Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-21
JAPS ARE ON THE DEFENSIVE
Cannot Yet Attempt to Disarm the
Natives.
NEW EMPEROR APPEARS WEAK
Shops at Ping Yang Are Closed.
Fears Felt for Japanese in
the Interior.

The outlook in Korea is about
as dark as possible. Seoul is prac-
tically in a state of siege. The
Japanese are not yet strong enough
to disarm the natives, but they have
taken all the military precautions
possible. The foreign settlement is
guarded, and there is little fear for
the whites, though the same can
hardly be said for the Japanese in
the interior. The new emperor has
not shown to advantage so far, and
is performing his duties with little
life or interest.
SEOUL, July 2O-A proclamation was
the people to remain in their houses. At
dusk machine guns were intrenched behind
breastworks built in the streets approaching
the palace. in anticipation Of a night at
tack. Militia are patrolling the suburbs.
japanese troops are arriving here, but
attempt to disarm Korean soldiers feasible.
and they are now confined to their bar
racks.
At the formal audience this afternoon
Marquis Ito was the first to be received.
He had a conversation with the former
emperor lasting ten minutes.
The new emperor is performing his duties
in purely perfunctory manner. He is sad
to show little strength Of character. and
the outlook for his administration of pub
lie affairs is not promising.
Marquis Ito's Visit.
When Marquis Ito came to the palace he
remained at the emperor's audience an hour,
while the foreign consuls general waited.
He approached in great state and with a
heavy guard. especial precautions being
taken while passing the palace where the
suspected battalion of Korean imperial
guards was closely interned in the bar
racks of the gate. The number of ma
chine guns was doubled. covering all the
main approaches to the palace.
Troops are patroling the main streets
Of the city in the face of a mob inflamed
to frenzy by students.
ne anger OIL the hOTedi HlaSStS appears
now to be directed less against the Japa-
nese than Korean ministers, all Of whom
they have vowed to kill. The situation
appears to warrant the proclaimng of mar
tial law, but Ito, DESTROYS of avoiding inter-
ference except TO protect foreigners and the
throne. is exceedingly reluctant to resort
to military rule. The environs of the
American and British consuates are guard
ed on account of their proximity to the
palace.
Shops Close at Ping Yang.
PING YANG, July 20.-All the shops hero
are closed. There is great excitement
among the natives, who are unaware that
abdication has been accomplished. The
safety of the Japanese residents is prob
lematical. as the departure of a regiment
in the province
The shops of Seoul have been closed now
for thirty-six hours. Today the crowds are
greater and the native spirit is higher ne
cessitating greater show of military force
as the people are encouraged and infamed
by the several killings of yesterday. Gen
Hasegewa has two machine guns placed in
the palace square.
Not only is the Korean army regarded
but the numbers of Japanese troops are
wholly inadequate. Arrangements have
been made for reinforcing them from
ShimonoSeki.
Hostilities are directed wholly against
the Japanese. Other foreigners are safe
Much apprehension is felt for the safety
OF Japanese at interior places when the
Korean masses learn, as they Will In
few days, Of the momentous events that