The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-13


 Washington, December 12.-Concerning the cablegram from the Emperor of Corea MT. Hurlbut said: 4, ~
 This is the first genuine word that has -heeh received from cores. giving the real attitude of that government toward the treacherous act of the Japanese.
 For several weeks the Emperor was practically in confinement and the Jap anese gave out the false statement that an amicable agreement had been made
 This has now proven to be untrue. The agreement was made under duress and at the point of the sword, but the Emperor has at last succeeded in piercing the cor don of Japanese and getting information to the outside world
 "As my mission to America is no long CT secret I may add that the Emperor. anticipating some such act of bad faith on the part of Japan, tried .hrough me to forestall it by lodging an appeal with President Roosevelt The object of my coming was surmised and the coup in Seoul was hastened so that it occurred on the very day of my arrival in Wash ington. The Emperor felt certain that if President Roosevelt could be made aware of his sentiments the American govern ment would hesitate and ask a few ques- tions before accepting Japan's statements at once. The authorities in Washington were almost immediately notified that this petition was to be presented to President Roosevelt but no arrangements were made for it's reception until after Japan s statement was accepted and acted upon. The object of this cablegram is to dis avow any acquiescence in the so-called agreement and incidentally to call atten- ton to the clause of the treaty between America and Corea in which the United States definitely promised to use its good offices in case Corea is oppressed or wronged The United States was in fuil treaty relations with Corea up to the time when upon the representations or Japan alone and apparently without con- sulting Corea. this government took the lead in cutting off direct diplomatic re- lations with Corea."
 MT Ryan said that MT Hartman did not say in so many words that hls pontl- cal influence would be against Ryan, but the witness understood Hartman to mean his entire influence, whether fo- litical financial or otherwise. The wit- ness was not willing to allow MT. Harri- man to name two trustees because ne did not want anybody as a partner Tn the enterprise. The witness talked with Mr. Hartman over the telephone and finally MT. Ryan said to Mir. Hartman that there was no use talking about It, he would not change his mind. "Did Hartman say there would be anything injurious to your interests IT you refused to sell?" asked MT. Hughes. He said his entire influence would be against me- replied Mir. Ryan.
 "Did he refer to the political influence lxt 1,o vt ct hn ff1ta q
 which MT. Root and MT. Cravath were present." asked MT. Hughes
 My recollection is that he did
 'Did he refer to the probability of legis- lative action at that same interview?' 'He did"
 Ryan Understood All. "And you understood fully that in re- l fusing his wishes you were taking the chance of whatever opposition he could | bring to bear upon you?" 'I did,
 ! that the management of the Equitable | should be entirely independent?' q did'
 independent of what?" ..Independent of me and everybody else"
 "Did he threaten any action by an of- fcer of the state government? | "He did not"
 MT. Ryan testified that Hartman of | fered if Mr. Ryan would sell to put his i share of the Equitable in trust. | My conversation with him was strenu- 1 ous," said MT. Ryan. 'I think he sald ] he did not want anybody to control this property unless he had a share in it. MT. | Hartman did not say anything to indl- | cate what action the legislature would i! take No. he made no such threats. l As MT. Bryan left the stand Senator Armstrong said to him that the commit | tee appreciated his coming to testify and recognized the motives of his unwilling