Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-10-28
WAS GREATEST COMWONER
OF THE ISLAND EMPIRE
For Two Years Was Uncrowned Ruler of Korea
and Warded Off Immediate Annexaton---
Incurred, However, Hatred of Natives
Which Led to His Assassination.

Toxic. Oct. ce-Hirobuni Ito. prince
OF japan but the greatest commoner IN
the Empire and for two years the un-
crowned ruler OF Korea, who above all
stood between Korea and the degrade
ticn Of Immediate annexation. hoping to
build NJ that country anew, was as
sassinatcd by Korean to-day just as
he alighted from "A special train at fiar-
bin, Manchuria. to which place he went
from Toxic In his capacity as president
OF the privy council on mission OF
peace.
Prior to his departure Prince Ito said
TO the Associated Press: II am going on
my own initiative with the approval OF
my Emperor with the hope OF securing
better understanding with China and
of assuring the world that Japan's in
tontious IN Nanchuria are amicable to
China and friendly to the commerce of
all nations When I return ] hope to
give positive evidence Of this"
Undoubtedly Prince Ito intended to in
augurate and enforce a distinct policy in
Mapchuria. but the exact nature Of this
was not disolosed. Marquis Katsura, the
premier and minister Of finance. after
the nssa ssinatlon said in an interview:
change the policies OF Japan. The pacific
motives Of Prince Ito will ever be main
toincl and the traditions loft by him
alwavS will be followed.
The entire nation in mourning, the nags
on the foreign embassies have been
! placed at half mast while all pubic and
many private functions have been
abandoned The japanese and foreign
6arc
/ only the death Of the Emperor
could arouse similar demonstrations Of
sympathy.
PERHAPS Prince Ito's death causes more
universal sincerity and grief because he
was idolized by the masses as the great
counsellor Of the elder statesmen, the
the Emperor himself
KOREAN PRINCE INCONsOLABLE.
The boy crown prince OF Korea is re-
ported to have been. inconsolable when
the news of the ASA ssinatOn of his aged
grand tutor by Koreans was broken 10
him. For the last two wears the crown
prince has been resident OF Japan and
the frequent companion OF Prince Ito,
who formed an affection FOR him which
Was warmly reciprocated. The fact that
lie was assa.sinated by Koreans was
especially shocking to the youth who
was well Informed as to Prince los plans
regarding Korea.
The nosthumous honors have not vet
been announced but f. is certain that
they will be the highest in the gift Of the
Emperor and that the funeral VIII equal
that OF prince OF the blood. A wsrshlp
will bear the body to Yokohams from
Dairen, probably arriving week hence,
The grand chamberlain will accompany
the body. with a naval and military guard
OF honor. No details Of the funeral have
yet been arranged.
The newspaper without exception edito-
rally express svmpath" and horror at
the act. pointing out that Prince Ito was
the Koreans best friend always even in
the face OF opposition at home. He look
ed for the regeneration of Korea and en-
dcavored to alleviate the evils OF Its cor
dilion
Intimate friends If the murdered states
man are too stunned To discuss the situa-
ton. They are of the belief that the
death Of the prince will have no immedi-
ate effect on the policy toward Korea
but that Prince lto's wishes and hopes
! probably will influence the policies OF
| Japan for many years to come.