The San Francisco call., 1909-10-27
PRINCE OF. JAPAN
GREATEST com NJ MONER
OF MODERN NATION

TOKYO. oct. 2e-Hirobumi Ito. a
prince Of Japan. but the greatest COM
.smoner in the empire. who was as
sassinated by a Korean today, hao
stood for two years between Korea
and the degradation Of immediate an
nexation. hoping to build up thai
country anew.
He was shot down as he alighted
from a special train at Harbin, Man
churia to which place he went in his
capacity of president of the privy
council on a mission of peace.
Prior TO his departure Prince Ito
said:
Il am going on my own initiative,
with the approval of my emperor. with
the hope Of securing a better under
standing with China and of assuring
the world that Japan's intentions in
Manchuria are amicable 10 China and
friendly TO the commerce of all ma
tions. When | return / hope TO give
positive evidence Of this"
OBJECT OF MISSION
Undoubtedly Prince Ito intended 10
inaugurate and enforce distinct
policy in Manchuria, but the exact
nature Of this was not disclosed. Mar
Quis katsura the premier and minister
of finance, said concerning the assas-
sination:
The death Of Prince Ito will not
change the policies of Japan. The
pacific motives of Prince Ito ever will
he maintained and the traditions left
by him always viii be followed
The entire nation is mourning; the
flags on the foreign embassies have
been placed at half mast. while all
public and many private functions
have been abandoned The japanese
and foreign newspapers appear with
black borders. Only the death of the
emperor could arouse similar demon
stratiOns of sympathy.
IDOLIZED By THE MASSES
Perhaps Princes Ito's death causes
more universal sincerity of grief because
he was idolized by the masses as the
great counsellor OF the elder states
men. the creator Of the cabinet and
the friend Of the emperor himself.
The boy crown prince of Korea is
reported TO have been inconsoiable
when the news OF the assassination of
his aged grand tutor was broken to
him.
For the last two years the crown
prince has been q resident of Japan
and the frequent companion of Prince
Ito. who formed an affection for him
which was warmly reciprocated. The
fact that he was assassinated by a
Korean was especially shocking to the
youth who was well informed as to
Prince ItO's plans regarding Korea.
POSTHUMOUS HONoRS
The posthumous honors have not yet
been anneunced- but it is certain that
they will be the highest in the gift
Of the emperor and that the funeral
viii equal that Of a prince of the
blood. A warship viii hear the body
to Yokohama from Darien. probably
arriving a week hence. The grand
chamberlain will accompany the body
with a naval and military guard of
honor No details Of the funeral have
Vet been arranged
The newspapers without exception
edftorialiy express horror at the act
pointing out that Prince Ito was
Korea's best friend always. even in
the face Of opposition at home. He
looked for the regeneration of Korea
and endeavored to alleviate the evils
of its condition.
Intimate friends Of the murdered
statesman are too stunned to discuss
the situation, but they believe HIS
death will have no immediate effect
on the policy toward Korea. but that
Prince Ito's wishes and hopes proba-
bly, viii influence the policies Of Japan
for many years TO come.