South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-07-16
Reports of Atrocities Against
Korean Population Are
Confirmed in Detail.
COMMISSION STUDIES CASE
SubStantiate Charge That
Japanese Colonial System
is Thoroughly PruSSian.

81 Associated Press:
NEW YORK. July 15.-The fol-
lowing statement concerning the sit
uation in Korea was given out here
today by the commission on rela-
tions with the orient of the federal
council Of the churches OF Christ in
America. OF which commission. VIII
liam i. Haven is chairman, and Sid
ney l.. Gulick is secretary:
THE reports of atrocities against
the Korean population and especial
ly against the native Christians are
confirmed in abundant detail by
special report about 10 be issued by
the commission on relations with the
orient of the federal council Of the
churches OF Christ in America
THE commission wishes to make
il clear that while It has no jurisdic-
tiOn 10 speak on the political issues
at stake in Korea. yet, as represent
ing the Christian sentiment Of a ma
jority of the American churches. it
cannot remain silent when "A de-
fenseless people are made the VIC
Tins of massacre and widespread
brutality
Three Months study.
After nearly three months study
of the Korean situation. this CT n
mission is issuing a statement based
on the letters and the personal ac-
counts of responsible eye witnesses
10 the events attending the Koreal
demonstrations in favor OF national
independence and their ruthless sup
preston by the japanese military
government
This report substantiates the
charge that the japanese colonial
system which has been forced upon
the Koreans is thoroughly Prussian
in its military severity and its treat
ment OF the native population. Ev-
Crywhere in Korea. it is stated. the
sword IS the emblem OF authority
and is even worn by male school
teachers in the class room.
The recent mOvemene for inde-
pendenee was started by educated
Koreans anxious TO save the people
OF their country from national ex-
tinction and for the recovery OF
many of the elemental rights Of JUS
tice. such as the use OF their own
language. freedom Of the press. of
speech and assembly which have
been denied them by Japan.
Hoped for Aid.
They hoped by peaceful demon
stration Of passive resistance to the
conquerors TO attract the attention
OF the peace conference at Paris 10
their cause.
The invariable procedure of the
so-called revolutionists was to as
semble. usually carrying the nation
al colors and shouting 'Manheir'
equivalent 10 the japanese Bansai
or tour our 'Hurrah In no case was
anything more violent attempted.
nor were arms borne by the revolu-
tionists. In scores OF cases these
defenseles demonstrators were fired
upon by japanese troops and killed
or wounded by hundreds. In other
instances. native high school stu
dents OF both sexes who had joined
the procession in behalf OF Korean
liberty. were imprisoned and tor
tured. The stripping and beating OF
girl demonstrators and the brutal
treatment OF Korean women by Jap
anese soldiers were frequent. while
bands OF armed Japanese thugs were
turned loose upon the Korean
crowds
Many Casualties Reported
From March / 20 April Il. 361
Koreans were known 10 have been
killed and $50 wounded. The indig-
mites 20 a few foreign missionaries
and especially the arrest and i'm
prisonment OF the Rev. Eli NJ Now
ry are already well known IN Amer
ica The latest reports are 10 the
effect that the arrest and torture OF
suspected persons by the police were
continuing and that a reign OF terror
prevailed.
The commission on relations with
the orient sought IN the months that
it has been studying the situation, by
the fundamentally OF friendly
methods and conferences with Off
cials and other prominent japanese
ia America 20 exert influences that
might secure constructive ana per-
manent relief for the Koreans The
commission deemed IL only fair and
(CONTINUED on PAGE FOUR.)