New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-20
angry CROWDS IN SEOUL
Capital Closely Guarded Transfer
of Imperial Seal.

OJ imperial seal.
Seoul. July ia crowd ne FIVE .bo,,s.-7
Coreans has been beaten back from the nalace
gates. In the course of the audience with the
Cabinet last night, when the Emperor acuuiesced
IN the demand for abdication. a number OF
students attempted to present petition TO the
Emperor but the police prevented them from
doing SO, driving them back east Of the palace
where they remained all night, making $. .hes
At midnight. the Chief Of Police. NJ Mar, ANA
distributed carbines 10 the palace poll, but
the crowd continued 70 increase. It remained
orderly.
Tie elaho-at= ceremony Of transferring the
2 imperial seal TO the Crown Prince is going on
this forenoon. Some shops are closed because
Of the sympathy OF their rroprtetors with the
Emperor. and the streets around the palace are
filed with people.
At the Japanese 7esdency MARQUIS Ito and
V!scount Hayashi. in an answer to an inquiry
regarding the effect oS the Er1peror's action. its
importance in effectiug settlement Of the whole
Japarese-Corean situation. and whether It was
in accordance With the plans Of Japan. said they
we're not prepared 81 the present time TO make
stateEent
Marquis Ito. however, desired II 10 be emphat-
ically stated that both before and during his au-
dence yesterday, when the Emperor and his
Cabinet were weighing the question OF abdica-
ton, he refused any participation
Angry crowds are assembled at various points
in the city. and inhammatory documents against
the japanese are being freely distributed.
Extraordinary police precautions are being
taken throughout the city
The scene at the palace last night is described
as dramatic when the ministers headed by
Premier V Wang Yong, appeared before his
majesty and made the cabinets final representa-
ton in urging the Emperor's abdication. His
majesty was in high state OF excitement, but
the Premier, in humble but firm tone dwelt
al length upon the want Of precaution and pru-
dence Of the Emperor's policies hitherto espe-
cially tn diplomatic affairs, whereby he was en-
dangering the safety of the nation. The Premier
enumerated the facts Of his rnajesty's duplicties
which eliminated in the dispatch OF deputa-
ZION 20 the Hague peace conference. and forci-
bly, argued the uselessness Of the Emperor's dis
avowal OF his relation with The Hague affair
Unable successfully TO combat the logic OF the
premiers representation. the Emperor sought
last refuge. in the council Of Elder Statesmen,
doubtless anticipating their sympathies. The
council Immediately convened. Four elders
quickly responded and appeared before his maj
esty at l o'clock this morning. The Emperor
disappointment and surprise boundless
when they unanimously agreed with the min
isters advice. His majesty then consented TO
abdicaton which placed before him for his
signature. Greatly perturbed he signed the
document, and the seal was affixed amid impress
sive silence.
The abdication edict of the Emperor is his first
communication 20 the world since the repudia-
ton Of the convention Of 1905. A translation OF
the text OF the edict follows:
have been In succession TO my ancestors on the
throne forty-four years and have met many dis
turbances have not reached my own desire
While Ministers frequently improper men and
progress is not controlled by men, the times arc
contrary 10 natural events a crisis extremely
urgent IN the life of the people has arisen and the
progress Of the state is more than before imperied
/ fear danger like that that befalls a person
crossing the ice Fortunately we have son en-
oowed by nature with virtue brilliant and wei
worthy Of being charged with plans for the devel
oprnent Of the government TO whom we transfer
our Inheritance sanctioned by the customs o.
ancient times
Therefore be IT known that as soon as IL il
proper DONE We will hand the affairs OF state
over 70 the Crown Prince as our representative.
Court usage is said TO make the meaning o
the above abdication.
While insufficient time has elapsed to show
the effect OF the EmperOrs action upon the stu
tton opinion at the Japanese residence genera
regards the abdicatioD as taking away the force
Of Japan's intended blow.
CoREAN VIEW OF THE SITUATION.
The Coreans cannot understand the extrem
gravity attached TO the situation by the Japan
ese, who regard the offence Of the Emperor
objectionable
Members Of the Progressive Party from Japai
and others opposing Marquis Ito's policy o
ieniency holding meetings
Visccunt Hayashi. it is believed has two ms
sions. one 20 assist Marquis Ito to execute III
japanese governments programme at the pai
ace, the second 20 consult with him on the Man
ehurian and American questions.
Able japanese here do not believe that u
question Of The Hague deputation is Of suficien
importance 10 annul the trip planned by Mar
>quis Ito 70 Toxic and the sending OF Nlscouh
Hayashi here instead OF Yamsza. They thln
That the purpose Of Bayashi was TO divert III
attention OF the people from the question
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