The San Francisco call., 1904-03-23

in Korean official circles. They were
always present bearing gifts for the
Minister and his family and a special
deputation from his Majesty, the En-
peror, was always conspicuous. To-
days departure was in marked con-
trast and is indicative OF the ebb OF
Russian influence at the Korean Court.
KOREANS ARE OVERAWED.
The effect upon his Majesty and the
higher Korean official circles of the
Russian naval reverses Of the last few
days and the prompt observance Of the
demand Of the japanese Minister, M
Hayashi, for the withdrawal of NJ. Paw
low and his countrymen from the Ko-
rean capital can hardly be overestl-
mated. The Korean officials who are
known TO be Of the Russian party at
the capital, and who have been work
ing with NJ. Pavlov for the further
ance Of his plans regarding the future
of Korea. are hiding in fear and trem-
bling. Some have fed from the city
and others dare not show themselves
for fear Of japanese reprisals, now that
they hold the balance of power.
There were no visible signs of dis
composure among the Russian party as
IL embarked to-day, but a general air
Of sadness hung over it and the friends
who had come to say good-by. The
farewells were short and hurriedly
spoken, as though all were anxious 10
have an unpleasant though unavoid-
able task quickly over with. And the
question that was uppermost in the
minds Of all was, When and under
what auspices Will the departing ones
return?
The impossible has occurred. The
representative OF one power has or
dered the representative Of another
power to leave, with all his country
men, from the capital Of an independ-
ent neutral country, one over which
neither of the powers in question is
internationally supposed to possess an
atom of control. With the withdrawal
Of NJ. Pavlov to-day the Russian flag
has disappeared from Korean soil, and
its return will be one Of the important
milestOnes in Oriental history.
ONE WEEKS CHANGES.
All this within six days from the date
that Japan announced that she would
adopt her own course without further
consultation with Russia if that coun-
"a NNAANAAANN1 A4CA ltbAANs VI ANLASAA6 "
withdraw from Manchuria and of de-
clining TO consider the claims advanced
by Japan concerning Korea But a few
days ago the influence of the Russian
Minister was all powerful at the Rus
sian court, and when his Japanese col
league requested an imperial audience
he was informed that his Majesty was
indisposed.
E,x-ar. cipra tho of bo
former Queen Of Korea, on October 8,
1895, the Emperor of Korea, his govern
ment and the Korean people generally
have mistrusted the japanese, and his
Majesty has placed reliance on the
pledges offered him by Russia.
Suddenly a body of troops arrived at
Seoul. and the Japanese Minister, with
out deigning TO consult the trembling
Korean monarch, suggests that Korea
does not need advice nor assistance
from Russia any longer, and her Min
lister has no other choice than to obey.
Already the Emperor of Korea is
pleading for forgiveness and offering
assurances Of better government in fu-
ture; but whether Russia is able to re-
assert her power with the Korean gov
ernment or not. Korea's days of COM
plete independence have been number
ed and the full number counted.
1t is good for Korea that it is so, for
a more oppressed, downtrodden people
does not exist on the face of the earth.
Nevertheless II will be a work of time
care and patience to convince the peo-
pie that their rulers will no longer be
able to squeeze" them and that they
may develop prosperity by their own
industry.
QUESTION OF REFUGEES.
One Of the last official acts of the
departing Russian Minister was to re-
quest the aid of the American Min
lister in removing the Russian refugees
from Tuesdays naval engagement at
Chemulpo, now on board the British
French and italian cruisers. to some
neutral country, where they can
remain until the war is terminated,
and thus avoid the humiliation of be-
ing held prisoners in Japan, and the
American Minister, after consulting
with his japanese confrere, has wired
his Government for instructions.
The situation contained in this ques-
ton is, indeed, one involving delicate
diplomacy. The Russian refugees are
After scuttling their ships in the har-
Dor of neutral country they escaped
10 the vessels of other neutral coun-
tries. The sea battle that led to their
defeat and consequent destruction of
their ships was commenced in neutral
waters and the protests of the nations
who have accepted the refugees were
ignored.
1t is claimed that the British officer
who was sent with the joint protest to
the flagship Mikasa of the Japanese
feet failed by few minutes to reach
the japanese admiral before the unex-
pected early movement of the Rus
sian vessels precipitated firing. All
circumstances considered. it is be-
lieved that Japan will agree to the re-
moval of the unfortunate Russian
refugees to a neutral port, under dis-
tinct assurances that they will not
be permitted to again take up arms
during the present conflict.
The French cruiser Pascal, that car
ries NJ. Pavlov and his party from
Korea, will go to Chefu as soon as per-
mission is obtained to pass through