The sun., 1908-03-24
COUEAN SHOOTS A DIPLOMAT
STATE COUNCIL ADVISER BADLY
BOUNDED IN SAN FRANCISCO.
PATRIOTS From Hermit Kingdom Accuse
Durham ", stevens Of Being \ Traitor
and Playing Into JApan's Hands while
in the CONFIDENTIAL Employ OF COrea.

Francisco Corean.
stevens was attacked by Chaeng and
" W Chun. a fellow Corean, as he stepped
from an automobile in which Japanese
consul General Koike was sitting.
Chun attacked Stevens with his fists,
while Chaeng fired five shots from a
revolver which he held hidden under a
handkerchief. Two bullets hit Stevens
one penetrating his lung and the other
entering the groin. Physicians say he
will recover.
\ third bullet hit Chun, mortally wound
ing him. Chaeng, after his arrest, declared
that Stevens drew a revolver and shot
Chun, but this is false, for Stevens was
unarmed and all witnesses agree that no
one did any shooting except Chaeng.
The attack grew out Of an interview
Stevens gave out upon his arrival on the
Nippon Maru on Friday afternoon praising
the policies Of Japan in Corea and accent
uating the benefits growing out Of Japanese
occupation. He was visited by a delegation
Of Coreans last night at the Fairmont Hotel
and when he stood firmly for the interview
he was set upon and beaten in the lobby.
Chaeng at police headquarters frankly
admitted that the plan to murder Stevens
had been carefully laid by himself and
Chun, who decided to sacrifice themselves
10 what they felt was their country's neces-
sity, They resolved to do away with the
diplomat at any cost.
The fact that Stevens was recently deco
rated by the Mikado, that the automobile
which carried him was also occupied by
G.. koike. the Japanese Consul-General, and
that he was on his way TO Washington to
meet Amba 5sadlr Takahira, accent the
situation which served as a motive for the
crime T.ocal Coreans here declare they
have become convinced that Stevens is a
traitor to Corea and is subsidized by Japan.
Tn, charge wCs made to-day by several
Corecns.
Chun and Chasng evidently had all the
arrangements made for their ettack. They
were waiting at the ferry when the auto
mobile containing Stevens and Consult
General Koike came up. As the diplomat
emerged from the machine Chun stepped
forward end struck him a binding blow
wish his fist under the eye, splitting open
the flesh Az the victim started toward
his assGilant Chaeng opened fire with the
revolver thgt he carried wrapped in hand
kerGhisf Tie first bullet entered Stevens's
shoulder from the rear, under the gcapula,
and pierced his lung. This swung him
round toward the Gssa ssin and the second
missile found lodgment In his groin. The
third shot pierced the abdomen Of Chun,
who dropped writhing to the pavement,
fatally wounded. Twice more Chaeng's
revclvcr ives discharged, but the shots
went wide.
With the pistol still in his hand Chaeng
ran into the nave Of the ferry building
and sought TO make his escape through one
" the wings. Hs was followed by Sergt,
Mahoney. several ferry police who had
Witnessed the assault end a crowd OF fully
GCO
Ne was finally caught, disarmei and
turned over 10 the police,
stevens wasa at once removed to the Har-
lsnr Emergency Hospital He was suffering
considerably from his wounds but did
nu become unconscious. He said:
! was ~. expecting any such attack
ard carried no CUR. am on leave OF
absence and on my way 10 visit my sister
Mis-, Katc Stevens who lives In Atlantic
,ity ! expected to stop at Washington
uu the way
On account Of pain Stevens was unable
20 .av very much. but his brain remained
dear and he was conscious Of the serious
ur>s uf his wounds.
Chaeng expressed great bitterness against
'Jevcns FIe said:
stevens is a Jap lie not only looks
ike a Jap hut he is one. His every SYM
pathy has been with them ever since tho
nvasion Of the Japanese into my country,
He has been recently decorated for services
hy the NJikado himself ! shot to kill him.
lIeis traitor 10 Corea Pretending to be
friend Of Corea he has taken Corean money
and with " has aided the japanese cause
10 If hand In glove with Japan
Y don't think it was my bullet that shot
'n:n, although it may Gave been, shot
30 lines We went down 10 the ferry
moving he vas going away to-day. When
. gten,ed out Of the automobile we at
acked MIN Ny companion hit him with
q, isl first aud 7 opcnel fire on him imme-
digtelv 7 don't regret my act. We had
'erlded tn liil him for the good OF our coun-
'rr Chun aud talked the matter over
md ge agreed b. was n dangerous enemy
,o our country and would be put out OF the
rs, We decided to sacrifice ourselves in
'as cause
'hun was equally bitter against Stevens,
T., speaks little English At first he denied
.,a' hs know Chseng. and also declared
Ma, Stevens had shot him.
'haeng was taken before Stevens at the
onrral Emergency Hospital to be identi-
90 When brought into the presence Of
Ir- -,eim he ssid
" Stevens | think YOU want 10 kill
80 r.osre. You are Japanese spy and
.oJ want 10 sec Corea just like Japan.
'h.fi whv shot you,
.r.cr- moved painfully an his cot and
'rl.rl
So poor ignorant little man. ] have
".-,-5 fo- three years among your people
.ol I have tmong them many dear and
o.."irenis cannot blame you for shoot
,0s mo because you are a fool and do not
'riar.tend hope the time will come
chen Won will realize what a great mistake
'nr have made"
koike Consul General Of Japan, who
"s- With Stevens at the time Of the shoot
Iry .7I