New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-25
JAPAN PROTECTS COREA.
Guarantees independence and In
tegrity Of the Kingdom.

Washington Feb. 24-Secretary Hay has re-
ceived information that Japan has negotiated
2 treaty with Corea whereby she guarantees
the independence and integrity Of the latter
country. This IS regarded here as one OF me
cleverest OF the many startling diplomatic moves
that have been made in connection with the
Eastern question. The effect is TO place Japan
on a high moral plane for it is understood here
that this treaty Is an announcement TO the world
that. even II she prevails IN her struggle with
Russia. involving military occupation Of Corea-
Japan Sin take no advantage OF that fact but
viii maintain the Independence OF the Hermit
Kingdom.
on the other hand. the Russian note complain
ing OF the violation Of Corean neutrality by
Japan is believed here TO be intended 10 pave
the way for future heavy reclamations. involv-
ing the seizure and annexation OF Corea for
violation OF neutrality If Russia triumphs IN
the present struggle
Contrasting the two positions. an official here
said that the attitude OF Japan toward Corea
was similar 10 that OF the United States TO
cuba when this country occupied 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-Corean treaty
have been announced at the State Department
which confines itself FOR the present to the brief
announcement that the treaty has been con-
Guided. II is known. however, that Corea' IN
return. gives Japan extensive military rights
and the officials here regard the negotiation OF
the treaty as a declaration by Japan Of her
protectorate over the Hermit Kingdom, and a
move which has long been expected II IS sup
posed that Japan secures the right TO fortify
Corea in any way she wishes. and practically
assumes control of all Ccrean defences.
This declaration OF a protectorate Of course
removes Corea from the rank Of neutral powers
and makes the kingdom as legitimate field for
military operations as Japan itself
Although Count Cassini had not received for-
NAL news OF the treaty's conclusion, he was IN
formed Of II by Mr.. Hay. The ambassador
not surprised in view Of his recent adNlces
from N. Payloff. the Russian Minister at Seoul.
who was aware Of Japans efforts in this O.
rection. Russia, Il Is believed. viii not abandon
her contention for the Independence OF Corea
and Will refuse TO recognize Japans right 10
esta hlish a prOtectOrate as provided Tor IN the
treaty The Russian Ambassador, ia MS con
Hersation with the Secretary, pointed out That
Japan's declaration had come too late 20 be OBJ
served by Russia. the st. Petersburg govern
rTeut had already announced that Japan con-
duct IN Corea had been such that II would ne
impossible for Russia further TO regard as NaIld
any orders or declarations issued by toTea-
M Takahira. the japanese Minister, declared
that the information given him by newspaper
men was the first he had received The minis
ter was not aware Of any such treaty, and inll-
mated that perhaps reference was had 10 an olu
treaty between japan and Corea. secretary
Hay as soon as the minister saw nm paced
the substance Of Mr.. Aliens dispatch al his dls-
ro.sal and viii inform the minister Of any FUR
fber details ON the subject which the department
may receive.