international complications
are apprehended on Formosas account,
the latest Korean developments are Justly
regarded with grave anxiety Count
Inouye. the Japanese representative at
III,
part in consultations as TO the future pol
lev Of japan in that kingdom. but really,
II is believed, to discuss the question OF
abandoning entirely the attempts 10 intro
duce social and political reforms into the
corrupt monarchy. Until few weeks ago
the dominating influence of the japanese
was securely maintained. but since the an
nounCement of Japan's submission TO the
recent demands of Russia and her allies
the Koreans have convinced themselves
that Russia alone is TO be feared and
courted and that they may safely repudi-
ate their pledges TO the island empire.
Little Difference is paid 10 Count lnouye,
and the government leaders are seeking
to ingratiate themselves with the Russian
diplomatic agent by every conceivable de-
vice. The ministry of Kim Hong, which
ruled under Inouye's guidance, was over
thrown June I and new cabinet formed.
the leading members OF which are avowed-
" opposed TO the adoption Of Japanese
methods OF reform. Public affairs are now
controlled by the queen, through her ad-
herents In the administration Unless
Count Inouye is permitted 10 employ forct-
bic means. his chances Of regaining as
cendapcy are small. From the beginning
Japan has declared her determination 10
act only as a friendly adviser 20 Korea.
and any attempt 10 impose her authority
hv violence would be inconsis ent with
her professions and her true purposes.
She hoped that the feeble country could
he made capable of self-goVernment on
civilized principles. She now finds that II
wishes for nothing but to be left 10 its own
chaos of misrule. The outlook is fun OF
difficulties II the Japanese government
gives ND it's task it will not only be ve-
her1entIv aSsaiIed at home, but VIII leave
Korea at the mercy of Russia, and that
eurpire will have no scruples in securing
for itself all the advantages az the situa-
tion IL cannot be supposed that Count
Ito and his associates are bind 10 the
avrl,vardness. not 10 say danger. OF their
positfon or that they will allow the inter
ests Of their country to be careiessly sacri-
fced. All Japan is eagerly waiting 10 sec
in what manner they will undertake 10
solve the perpexing problems forced upon
them hv the resolve OF the Korean rulers
10 discard the japanese alliance ana 10
ulaca the kingdom al Russias disposal
Count Inouye il expected IN Tokyo IN A
few DAYS but n disclosure oI the govern
roent.s intentions cannot be long deferred.
The Tai Won Kun's grandson. recent
IL hanishef for treason and compiicity
in murder. is reported 10 have died at
his Mace Of exile. Public opinion credits
the queen of Korea with having caused
him to he assassinated-
The Japanese authorities are making
s.ranuous efforts 10 prevent the spread
~ cholera I'm Tokyo ana other cities
through which the troops returning from
China are obliged 20 pass. only fer
isolated cases have been thus lar de-
testcd.
The Korean government has engaged
foreign enEraver 20 prepare plates Tor a
national psp@r currency
As me Japauesa soldiers are gradually
v-sthd-a~o from Na0chlra they are fol-
lov-a1 nv lawless bands % armed Chi
rnsa who treat he unpr0feo ed i0hab-
t.ar+s with rn4rc4less cruelty. one hun-
Ard and fsty prominent families of re
r.aao.ong district. aprre hensiTe Of vio-
80 tll-treatmeur and having 70 con-
a4a-ra in the Chinese AUTHORITIES, have
aop,{eA for permission 10 emigrate 10
Tra Jananese authorities a. Tokyo are
-.-s-,a-I-s- 20 receive with due ceremony
me italian prince who is expected On
,ta -7a~-of-vvar Crierertero Colon DO.
lfs+ sf -he total casualties IA the Jap
aras4 armies during the HaT has been
1et,-faftv Duhlished SIX hundred and
,y~en.v vr1rs killed iu hattie. IT. died u
7..o,,-.5s. . al were wounded hut nor IA
tauy. 80 died of cholera, and 2.s'i Of
other dist ases.
%-fsrof1n- Afutsu attempted az the be-
-,--,-3r.- - June. 20 resume the duties OF
th. foreign ONE. bat was corn PEELED 10
ss,.-a.7 +ht. e~o~t and take a health va
c.ffa, os ors month Marquis Sai0nil,
rotnlste- - education. temporarily re-
places hin.