The San Francisco call., 1896-02-08

IN the very capital where he was driven as
in exile, and where for a time he was
tgiven position under the United States
Hovernment.
1t is said to have been largely on account
OF the Vaccinations of the Queen of Korea,
who was another Cleopatra for intrigue.
The Queen was killed recently, but IN the
drama or tragedy to which it had turned
no one can be found who is known to have
comm itted the deed.
In 1888 Mr.. Sob came to the United
States as secretary of the legation. There
was an overturning after a few months,
and he was called home. While at home
he interested himself IN furthering various
reforms. Fer this, In company with OF ers,
his life was sought, and they fed. intend
ing to reach the United States
One of the reformsrs was killed in Japan
ana the others managed to reach here.
Mr.. Sob, by the aid of friends in San
Francisco and elsewhere in the United
Smithsonian Institution and afterWard to
other departments.
He spent ten years here, became Chris
tian, learned the language. and advanced
himself as best he could. Something near
a year ago he was called back by the
Korean King, Soh's party having mean
while grown very strong.
On the same steamer departed Ye Sin
500, the Korean Minister, representing
the faction that had driven him out. He
was unwell and was going home on leave
of absence. He was dressed in the tour
ing hat and strange costume of the
Koreans, while Sob was clad in American
attire. HE is no better than Chinaman, -
said Mr.. Sob. sarcastically. Minister 500
died in Korea, and Mr.. Sob. after serving
meanwhile as Minister OF Justice, is re-
turning as Minister Soo's successor. He
ic at in AT1,a
haps the Korean costume may never again
be seen at the National capital
Minister Sob says that by an edict issued
on January 1 the American dress is being
adopted, and the hair is being cut short as
in most OF the civilized countries
''rhe people all have to abide by the
ORDER" sand the Minister. ''Of course
there were great many who, because of
the customs to which they had long been
used, aisliked to cut their hair and
wear different kind of clothing. That
was to be expected. Still they began at
once to adapt themselves to the new order
of things.
Seoul, you know, has 100000 people,
and Korea as whole has certainly not less
than 100000 of a population, and, as l
believe, has probably 100000. With SO
many people il was difficult to carry out
the order. The small villages were more
obdurate than the large cities.
THE country is advancing steadily,
though not as rapidly as ] could wish.
Since the revolution there are indications
of greater progress.
"Ihe Queen, of whose death we know
through the attendants, was a woman of
signal ability. Her powers were unusual,
and she was really great woman, but she
was not of royal blood. She was, how
ever, of good family. John A. Cockerill,
the correspondent who recently visited
Korea, did me an injustice recently in
implying that was in a measure respon-
sible for the tragedy. met him in the
Grand Hotel afterward and he admitted
he had done me wrong, and was very
pleasant IN connection with some inquiries
about Korea.
"Mr. Greathouse, who is connected with
the Foreign Department is getting along
very well.
the United States-the land of liberty. 1t
was my home for many years, and very
pleasant one il was. / shall do all can at
Washington for the upbuilding of Korea.
''in regard to the stories about Russia
possibly marching on Korea and the pos
sIble wiping out OF the kingdom no one
can say anything. Nothing definite is
known. | trust however, my country will
continue long after / myself am gone"
The new Minister, though bearing let
ters from United States Minister Allen
and others in Korea, was delayed in land
ing from the Gaelic, as he stated. His
baggage was searched, contrary to diplo-
matte usages, by the Custom-house Of
ficials.
II don't know what to make of it," said