The New York herald., 1921-10-14
Activitic. Of Missionaries.

There are probably 1000 Americans
conducting missions and trade school,
in Corea under this plan, which is de-
clared to be producing excellent re-
suits. Some Of the missionaries with
whom talked are inclined to regard
the Japanese figures covering the esti-
mated number Of converts to Chris
tianity as being far below the actual
figures. The missionaries who have
checked up the matter pretty
thoroughly declare that there are
nearer 400, 900 converts to Western re-
ligious sects represented In Corea than
100000.
AS a rule they do not make any
complaint regarding the attitude OF tht.
Japanese Government toward them.
Openly II is very friendly, but In pr!-
vate conversation with representatives
Of some Of the churches whose
identities must be withheld was in
formed that the Japanese Govern
ment officials, while apparently taking
a tolerant view of foreign activities.
really maintain vigilant eye upon
their undertakings to prevent 'meddl-
ing with politics"
H5 JdpdHeSe ONlCl.iiS dIe CTeulNeC
by the missionaries with making
pretenee" of conforming to the con-
stitution Of the empire of Japan, which
guarantees the freedom of religious
worship. Baron alto, the Military
Governor General, who several years
ago was Naval Attache to the Japa-
nese Embassy at Washington. told me
that ''the missionaries are. very help
ful to US IN trying to improve the con-
dition of these people"
Some Of the missionaries, however,
expressed the wish that the Governor
General would square his words with
deeds. They admit that there is no
open hostility to their activities. They
even concede recent encouragement IN
the form Of concession to permit the
teaching of the Bible in private.
schools. The Shinto and Japanese
Buddhist cree ds arc taught in the pub
tic schools operated under the direc-
ton Of the Governor. Some of the
Japanese officials admit that limited
control Of Christian activities is
necessary" because "acts Of violenc,
directed against the Japanese admin
istration of Corea have been traced TO
the inspiration OF American mission
aries"
They cite the last outbreak by
Corean Democrats" (March. 1920) to
prove that American missionaries were
really at the back Of the venture
though no proof is offered TO sustain
the charge. This outbreak followed an
attempt by Corean zealot to assas-
sinate Governor General Saito and Or.
Midzuno. the administrative superin-
tendent at the Nam Dai-Mon (South
Gate) railway station at Seoul. AS far
as the facts developed by the inquiry
which led to the execution OF the
revoiutionist disclosed. none OF the
Christian churches was concerned in
the matter.
Seoul. OF course, is the centre of mis-
sionary activities, because 1t Is tho
headquarters of the Federal Council Of
Churches. Missions have been estab-
lished' In the provinces OF Ardong
clarifying. Chemulpo. Chingau. Choor,
Chun. Chulwon. Chungju, Funsanchin
Haiju, Ham, Heung. Hoirung, Kangkel.
Kongju. Kushang. Ku,san. Kwangju
Kyumasan Mokpo, Pyeng Yang, Song
DO, Songiin. Soonchun, Syenchun,
TailSu, Tongyeng, Wonsan and Yong
jung.
The Salvation Army. which has
seventeen branches scattered over
Corea, is very popular with the natives
and Is conceded by both the Japanese
officials and missionaries identified
with orthodox sects to be doing good
work.
There does not appear to be any
more poverty in Corea than there is In
Japan, but there is unquestionably a
great deal more squalor due to primi-
tive teachings and the intense rever-
nr1ce for ancient things. no matter how