New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-30
COREAN TROLLEY LINES.
Because of Superstition SI,OO0,00O
Extra Is Being Spent.

San Francisco. Nov. % (speciaD-There have
been many for building trolley railroads In
this and other countries, but it has been left to
the little despotisn OF Corea, the bore of conten-
ton between Japan and Russia, to build an cleo
trcalIy equipped railroad on account Of supersti-
ton A big engineering firm OF this city has the
contract, and has been at work on the project fer
several months
This is not the first trolley road that Corea has
had. however. for IN 1899, with banners flying
music and impressive ceremonies, the empire cele-
brated the opening Of its first electric railway. 1t
was constructed for a unique purpose TO be sure
but then, 1t was electric railway and that in an
Oriental country showed remarkable progress.
1t was built from the royal palace at Seoul to
the tomb Of the murdered Queen Consort. situated
five miles outside the walls Of the CITY, for the
sole purpose Of bearing the King and his retinue
which IN Corea comprises q large number OF dis
tnguished persons. TO the spot whenever custom
or the mandates Of the gods required sovereign
10 90 into official mourning. Thus the trolley car
in Corea at first was not the peoples chariot"
as It has often been called in this country. The
same San Francisco engineering firm mentioned
before had this contract also. and it was a well
built piece OF road thoroughly equipped with mod
ern rolling stock from this country.
When the road was first opened it created great
excitement in the Oriental city Of Seoul 1t was
so novel spectacle that the Coreans could not
comprehend it at all In this country. with its
great inventions, one one, even If IL is won
derful, causes no great wonder But for = Corean
to see vehicle wheels going at great speed
with apparently nothing. far as he could see TO
propel II, was wonderful, indeed. The natives
were struck dumb with amazement and many fell
on their faces, thinking that II was a thing Of the
gods, indeed But the Orentals, like other people
can get used to almost anything, and 80 it was
with the Coreans. In a few weeks the trolley cars
became a familiar sight in Seoul. and the natives
took them as matter Of course but fl is safe to
say. still considered them a wonderful piece Of
work. inexpicable and ethereal. Another surprise
was awaiting them. however, and at one time II
was feared that a revolution might ensue because
Of it
The mourning customs Of the King were not ex-
tremely exacting. although he was expected 10
spend rather moro time than the majority of
Americans give to such matters, and so a high
official suggested that he defray the expenses Of
the installation, equipment and conducting of the
road by opening it up for the public. The King
at first held up his hands in holy horror at the
apparent prostitution OF such a sacred piece of
work. but as a good Corean King always does. or
always should 90. he consulted the royal sooth-
sayers. After long consultation, covering many
days, the scothsayers handed down a decision"
that the gods Of the realm had consented to let
the King carry out his plans in regard to opening
up the trolley line for public use when II was not
necessary for the royal party use it for mourn
ing purposes Tho poPuace then, il said.
would consent TO a little inconvenience and wait
few hours or day, If necessary. before full
filing engagements: but this the way with
ArienTaIS ana they were SchOOled to wait. The
royal mourning cars. built at great cost would
never do for the everyday. common people Of Seoul,
and modern trolley cars were at once ordered
from this country, and after several months
reached Corea. a day set for the formal
opening Of the road One of the American en-
gineers told the King that it often the custom
IL his country when trolley road opened
20 the public to allow the populace to ride free
this.
Why he said. "just think Of the thousands Of
my subjects who are anxious TO ride my road.
and would spend half their years income for the
privilege, Why should they ride free2 Rather
should ! get premium on the first day; for more
Will want 10 ride then than ever afterward in the
But The object is TO show the people what a
really good thing the railway Is, and If you do chat
they VIII want 10 ride more and more. time
goes We Americans simply do IL so that we
may be The gamers in the end"
This settled H. the King anxious TO be pro-
EresSiNe. and = Americans did il that WAY there
was no rsason why he should not and the decree
went toIth that on given day all could ride free
.2ut trouble brewing: for the conservative
party OF the COrean Empire, which IS always a
strong faction In the Orient, did not take kindly
20 this innovation. One patriarch was willing IL
need be, follow in the footsteps of Abra ham
although he had undoubtedly heard of the
Old Testament character. lie caused his daughter
10 move in defiance OF the frantic warning OF the
rnotorman. The child's life not sacrificed but
this circumstance was enough 10 infuriate the mob
II tore I'D the tracks and wrecked many buildings
f7otorrren an ] conductors from San Francisco be-
fore the road could be operated with any degree
u security. Since then everything has gone
smoothly. Tar as mundone Orientals are con-
Tie KING soon found that. having disposed Of