PANIC IN SEOUL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 35, 10 February 1904, Page 2

PANIC IN SEOUL.

NATIVES GETTING OUT OF HAND. LONDON. January 14. A dispatch to the "iiail" from Seoul represents the ci.y as being in a state of panic. The natives are getting out of hand. They are threatening the train service, which may be interrupted at any moment. The Russian Legation guards are filled with religions frenzy. The American marines have each been furnished with 100 rounds of ammunition. They are criiardinjr. in addition to the United States Legation, the electric light and railway station, which is American property. The palace population also is in a panicky condition. The Emperor has issued a pitiful edict, saying the country may be lost soon, but the sloth and weakness of the people themselves is answerable for the conditions picvailing. The edict adds that they must act as seems best for their own interest. M. Pavloff. the Russian Minister, is read}' to receive the Emperor at the legation if he flees from the palace. His Majesty has issued an ordinance to the army ordering the troops not to fire in the event of a clash with the foreign troops. John McLeavy Brown, head of the Customs and Controller of Finance in Corea, inspected the Corean troops Monday. Ball cartridges have been taken from the soldiers owing to the eagerness to attack foreigners. There are 7000 native soldiers in the city. The position of foreigners is unpleasant, but all are armed and prepared to resist attack. The whole country is extremely turbulent. The Japanese residents are aggressive and somewhat contemptuous. The Emperor and residents of tbe city are sending money away. The Chinese, expecting a change of Government, are speculating wildly in land values WASHINGTON. January 13. The Japanese Minister stated that the report that a demand has been made on behalf of the Japanese Government upon the Emperor of Corea that he recognise a Japanese protectorate over Corea is without foundation.