Arizona republican., 1907-07-28
THE JAPANESE
ARE GRATIF|ED
That Their Course In Korea
is Approved
However 1t Would Have
Been the Same If the Ma
tiOns Did Not Like 1t.

, Seoul, July 27.-Commenting on the
approval by the foreign press, of the
Japanese procedure in Korean affairs,
Marquis Ito's official newspaper says:
Though not a voice has been raised
against Japan's free action in the pen
insula, foreign criticism would not
have deferred us from doing what our
dignity and vital interests imperative
ly demanded, but 1t is good TO know
that we are working with the approv-
al and sympathy of our neighbors."
The first consideration of the Japan
ese residency will be, it is said. the
obtaining OF funds, but 1t is thought
that loan is not contemplated in
view of Japan's financial disadvant-
age.
Marquis Ito's plan of gradual reform
is understood to mean the disband-
ment of the Korean army thus divert
ing million yen annually to the ad-
ministration and enabling a reforma-
tion in taxation without increasing the
burden of the people, and saving much
which is now peculated.
The number Of new japanese troops
will equal the present quota Of Korean
army. Marquis Ito announces that he
will vigorously enforce reform in the
government offices.
About twelve hundred troops are ar
irving daily. General Okaz Aki
has been placed in command of all the
armed forces in Seoul, the military,
the gendarmes and the police. 1t has
been forbidden to publish military in
ff.r- ION Of ind lfar- Nfgy
Saionjo. the premier of Japan, has
sent the congratulations of the emper-
or to Marquis Ito. expressing gratifi-
cation over his services in Korea. a
monetary gift from the emperor to be
distributed among the soldiers and the
police, accompanied the congratula-
tions.
The Japanese foreign minister. Vis-
count Hayashi was received in audi
ence this afternoon by the emperor.
Ito. who accompanied Hayashi. gave
the Associated Press, before starting to
the palace. the following statement:
The agreement reached is a great
relief to both nations and insures our
mutual welfare. Though unrest eX-
listed, the country has quieted since the
agreement was arrived at. The troops
asked for in the beginning of the re-
cent trouble. are now arriving. This is
a necessary precaution in view of the
existence of 1000 Korean troops. \
large japanese garrison will be re-
quired hereafter in order to prevent
the possibility of danger from Korean
troops.
Il am figuring on the future, but the
Il tai of ,,la hox
solved. Ny other position. formerly
one of advice. is now one of direction.
but we shall and must go slowly and
steadily. The stipulations OF the new
convention dispose OF the accusation
that Japan intended to gradually an
mex Korea.
Annexation is opposed by me as
unwise and unnecessary. The draft of
the agreement was made from propos-
ais brought by Hayashi in which the
suggestions Of the government are in
accordance with mine. The agreement
carefully expressed. after amending
the differences of the two governments,
that the right of decision was with
myself. but Toxic and those with real
interests here. will support me.
"A protectorate is a great burden.
and the increase of the revenues
great problem. Fortunately. the rev.
enues are Increasing gradually, but
at first great expenditures will be
necessary as was the case in Formosa
where it took twelve years to increase
the revenues from six to twenty-nine
millions, annually.
In the progress of Korea, ignor-
ance is the greatest obstacle. The
next was the court of the misguided
emperor. The people are beginning to
understand that want their interests
first. next to those of the Japanese
against whom l can do nothing inim-
ical."