The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-22
NOT AT ODDS OVER KOREA.
Denials of 81 Russo
Japanese Misunderstanding


Count Cassini. the Russian Ambassador.
and Mr.. Takahira the Japanese Minister,
confessed surprise yesterday over the re-
port that owing to the gathering of a
Russian fleet in Korean waters the Jap
anese Government had ordered a large
opposing fleet there. Neither of them
had received official advices on the sub
ject.
Since the conventions of 1896 and 1898
between Russia and Japan definitely set
ting forth the rights of each in Korea,
their interests in that country have been
regarded as settled Japans industrial
and commercial interests in that country
and the rights of her many subjects there
were especially provided for in an ar
ticle of the treaty of 1898, after the Chi
nese-Japanese war.
The only reason suggested in diplomatic
circles for a Russian demonstration in
Korean waters at this time is that 1t is
intended as hint to Japan to keep an
eye on Korea and to leave Manchuria
alone. Japans interests under these
treaties have prospered, and both Count
Cassini and Mr.. Takahira say that there
is no reason at this time for any trouble
over Korea between Russia and Japan
Count Cassni said to a reporter:
The Korean question may be cOnsid-
cred quite settled under the conventions
of 1896 and 1895 There Is no difficulty that
| have been advised of between the two
Powers as to Korea at this time. Nor
has Korea any connection with the ques-
lions that the ENJOYS at Pekin are trying
TO settle. If a Russian fleet has gathered
in Korean waters it may be only a coin
cidence following the release of several
ships from the ice at Vladivostock, where
they have been in winter quarters. They
are now probably on their way to the
Asiatic station. l have not been advised
as yet on the subject"
Mr.. Takahira said: Il have not been
advised by my Government of the report
ed direction of a japanese fleet to Korean
waters. Under the existing treaties be-
tween Russia and Japan the rights of
each in Korea are wei; settled. There is
no reason at all for trouble over Korea at
this time"
Mr.. Takahira pointed out some OF the
provisions of the two protocols, signed in
1896 and 1895, which he had before him in
French.
The first, that of 1896, contained an
agreement between the two Powers to
advise the Korean Government to reduce
expenses and establish as nearly as pos
sible balance between the expenses and
revenues of the country. II agreed that
IT, on account Of reforms i'm this line, any
internal trouble followed Japan and Rus
STA should give the Korean Government
their support in maintaining order To
Korea was left the right of maintaining
sufficient military and police forces to
maintain order if possible. Certain joint
Geographic facilities in Korea were al
lowed to both Russia and Japan. and Ger
tain privileges for outside communication
We're granted Russia. while others al
ready in Japanese control We're allowed to
stand. though all with the provision that
the Korean Government should be allow
ed to purchase them as soon as it had
the means to do so. The last article of
this protocol stipulated that the repre-
sentatives signing it should thereafter
make any further agreement that became
necessary.
The necessity for another protocol fol-
lowed the Chino-Japan war and this
signed in 1898, provided, in general that
the Japanese should definitely recognize
the sovereignty and entirety of Korea and
Russia and Japan mutually agreed to alb
stain from all direct or indirect inter
ference in Korean interior affairs. and not
to take any measure as to the nominal
ton of either a military instructor or a
financial adviser of the country without
mutual understanding ON the subject
1t was also provided in article , that i'm
view Of the large development OF com
mercial and Industrial enterprises in
Korea by Japan, and the large number
of Japanese subjects there. the Russian
Government agreed not to make any at
tempt to prevent the continuance of this
development, or interfere with JAPANESE
subjects there in the pursuit of such trade
as they might be engaged in