The Washington herald., 1908-03-24

San Francisco. March 23.-Durham w
Stevens, adviser TO the Korean council
Of state was shot twice to-day at the
Ferry Building by l. Wong Chaeng, a
local Korean. Stevens was attacked by
Chaeng and NJ. w. Chun. a fellow orean.
as he stepped from an automobile in
which japanese Consul General Koike
was sitting. Chun attacked Stevens with
his fists. while Chaeng fred three shots
from revolver which was hidden under
a handkerchief.
Two bullets hit Stevens, one penetrating
his lungs and the other entering the
groin. but doctors say he will recover.
The third bullet hit Chun. mortally
wounding him Chaeng. after his arrest.
declared Stevens pulled a revolver ana
shot Chun. but this is false. as Stevens
was Unarmed. and all eyewitnesses agree
that no one did any shooting except
Chaeng.
The attack grew out OF an interview
Stevens had given upon his arrival on
the Nippon Maru on Friday afternoon.
praising the policies Of Japan in Korea
and sccentuating the benefits growing
from japanese occupation. lie was visit
ed by delegation Of Koreans last night
at the Fairmount Hotel. and when he
stood firmly sponsor for the quoted inter
view. he was set upon and beaten IN the
lobby.
Admits Murder Was Meant.
Chaeng, at police headquarters. frankly
admits that the murder of Stevens was
carefully planned by himself and Chun,
who decided to sacrifice themselves 10
what they felt was their eountry's neces-
sity- They resolved 10 do away with the
American diplomat at any cost, and
secretly Matched the conspiracy which
had its bloody development to-day.
The fact that Stevens was recently dee
GRATED by the Miksdo. that the automo-
bile which carried him on his fatal jour
ney was also occupied by c. Koike Jap
anese consul general at San Francisco.
and that he was on his way to Wash
ington 10 meet Ambassador Takahira. all
served as motives for the crime. Local
Koreans here declare that they have be-
come convinced that stevens is a traitor
20 Korea and is subsidized by Japan This
charge was repeated to-day by the two
Koreans
Lny in Wait COR Victim.
Chun and Chaeng evidently had all ar
rangements made for the attack. They
were waiting at the ferry when the auto
containing Stevens and Consul General
Koike came up. AS the diplomat emerged
from the machine, Chun stepped forward
and struck him a binding blow with his
fist beneath the eye. which split open the
flesh.
As the victim started toward his as
sailant Chaeng Immediately opened FIRE
with a revolver which he carried wrap
ped in a handkerchief The first bullet
entered Stevens shoulder from the rear.
beneath the scapula. and pierced his lung
This swung him around toward the assas-
sin. and the second missile found lodg-
ment in his groin. A third shot pierced
the abdomen of -Chun. and flung him
writhing on the pavement, fatally hurt
Twice more Chaeng's revolver was dis
charged. but the shots went wide
With the smoking pistol stiu in his hand
Chaeng rushed into the ferry building
and sought to make his escape through
enc of the wings: He was followed by
Sergt Mahoney. several ferry police
Who had witnessed the murderous assault
and a crowd of fully 500. He was finally
intercepted. caught, disarmed. and turned
over 10 the police
Attack Entirely Unexpected.
Stevens was at once removed TO the
harbor emergency hospital He was suf-
fering considerably from his wounds. but
did not become unconscious. He said
Il was not expecting any such attack
and carried no gun. ! am on leave of alb
sence and on my way to visit my sister.
Miss Kate Stevens. who lives in Atlantic
City. I expected 70 stop at Washington on
the way"
On account of the pain Stevens was un-
able to say very much, but his head re-
Continued on Page &, Column 9.