The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-25
Clever Diplomatic Move That De-
stroyS the Force of Russia's
Protest.
AN OPEN DECLARATION
That the Japanese VIII Maintain
Korean independence in Case
They Win.
RUSSIA'S ALLEGED PLAN
Her Note to the Powers Believed
to Be Part of a Scheme to Ulti-
mately Seize Korea.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24-Secretary Hay
has received information that Japan has ne
gotiated treaty with Korea, whereby she
guarantees the independence and integrity
of Korea. This is regarded here as one of
the cleverest of the many startling diplo
matte moves that have been made in con-
nection with the whole Eastern question.
The effect is to place Japan on a high
moral plane for il is understood here that
this treaty is an announcement to the
world that even if she prevails in her
struggle with Russia involving military oc-
cupation of Korea, Japan will take no ad-
vantage of that fact, but will maintain the
independence of the Hermit kingdom
On the other hand the Russian note COM
planning of the violation OF Korean neu-
trality by Japan is believed here TO be in
tended to pave the way for future heavy
reclamations, indeed involving the seizure
of Korea and its annexation for violation
of neutrality in the event that Russia
triumphs in the present struggle. Contrast
ing the two positions an official here point
ed out that the attitude of Japan toward
Korea was very similar to that of the Unit
ed States to Cuba when the Republic occu-
pied the island with its military forces,
only TO withdraw them and free Cuba after
it had rid her of Spanish control.
No details of the new Japanese-Korean
treaty have been announced at the State
Department, which confines itself for the
present to the brief announcement of the
treaty's conclusion. 1t is known, however,
that Korea in return gives Japan extensive
military rights and the officials here re-
gard the negotiation of the treaty as dec
laration by Japan of her protectorate over
the Hermit kingdom and move which has
long been expected. 1t is supposed that
Japan is given the right to foEtify Korea
in any way she wishes and practically as
sumo control of all Koreas defenses
This declaration of a protectorate over
Korea by Japan of course removes Korea
from the rank of a neutral power and
makes the Hermit kingdom as legitimate
a field for military operations as Japan
itself. Although Count Cassini had not
received formal news of the treaty con-
cluson he was informed of IL by Mr.. Hay.
The ambassador was not surprised in view
of his recent advices from M Pavlof. the
Russian minister at Seoul, who was aware
of Japan's efforts in this direction. Rus
sia it is said. will not abandon her con-
tention for the independence of Korea and
Will refuse to recognize JapanS right to
establish a protectorate provided for in the
treaty. The Russian ambassador in his
conversation with the secretary, pointed out
that Japan declaration mad come too late
to be observed by Russia, the ST Peters
burg government already had announced
that Japan's conduct in Korea had been
such that it would be impossible for Rus
sia further to regard as valid any orders
or declarations issued by Korea.
Mr.. Takahira, the japanese minister, de-
clared that the information given him by
newspapermen was the first he had re-
ceived. The minister said he was not aware
of any such treaty and intimated that
perhaps reference wds had TO an old treaty
between Japan and Korea. Secretary Hay
the minister him, placed
at his disposal and will inform the minister
of any further details on the subject which
the department may receive.
1t was learned tonight that Russia will
ignore Japan'S newly negotiated treaty
with Korea, and has so informed the
United States. Japan, it may he stated
assumes practically the same attitude of
indifference toward Russia's protest to the
powers, which on high authority is de-
clared will be ignored by the Toxic gov
ernment.
In diplomatic circles Secretary Hays an
nouncement of the negotiation of the Jap
anese-Korean treaty created n sensation
While the treaty, ii is stated, opens up
possibilities for new international compli-
cations in the far Eastern war, the diplo-
matte corps here continues firm in the be-
lief that there is no ground for apprehen-
sion at present that the war will extend
beyond the two beligerents and Korea. 1t
will not surprise diplomats conversant with
Japanese plans to see early announce
ment from Toxic declaring that practically
all Korean ports will be opened eventually
to the commerce of the world.