South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-08-22

AAASAc a. olt Cl1FSe II the lndlCt-
nent against japan which those
having anu-Japancse sentiments are
confident Will stand unrefuted That
IS the charge Of brutality in the ad-
mintStration Of Korea. The anti
Japanese confidence in the correct
nees OF that charge Will 20 un-
challenged. In the best circles OF
japanese thought today there is as
sharp condemnation Of Japan's mil
itSry conduct IN Korea as there IS
condemnation in similar circles in
America OF the frequent burnings OF
negroes. Even here. however. there
has been unfairness in the anti-Jap-
anese propaganda The Photograph
which has heen so extensively cir
culated in America by the Friends
OF Korea, indicating in horrible de-
tail the death OF two Koreans. and
used 10 illustrate current japanese
administrations IN that country, vas
in fact the photograph OF = scene
enacted in 1904. when two Korean
spies had been detected in giving
military secrets 10 the Russians. and
were condemned jointly by a Korean
and a Japanese judge, and were
executed in a manner that would
not be described as nice. The
Friends OF Korea revived this old
photograph, and although II had
been published Is years before, II
conveniently showed japanese in
uniform standing near the bodies Of
the executed men, and II formed eff
fective material for their propa~
ganda-
1t Is unnecessary 70 90 into the
history of Korea IL a brief news
paper discussion Of the subject. For
- 81
nation, with a government passing
from one degree TO another of con-
completeness She paid tribute TO
China and then tribute TO Japan.
and later TO both. Her own gov
eminent sank to the lowest conceiv-
able depth OF inefficiency. by ev-
cry measure OF civilization, size was
wanting. Her government was cor
rupt and coptempubly weak. She
was without railroads. and her finan-
cial systems was not worthy Of the
name.
Korea Constant Threat.
In the light OF our new system OF
international ethics in which self
determination is the major theme,
Korea should have been left 70 stew
in her own inefficiency. She was the
closest mainland 70 the Japanese
ASAailube dlAu NDECduHG VI AtI WAN
ness, q constant threat to Japanese
national life; and so, in Uerhaps
quite an unethical way she fell in
due course completely under tho
domination OF Japan. The rule was
military; and japanese military rule
is naturally harsh. The Koreans
were weak in almost every charac-
teriStic except in their ability to be
annoying. Their annoying methods
reached a considerable height when
they assasSinated the first statesman
Of Japan, Prince Ito. After that, the
harshness of the military metohds
was intensified.
Tae best people in Japan admit all
this, and they seem profoundly
ashamed Of many things that were
done. They see too, that they made
one mistake that was moro funda-
mental than even their repressive
military measures. They devoted a
great deal OF attention TO improving
conditions in Korea. They built
railroads. reforested the denuded
hills, and built up a school system.
But while they were looking after
the material advancement OF the
country. they paid absolutely no at
tenuOn 70 getting into any spiritual
harmony with the people. Their ad-
ministra ton was wholly Materials
tic, and in IL were fundamental in
justices and determinations. Japan
itself was profoundly shocked when
she at last had forced on her atten-
ton by outsiders a full understand
ing of how bad the military Admin
istration had been. She had been
rather well satisfied with the eW-
dences of material Improvement thai
had taken place under her domina-
ton. and holding the native popula-
ton in what was on the whole
rather Just contempt, she had given
little or no consideration 20 their
feelings. She therefore stood abashed
and ashamed when Western civilisa-
ton began to formulate its charges
Of brutal 4ule. Her concern reached
such a pitch that she had recourse
10 the mos. important step possible
under her political system.
There was an imperial mandate IS
sued which commanded better
things. The military governor was
recalled. and about a year ago, civil
government replaced the military
regime. II is true that the new
civil governor had been a military
officer. but even the sharpest critics
OF japan agree that he is a man Of
high purpose. and that the actual re-
suits OF his administration are bear
ing out the promises of reform.
Japan frankly admits that she re-
grets deeply that there is a true
foundation for much OF the criticism
that has been leveled against her on
account of her Korean administra-
ton. Her best people are frankly
ashamed OF this chapter. but they
point with solid assurance 10 the re-
forms that have been instituted. and
10 the revision Of the national policy
which has now for It's main feature
the real pacifcation of the Koreans.
While we were in Toxic there was
celebrated the marriage OF the Ko-
rean crown prince 20 a japanese
princess AS a part OF the celebra-
ton attending the ceremony. several
thousand Korean prisoners were lib
Grated.
Japan Admits Errors.
While Japan admits her errors in
respect 10 her Korean policy, and
is making amends now by an admin
:stration, which even her critics COM
mend. she is inclined 70 indicate that
after all. & is not a typical interna-
tional question. National short
comings measured In the light Of
western moral ideals are humiliating
10 Japan because she processes her
greatest ambition is 10 bring the ma
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