Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1907-07-23
throne OF KOREA
TO crown PRINCE
EMPEROR YIELDS TO INEVITABLE
AND SIGNS REscRlPT OF
ABDicATIoN.
FIGHTS TO THE LAST
TO RETAIN CONTROL
Ministers and Elder Statesmen Refuse
to Support Him-Active opposi-
ton Against Japanese Feared
Sympathy at Toyko.

Seoul, Korea, July 20.-Korea has
q new emperor to-day. The former
ruler abdicated in favor of the crown
prince at one a. m. Friday, after
scenes of dramatic intensity Agi.
tated and perturbed, the former mon.
arch struggled to the last to retain
his throne, but first his ministers, and
then the council of elder statesmen
refused to support him, and there
was nothing left for him to do except
sign the rescript in favor of the
heir.
In the imperial script of abdication
the emperor briefly expresses his re-
greet that during the AZ years of his
reign national calamities have come
In rapid succession, and says the
peoples distress has become so ag-
gravated that he deemed it time to
transfer the crown to the heir APP
parent in conformity with ancient
usage.
1t is reported that dramatic scene
was enacted at the palace when the
ministers, headed by Premier vi
Wang Yong, appeared before his ma
jesty and made the cabinets final
representation, urging the emperor's
abdication. His majesty was in a
high state Of excitement, but the pre-
mier, in the most humble but firm
tone, dwelt at length upon the lack of
prudence in the emperor's policies,
especially in diplomatic affairs,
whereby he was endangering the
safety of the nation. The premier
enumerated his majesty's duplicates,
which eliminated in the dispatch of a
deputation to The Hague confer
ence.
Elder Statesmen Forsake Him.
Unable to combat the logic of the
premier's representations, the en-
peror sought refuge in the council OF
elder statesmen, expecting their sym.
patty. The council Immediately con.
vened. Four elders responded and
appeared before his majesty at one
o'clock Friday morning. His disap-
pointment was great when they
agreed with the minister's advice.
Therenpon he consented to the draft
Of an imperial rescript announcing his
abdication, which was placed before
him for signature.
The emperor's condition was pit
liable. Greatly perturbed, he signed
the document, and the seal was affix-
ed amid impressive silence A SUP.
pressed sigh from the abdicating
ruler was the only sound which broke
the deathlike stiffness.
Populace May Make Trouble.
Enraged crowds are assembling at
various points in the city, and inflam-
matory documents against the JAP
anese are distributed. giving rise to a
forlorn hope that active opposition is
about to begin. Serious trouble, it
was believed, would take place be-
tween the police and the rioters.
Marquis Ito is not expected to re-
sort to extreme measures of repression
until all mild means Of pacification
have been exhausted. Extraordinary
police precautions are being taken
throughout the city.
Sympathy for Emperor.
Toxic. July 20. - Although much
sympathy is expressed here with the
Korean emperor, who has retired, the
public is breathing more easily now
that the arch intriguer has been dis
armed. 1t is believed that hereafter
the relations between Japan and
Korea will be smooth. Unqualified adj
miration is expressed for the Korean
cabinet because it effected the solu-
ton without the shedding of blood,
and in manner showing more than
ordinary courage.
1t is felt that the commotion among
the populace at Seoul is not actuated
by spirit of true loyalty to the re-
tired emperor, but by fear of the
adoption Of drastic measures by the
Japanese government toward Korea
as a nation, and until the pacific in
tention of Japan is fully understood
agitation is anticipated.
The date for the coronation of the
new emperor has not been fixed. Re-
ports from Seoul are silent as to the
action Marquis Ito is to take after
the rescript transferring the throne
has been issued, but no doubt he will
do his utmost to placate the people.
BilIik Condemned to Hang.
Chicago, July 20-Herman Billik,
self-admitted fakar and miyar of ,,,vs