THE CRISIS IN KOREA

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 30

THE CRISIS IN KOREA

STATEMENT BY VISCOUNT HAYASHI. A WARNING TO CHINA. SEOUL, July 23. The plot at the Palace led to the arrest of the elder statesmen (who appointed the Minister of the Imperial Household), abo of Yithoboi (Chief Chamberlain) and four officers on suspicion of inciting to riot. The ex-Emperor has persuaded his son, who was weakening, to Tefuse to sign the Government proclamation urging the people to preserve order. The late Emperor, is actively intriguing with the object of inflaming the Korean troops. Politicians distrust each other, and the public disaffection is spreading rapidly. Rioting is apprehended throughout the Peninsula. Every Japanese soldier is needed to guard the barracks, where most of the Korean troops are interned, consequently it is impossible to adequately guard the foreign quarter of Seoul. Japanese reinforcements are expected to arrive on Wednesday. It is reported that three Japanese cruisers are expected at Chemulpo. July 25. Three Japanese warships arrived at Chemulpo, and landed troops and bluejackets for Seoul. Marquis Ito presented Japan's proposals to the Korean Cabinet, and although these do not interfere with the security of the throne, it is believed they must be of a revolutionary nature owing to the consternation prevailing at Court. After considerable opposition on the part of the Korean Court, the new Japanese Korean Convention has been signed, placing the Korean administration under the guidance of the Japanese Resi-dent-general, who is authorised to appoint his nominees to all responsible positions. July 26. When the Emperor's abdication was announced all the ladies of the palace thronged the building, condoling and weeping and wailing. Then they carried off every portable article they could find as souvenirs. July 29. Marquis Ito is gradually disbanding the Korean army, and is substituting an equal number of Japanese troops.

TOKIO, July 24. In the course of an interview Viscount Hayashi stated that intriguing by the Korean Government was impossible. The throne had nothing to fear from Japan, but there must be competent and organised administration. July 27. Viscount Hayashi, on being interviewed, described the ex-Emperor of Korea as a spoilt despot, who was always intent upon a selfish exploitation of the Koreans. Viscount Hayashi also stated that if Korea's fate could be regarded as a lesson by China it should be a warning to her to put her home in order before some strong nation did so for her, imitating the events at Seoul. China's despotism, which was the worst form of government, must produce a Crisis, and when the present ruling mind had gone stale China would fall a prey to intrigues.