Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-24
COREA'S NEUTRALITY.
Its Full independence Recognized b,
All the Powers.

| st. Petersburg Feb. 23.-F'oreigi
Minister Lamsdorff, yesterday, sent thu
following circular to Russian repre-
sentatives abroad:
| Since the rupture of the negotiations
between Russia and Japan. the attitude
of the Toxic cabinet has constituted
open violation of all customary laws
governing the mutual relation of civil
lized nations. The independence an(
integrity of COrea, as fully independ
ent empire, has been fully recognized
| by all the powers. and the inviolablity
| of this fundamental principle was con-
| frmed by Article 1 of the Simonesk
treaty, and by the agreement nspeci
ally concluded for this purpose 'etweer
Japan and Great Britain on Jan. 80
1902. as well as by the Franco Russian
declaration of March Is. 1902.
THE Emperor of Corea, foresecinf
the danger of a possible conflict be-
tween Russia and japan, addressed
early in January. 1904, a note to al
| the powers declaring his determination
to preserve the strictest neutrality
This declaration was received will
satisfaction by the powers. and was
ratified by Russia. According to the
Russian minister to Corea. the British
government charged the British diplo-
matte representative at Seoul to pre-
sent an official note to the Emperor OF
Corea. thanking him for his declara-
ton of neutrality.
In disregard of all these facts, in
spite of all treaties in spite of it's OBJ
legations, and in violation Of the funda-
mental rules of international law, il
has been proved by exact and fully
confirmed facts that the Japanese gov
eminent. first, before the opening of
hostilities against Russia. landed its
troops in the independent empire of
Corea. which had declared it's neu-
trality; second, with a division of its
fleet it made Il sudden attack on Feb.
:. that is. three days prior to the decla-
ration of war. on two Russian warships.
in the neutral port of Chemulpo.
Third. in spite of the International
laws above mentioned. and shortly be-
fore the opening of hostilities, the Jap
anese captured as prisoners of war
certain Russian merchant ships in neu-
trail ports of Corea.
Fourth, Japan declared to the EN-
peror of Corea, through the Japanese
minister at Seoul. that Corea would
henceforth be under Japanese admin
istration, and she warned the Emperor
that in case of his nom compliance
Japanese troops would occupy the
palace.
Fifth, through the French minister
at Seoul. she summoned the Russian
representative at the Corean court TO
leave the country. with the Staffs of
the Russian legation and consulate
Recognizing that all the above facts
constitute fragrant breach of interpa-
tional Law. the imperial government con-
siders 1t to be its duty to lodge a pro-
test with all the powers against this pro-
ceedure of the Japanese government and
II Is firmly convinced that all the pow
ers, valuing the principles which guar
antee their relations. will agree with tho
Russian attitude. At the same time tho
imperial government considers 1t neces-
sary to issue a timely warning that. ow
ing to Japan's illegal assumption of now
er in COrea, the government declares all
orders and declarations which NAV he is
sued on the part of the Corean govern
ment to be invalid.
Il beg you to communicate this doom.
ment to the government to which yo,,
are accredited.
tSigneD 'Lamsdorff"
The Japanese who were hanged in Man.