New-York tribune., 1907-09-22
FAIR RULE In COREA.
PRINCE ITO'S REFORMS.
.Japan WiU Not Anner Country
Unless Forced -America's Friend.

Toxic Sept 21-Prince Ito. the Japanese Res
ident General In Corea, will leave here to-rnor-
row for Seoul. This morning he received the
CORRESPONDENT of The Associated Press immedi-
atelv before his investiture at the palace and
spoke freely of the future of Corea.
During the month that Prince Ito has been in
TOXIC Corea has been his only theme. and the
result of his labors is that the Emperor and
his ministers have given unanimous approval
70 his programme for a reform administration
In Corea Never. except in time of war, have
the politicians of Japan been so united on one
policy.
Discussing this subject with the correspond
ent Prince Ito, small and grizzled. his breast
covered with decorations, showed depth OF
feeling unusual in Japanese 1T is right ne
said. "and therefore must be done. 1t must
succeed IL It is possible Of human accomplish
ment.'
Prince Ito has been opposed steadfastly 10 the
annexation of Corea. against the views OF his
friends and advisers. Instead. he has drawn up
a programme providing for equitable land laws
n fair system of taxation, the protection OF lire
and property education for every one. the es-
.ahIishnnent of fair courts Of Justice ana the
stern abolition of corruption. The estimated
cost of these reforms to Japan is Slo'oooVO III III
five years. and this has been approved II VIII
not become a tax upon the Corean people but 1t
is an investment by Japan
SEEKING TO GAIN COREA's FRIENDSHIP
Some persons in Japan" the prince salo' pc
Iteve II is a mistake not to annex Corea- ouI
am convinced that annexation Is merely a cruue
and cruel means OF obtaining the desired 1rleho-
shin and assistance OF Corea IN order to ouhd
I'm the two countries, whose interests are
mutual. Annexation is no part of the Emperor
plan. unless It should prove Unavoidable An
ioaQ of lI-T
bv the Coreans: 1t would be too violent rem
sdv The masses Of Corea have been sufferers
from corrupt government political intrigue ana
onnression Of the agrCulturists until they nave
become a menace to japan. and until all oeVei-
opnlent in the country has been hindereo-
..r have no reason not to take my associates
s tho nrbIio into nv confidence: have no de-
sira for secrecy. The ten million inhabitants OF
Corea will more quickly become the friends or
Japan II they are acquainted with the fact that
nv programme is directed entirely 10 the reIiel
and assistance of the poorer classes by means
of good land laws, fair taxation. education and
justice.
..1 want the missionaries of America and Eng
land 10 know that am anxious to help them
We are all working for a common object-name-
lv the building up OF civilization The mission
aries however should not involve themselves In
noitics: let them attend 10 their work and L
VIII conhne my energies to mine II Is certain,
however that each of us can help the other.
am convinced that thinking people the world
over will approve OF Japan's course What
matters the color OF the skin or the religious be-
lief II We are working together for the good of
humanity?
'Unthinkng people may hamper US Prince
Ito continued. but they will not prevent the at
tainnent OF our purpose We are going ahead
in Corea in spite OF opposition from any source
or from any country I concur with the late
John Hay. the great American statesman.
who said that IN diplomacy with individuals
honesty the best policy.
NATIONS FATE IN PEOPLES HANDS
Japan has counted the cost OF these reforms
In Corea, and nothing shall prevent US from
carrying them out 1t Is true that the Coreans
themselves may prevent the accomplishment OF
our purpose TO give them system Of govern
nlent and an army OF their own. but the people
of Corea and the entire world must understand.
once for all, that the political supremacy Of
Japan in Corea is 10 remain firmly established.
We are not asking advice from any one regard
ing this policy. II the people OF Corea refuse
to accept this fair and friendly assistance they
will. by their own act. write annexation into his
tory. for as a nation divided in sentiment from
Japan. Corea cannot stand"
After this significant utterance Prince Ito
spoke with the correspondent of The Associated
Press OF the friendly relations between Japan
and the United States. and expressed his ad-
rniIation of President Roosevelt America is
our friend" he said, and are the friend of
America. The recent talk Of war fnds no. sup
port among the statesmen OF Japan or the
United States War between these two countries
is unspeakabe and impossible"