The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-06-16

rean scholars and statesmen are Chris
tians, and this led Japan to feel that
Christianity might be the key to Ko-
The edict aroused so many protests
from churches and missionaries all over
the world that japan modified the de-
cree SO that it should not take effect
for ten years.
ITO all these and other restrictions
Of their freedom Koreans have outward
~ submitted, but always with desire
for independence and for a government
like that of the United States.
1.-THE revolt come when the last en-
peror Of Korea died, in February Of this
year. On March l, just before the en-
peror was buried. every large city in
the country held at the same hour
meeting to declare the independence of
Korea. Three million men, women and
children went out into the streets wav-
ing flags and crying Long live Korea
They were attacked. and many were
killed.
ION April 20 representatives of thir-
teen Korean provinces came together
to outline a constitution and to organ
ize a government to be effective until
the national congress can establish a
permanent government.
mo printing shop dared to print the
declaration of independence or the con-
stitution. So the revolutionists carved
printing forms from blocks of wood and
made thousands of copies, which were
sent all over the country"
DR.. Rhee sums UP the purpose of the
Korean revolt by saying that Korea
will, by passive resistance. make her
protest against Japanese domination
heard all over the world, so that the
pressure of public opinion may be
brought to bear against the Japanese
policy.
I'VE do not expect. nor WISH" said
DR.. Rhee. that America should send
an army or navy to fight for Korea.
We ask America to use her good offices
to bring about Justice. The treaty of
1882 justices us in expecting America
The treaty referred to between Korea
and America was the first treaty ever
made by Korea. 1t provides that:
II other powers deal unJustly or OPP
pressively with either government. the
other will exert its good offices, on be-
ing informed Of the case. to bring about
an amicable arrangement, thus show
ing its friendly feelings"
This clause of the treaty of 1882 is
korea's answer to the Japanese demand
that America remember the Monroe
doctrine and keep out of Korean affairs.
Japan has endeavored to put a stop
to the Korean demonstration by prom
Using autonomy and release from mill
tary rule. but these promises have no
effect on the revolutionists. In the first
of Japan, and IL they had they do not
want autonomy. "Only complete indie
pendence will satisfy Korea" is their
motto.
Korea's petition to the United States
government has not yet been drawn up,
nor has our government been officially
notified as to the existence of the new
republic.
The Koreans have appealed several
times before this to the American gov
eminent, but without receiving any re-
Spouse. Koreans in America, Mexico,
Hawaii. China and Russia elected as
representative to the peace conference
Syngman Rhee and Henry Chung. But
the state department would not issue
the passports to France without instruc-
lions from Paris. and when the depart
ment cabled Secretary Lansing 1t re-
ceived the reply, 1T would be mad
visabie to have Korean representation
at the present time"
Still Korea has not given up hope of