The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-19
Korean Rulers AbdicatiOn Is
Signed and Sealed.
Pressure Was Greater Than He
Could Stand Against.
PREMIER ROASTS HIM.
The Elder Statesmen Went
Back on Him.
Dramatic and Impressive Scenes
at the Palace.

Seoul. July 19-The emperor has de-
cided to abdicate. Briefly the emperor
in the imperial rescript of abdication
expresses his regret that during the "A
years of his reign, national calamities
have followed in rapid succession and
the peoples distress become so aggIa-
waited that he deemed it now time to
transfer the crown to the heir aDpar-
ent in conformity with ancestral US
ages.
a most dramatic scene occurred at
the palace Thursday night when the
ministers, headed by Premier vi Wang
Yong appeared before his majesty and
made the cabinets final representation
in urging the emperor's abdication. His
majesty was in high state of excite
ment, but the premier in the most hum
bic but firm tone dwelt at length upon
the want of precaution and prudence
of the emperoTs policies hitherto es-
pecially in diplomatic affai1s, whereby
he was endangering the safety of the
nation. The premier enumerated the
facts of his majesty's duplicities which
eliminated in the dispatch of a depu-
tation to The Hague peace conference
and forcibly reasoned the useiessness
of the emperor's disavowal of his rela-
ton with The Hague affair.
Unable to successfully combat the
logic of the premier's representation
. the emperor sought a last refuge in
Athe council of elder statesmen. doubt
kssly anticipating their sympathies.
The council Immediately convened.
Four elders quickly responded and ap-
peared before his majesty at 1 o'clock
this morning The emperor's disap-
pointment and surprise was boundless
when they unanimously agreed with
the minister's advice. His majesty's
mind was finally made up and he con-
I'D
script announcing his abdication, which
was placed before him for his sigma
ture.
The emperor's condition was inde-
scribable. Greatly agitated and per-
turbed, he signed the document and the !
seal was affixed amid impressive si-
lence. A suppressed sigh from the en-
peror was the only sound which broke
the deathlike stiffness that reigned
throughout the memorable scene.
Koreans Are Excited
Seoul. via Toxic, July 19.-Enraged
crowds are assembled at various points
throughout the city and infiammatory
documents against the japanese are
being freely distributed giving rise to a
fOrlorn hope that some active opposition
is about to begin.
Serious collisions. it is believed, will
take place between the police and the
rioters.
Marquis Ito is not likely it is thought,
to resort to extreme measures of repres-
sion until all mild means of pacification
have been exhausted.
Extraordinary police precautions are
being taken throughout the city.
Sympathy But Nothing More.
Toxic, July 19.-While much sympathy
is expressed here for the Korean en-
peror who has retired, the public is
breathing easier for the sake of both !
countries now that the arch intriguer |
has been completely disarmed.
1t is confidently expected that hereaf- |
ter the relations between Japan and |
Korea will be smooth.
Unqualified admira tiOn is felt for the |
capacity of the ministers of the present |
Korean cabinet in effecting the solution |
of a most aggravated situation without |
the shedding of any blood, and in a man |
ner evincing more than ordinary cour- |
age.
1t is felt here that the commotion |
among the populace at Seoul is not act I
uated by the spirit of true loyalty to the |
retired emperor, but out of fear of the !
adoption OF drastic measures by the |
Japanese government toward Korea as |
a nation and until the pacific intention !
of Japan is fully understood some agita- |
tion is naturally anticipated.
The ceremony of abdicatiOn 1t IS ex-
pected. will assume the form of a re- |
script transferring the throne to the late |
emperor'S successor. The date for the |
' coronation of the new emperor has not !
been fixed.
Reports from Seoul are silent on the |
ction Marquis Ito is likely to take af- |
ter the rescript transferring the throne |
hiss been issued. but no doubt he will do |
his utmost to placate the excited pop
ulace.
Placing the Responsibility.
Toxic. il ly 19.-Speculation is rife /
among foreigners here as to the origin |
of the idea of pressing the abdication |
of the retired emperor of Korea.
1t is definitely known, however, that |
Marquis Ito was only a silent sDecta- !
tor of the event and that the idea or |
fginate with the premier Marquis |
SaionJi, strongly supported by the min |
listers of agriculture and justice both |
of whom are strongly in favor of a life |
of exile in Japan for the retired en-
peror.
Some thought that blood must be |
shed before the abdication of the throne |
could be effected, but fortunately that |
expectation was not fulfilled and the |
aftermath is also likely to prove less |
serious than present occurrences at |
Seoul might indicate. It is believed that |
the wisdom and resourcefulness of /
Marquis Ito will prevent the spread of I
any agitation likely to menace the
general peace of Korea.