Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-05
CHRISTIANS RULE
KOREAN REPUBLIC
DIR. Syngman Rhee Made
Secretary Of State of
New Nation
AMERICA THEIR IDEAL
Government Will Follow Gen.
eral Plan of That of
United States
AMERICA THEIR IDEAL

II is the intention of the leaders in
the Korean provisional government es-
tablIshed in Manchuria to make a
Christian country of Korea once the
country is free from Japan.
This would make Korea the first in
dependent country in Asia to become
Christian, and is In accordance with
the declaration of DR.. Syngman knee,
newly appointed secretary OF state or
the Korean provisional government
made today in this city.
"The Koreans would not stand for
any heathen autocratic government like
that of Japan" said DR.. Rhee.
They have been trained under Amer
ican Christian influence and the lead
ers are all imbued with the American
democratic ideas. Seven of the eight
members of the cabinet of the Korean
provisional government are Christians,
and our government will naturally fol-
low the American form Of government,
as far as We can
Hate Idol Worship
Even the general mass Of Koreans
because OF their experience under the
Japanese regime realize the evils of
Christians are the most educated and
enlightened and influential people
throughout the country. Koreans are
united In their demand for a democratic
Christian government like that Of the
United States.
Hatred of idol worship is at the bot
tom of the detestation which Koreans
feel for Japanese authority. which re-
quires worship of the Mikado's image.
Hundreds of times have Christian
students IN Korean schools. when forced
TO the public celebration Of the Mikado's
birthday, refused to bow their heads
before this image because 1t is against
the Christian teaching Of the Second
Commandment, and for their conscience's s
sake suffered arrest and torture.
America should help our cause for
her own sake. Korea is the natural
buffer state in the East. situated be-
tween Japan, China and Asiatic Russia.
Like Belgium, for this reason, she has
always been the battlefield of her
neighbors.
Like Belgium, also, she maintained
her independent existence till ten years
ago, when Japan treacherously annexed
her in spite Of her solemn treaties and
pledges to- protect Korea's political in
dependence and territorial integrity.
A Peace-LovinE People
The Koreans are naturally peace
loving people, prone to the peaceful
development of the arts, sciences and
religion, which they introduced into
Japan centuries ago.
THE Koreans are known as men of
the pen, while the Japanese are men of
the sword. If only the Koreans are
given the opportunity to develop them
selves without outside Interference they
will produce a new model Of Christian
civilization in Asia.
Although 1 appreciate the honor
winch has been conferred upon me by
the new provisional government, yet
personally I would have preferred to
60 over there and share the fate OF
the Battalion of Death, 600 of whom
have crossed the Tuman River from,
| Manchuria into Koreas pledged not to
return until Korea is free.
IF l give my life thousands would
give their lives after me. Independence
is costly thing and Koreans must
pay the price for it. The blood of the
martyrs is the foundation of the Chris.
tian church. the blood of these patriots
will be the foundation OF a free Korea.
Three weeks ago, when I heard OF
the establishment of Korean govern
ment In Manchuria, I cabled c. II. Aim
president of the Korean National AssO
citation, to let me go to Shanghai, sc
that might join the revolutionary
forces fighting in Korea. But the!
thought / should not 60 there, feeling
that my presence at the Peace Confer
ence was more important"
Doctor Rhee is Korean delegate t.
the Peace Conference and awaiting pass
portc IN to Paris