The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1909-10-28

cidentals was the framing of the i'm
perial constitution by virture Of which
Japan took her place for the first
time in the rank OF modern civilized
states.
AS the err perors trusted adviser
and the medium through which the
state was placed on constitutional
basis, Prince. Ito was regarded as one
OF the positive factors which have
helped to win for Japan her present
standing among nations.
The prince was 6S years old -,
Prince Ito was the first to see the
absolute necessity of Japan's adopting
the western civilization If she would
hold place among the nations of the
world. AS boy he fought against
the shotgun in order to put the en-
pcror in power; and when the new
government was constituted in 1858
lie was one of the chief organizers,
being vice-minister of finance and
public works. .l. .-.,-.. 49,.
Studies Statecraft Abroad.
At that time he was 81 years of
age. Two years later he was sent
TO the United States to study our finan-
cial system, which he introduced at
home; and at the age of 80 he was
sent abroad as special envoy to ar
range treaties with the European pow
ers.
A little later the prince was in Eu-
rope studying the constitutions Of the
principal nations, and after that back
in Tokyo writing the constitution
which now, governs Japan. b. .-.
The Japan of to-day, with it's won
derful system of finance and banks,
it's parliament elected by the people,
and the machinery of its government,
which is one of the best in the world,
was largely formed by him, now more
than a quarter of a century ago.
Prince Ito began his life young. He
was only % when, after trying in
vain to drive the foreign gunboats out
dark night and got a ship for Shang-
! hal, having determined to visit the
western world and spy out the secrets
of the barbarians who then threaten
ed the existence of his country.
Shipped Before Mast.
Ito and Marquis Inouye took pas
sage on another ship at Shanghai, and
| by it made their way around the Cape
of Good Hope to Europe. They had
arranged for money beforehand, but
| in some way there was a misunder-
standing.
The captain of the ship did not real
lie that he had two young mobiles 60
ing off on a tour of investigation. He
treated them as sailors and made
them work during a great part OF
their passage. IN
On his return to Japan the expert
ence gained by Ito was the basis for
his career in statecraft which made
him chief among the mikado's ad-
viserS.
Plans Regarding Korea.
Asked a few months before his
death if it was his intention to Jap
anize Korea Che then was resident
general of the hermit kingdom').
and whether Korea was to be wiped
out as an Independent nation, he said:
THAT depends on Korea herself. l
should like to see Korea independent,
provided it's independence could be ar
ranged in such a way that we could
be sure it would always be the friend
of Japan. The geographical situation
of the country is such that 1t is nee
essary to our peaceful existence as a
nation that it be friendly to us, and
that to a certain extent it be con-
troled by us.
IF the Koreans could convince us
that that would be the case and they
would hold to their promises they
might be independent. Otherwise
they must be subordinate to Japan.
If not, they will be forming alliances
with other nations and they would be
sure to bring US trouble of one kind
or another"
lncurs Hatred Of Koreans.
1t was as resident general of 10
rea that Prince Ito incurred the hatred
of the Koreans, who felt their indie
pendence was doomed.
Bands of Koreans were formed with
the intention of pursuing war of ex-
termination upon the leaders of the
Japanese. Many of the mikado's sub
jects were assassinated by the plot
tiers and an American who had been
chief adviser to the Korean emperor
was killed In the streets of San Fran
cisco because he was suspected of be-
ing pro-Japanese.