New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-05-17
pJ-sSIA'S DESIGNS ON COREA.
r,,,s COUNTRY MAY BECOME INVOLVED
IN THE EASTERN CONTROVERSY.

,- UNITED STATES BOUND Hy TREATY TO
,rxnrr ITS GOOD OFFICES If OPPRESSION OF
THE HERMIT KINGDOM II ATTEMPTED.
fpy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuSEl
Washington May l6.-The apparent determina-
zion Of Russia TO occupy Corea. with view 10
-. establishment Of "A protcctoratc over the
so,insua or its scaports. causes concern here
- russian papers speak authortatively. this
.o,rtrv may be drawn into the Eastern contro-
,.o,ev The Russian press frequently voices OFF,
o,a, opinians in speaking OF the Intentions of
.sa cars Government. and It is the exception
n,on II goes beyond the bounds Of probability in
discussng affairs IF state. strict arc the Pro-
.,h,,ions on papers in the Empire Should Rus
eta attempt 10 ho'd Corea under the pretence Of
friendship or for a>owed purposes of aggrandize-
,nen, and Corea should complain to this country
and insist on the terms OF her treaty with the
United States being carried out. 1t would be the
duty Of the President. under the existing treaty
with the Hermit Kingdom. to interfere diplo-
matically AT least This point Is not generally
known but il is nevertheless fact.
The Japanese Minister Mr.. kurino. was an
carly caller at the State Department to-day. and
with Acting Secretary Uhl was engaged in con-
terence in the diplomatic room for upward of IN
hour. Mr. Kurinos visit. it is understood. was
Tor the purpose OF learning what would be the
s,titude Of the Administration in case Russia
should establish or attempt to put in operation
any form of protectorate in Corea. The japanese
Minister did not say in SO many words that ne
had definite information to the effect that Rus
sja contemplated such course. but he un-
doubtedly left the impression that there was
reason for believing that The Cars Government
had in view a policy booking to greater ad-
vantages to itself in the big peninsula.
Under the treaty with Corea the United states
IS bound by one Of the articles to tender rs
which may he ATTEMPTED against the Hermit
Kingdom by any foreign Power Only short
time ago in pursuance Of the treaty provision
and at the request Of the King Secretary
Gresham went so far as to urge japan to adopt
M oppressive measure in COrea. 1t VIII be re-
,nenob bered that the tender Of good Offices in this
instance was rather ilr-advised and futile This
was the first case in which Corea called on
the United States to speak in her behalf and Try
10 check the plans OF those whom she res1rdei
as unfriendly The action Of the state Depart
ment was taken promptly on receipt 4 the re-
quest. o., 49,.
State Department official said ;o-daj that
under the existing treaty this country Was COM
nelled TO use its good offices TO prevent Tor, gn
fnrroachments in Corea. provided it appeared
that such course taken in opposition 10
Corean wishes Under certain conditions IL would
re obligatory on the President. through the Secre-
fary OF State to urge Russia not TO carry out her
nrorramre When asked TO whether tne
United States would be compelled under the
treaty 10 go further than an expression or pro-
tast and an attempt TO dissuade Russia from oc-
cupying Corea the official replied No.