New-York tribune., 1907-06-09
COREA.

The gayety of nations is now and then en-
hanced by somebody's raising an Intentionally
serious but actually comic p0ther over Japans
predominant influence in Corea Since the
Russian war. we are told, Japan has established
a virtual control over that peninsula, direct
ing It's politics and diplomacy controlling its
finances building railroads and telegraphs de-
velopng industry and commerce. and In general
acting very much though the Land of the
Morning Calm were dependency If not In
deed a province of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Wherefore, Indignantly assured, Japan
is monster of ngratitude. duplicity and all
round iniquity.
But what rational and rejecting person ever
expected or had ground for expecting any
thing different? What does anybody imagine
Japan accepted Russia's war challenge for but
the control of COrea? That was written In
the biggest letters and plaineSt words all
through the ante-hellum negotiations. Japan
wanted her special interests in COrea rccOg
niZed, and was willing in return TO recognize
Russia'S special interests in Manchuria; but
Russia while insisting upon an absolute monop-
oily of Manchura for herself was unwilling to
conCede any special rights to Japan In COrea.
Therefore they fought, 1t was not to be
pcctpd that Japan. having won the war; would
renounce the very thing she fought for. The
United States on winning its little war In 1898
did not invite Spain to resume her rule over
Cuba. Great Britain. having her in
South Africa. did not leave the TranSvaal frae
to organize an anti British confederation. We
do not recall that Russia after marching her
armies to khiya, Mery and Samarcand alb
jurcd for herself all special rights in Central
Asia and left Turkestan free to be added TO the
British Indian empire. Why should those VINO
looked on complacently and approvngy when
y irwin 10 NTonp hTrio or1h
Corea now be distressed by Tapan's assumption
of authority in the latter country?
II seems to us not only that Japan has a
perfect right according to the usage of the
world. to do she is doing in Corea. but
also that it is greatly for the benefit of COrea
and of the world at large that she should. 1t
may be an historical fact that COrea the
birthplace of both Japanese and Chinese civili-
zation and it may be theoretically desirable
for the independence of Corea to be preserved:
but the facts are that for many years Coreun
civilization has suffered from dry rot and Co
rean independence has been nOn-eXistent Long
ago COrea became n tributary OF China. 1t was
TO give COrea chance TO reassert her ability
TO be Independent that Japan drove China out.
a dozen years ago. But it was in vain. The
penlnsulaT empire became the prey of rival In
trigues and drifted steadily toward chaos She
was bound 10 fall under the sway Of some
stronger power. and she did: and there she Will
probably remain, since there Is no indication
that n restoration Of independence would he A.
tended with other than disastrous results.
OF the practical benefits Of Japanese control
there can be question. Japan is doing more
for Corea in year than Corea could would
have done for herself in century. Geograph-
Ical proximity chronological similarity. reci-
procity Of industrial and commercial interests.
and Indeed ali other circumstances. facilitate
the process. Japan. are told, means to make
Corea practically a part Of herself, Well VIXEN
we contrast what Japan Is to-day with what
Corea has been we are able 10 contemplate that
prospect with fortitIde NJ doubt there VIII
continue 10 be those who will insist that in
spite Of natures and history's nan possumus
Corea should have been kept quite independent
rs there are those who deprecate any meddlng
with Morocco who lament the oppression OF
poor old Theebaw, and who condemn that In
iquItous Interference with the tricks and man.
ners OF the King of DahOmey. But II takes all
sorts Of people to make world.