The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-03-26
JAPAN And KOREA
Count Okuma Gives De,
tails of New Treaty.
Russia VIII Assume. Joint Protec-
ton With Japan-KingtRe-
turns to His Palace.

Count Okuma. the japanese Minister
Foreign Affairs, addressed the House
Of Repres natives on February p on
the subject OF Korea. He described
succiuctly the modern diplomatic re-
lauons between Japan and Korea, out
Of which grew so much unfriendly feel
ing Almost Immediately after the con-
elusion OF the treaty Of Balkan, in 1895
when Japan, after the war with China,
allied herself with Korea, came The
cession Of Liaotung in conformity with
the advice Of Russia, Germany and
France. This action On the part Of
Japan created doubts in the Korean
mind.
The internal affairs were at the time
in a state OF unrest because of mutual
suspicious harbored by different mem
bers of the royal family. These sus-
picious led to the disturbance OF Feb
ruary. 1886, which eliminated in the
death OF the Queen and the flight Of
the King for refuge TO the Russian
Legation. Subsequently the lives of
japanese were in danger in Korea,
and there became an imperative need
Of an agreement between Japan and
Russia Such an agreement, the Min
lister was happy TO state, had been
signed.
By the terms Of the agreement Japan
and Russia are to advise Korea as 20
her financial policy, and, if necessary,
win lend their support should there
be recourse 10 foreign loans. The ere
alton and maintenance of armed force
for the preservation of internal order
is left TO Japan. Both nations will adj
minister telegraph lines, and will keep
a sufficient guard TO preserve the lives
and protect the japanese settlements
and Russian legations and consulates.
In speaking of the present relations
between Japan and Korea, Count 0ku-
ma said: Disturbances and discomfort
in Korea are daily diminishing, and
riots have also been suppressed. The
feeling OF the Korean officials and peo-
pie towards japanese is also improv-
ing Whereas, at one time, Japanese
could not travel or trade outside Of
Soul, Fusan, Jinsen and Gensan, they
are now welcomed throughout the
eight provinces Of the kingdom. At
Phyong-yang. which was at one time
entirely deserted by japanese, they
tan now trade in safety. They also
carry on their business as far north as
VIII on the Yalu. the river which
marks the Chinese boundary The
hostility that existed formerly between
the japanese merchants and others in
Korea on the one hand and the Ko-
rsans on the other has most unexpect-
edIv disappeared and been replaced by
friendlier sentiments. The trade OF the
two countries is undisturbed and has
a tendency 10 increase: and in the
sane manner the relations between
the two governments are also very
cordial. The suspicious of His Majesty
the King Of Korea have also been dis
PEELED In November last. when His
Imperial Highness Prince Komatsu
Yorihito visited Soul in his capacity
OF naval officer. His Korean Majesty.
though then living at the Russian Le-
CATION. went 10 his palace and receiv-
sd him with the heartiest expression
Of welcome and good will. This is suf-
fcient 70 indicate the great change
that has taken place in the Kings
sentiments toward Japan.
Acting on the advice of the two
powers, the King returned to his pal
ace on February 20. The Japan Mail.
IN speaking Of the event, says: His
Majesty left the Russian Legation,
where he had been safely domiciled
for one year and nine days. He went
in II the back gate and passed out at
the front He went in closely COW
cred chair: he passed out publicly
He went into the Legation about =
the early morning-he left il at l in
the afternoon. He slipped out from
the palace by one gate and the Crown
Prince by another, 2 year ago: today
on their departure from their tempo
rary home. they observed the usual
rules. even to sending the two empty
chairs in advance. a single file Of
E0Iiiers guarded each side of the street
and no one was allowed to enter. There
was a great desire on the part of the
pOpulaee to show their sympathy with
the return 10 the palace, as well as
their loyalty TO their King. but this
vas not permitted. doubtless because
the street was TOO narrow