Mr. Sill to Mr.
Gresham.
No. 18]
Legation of the
United States,
Seoul,
Korea, June 29, 1894. (Received August
6.)
Sir: Referring to my dispatch of June 25, I have
now the honor to inform you that in response to the joint note of the
foreign representatives here, addressed to the representatives of China and
Japan at this place, and suggesting to them the advisability of a
simultaneous withdrawal of their respective military forces, a copy of which
note I inclosed with my No. 16, we received on the next day, June 25, a
reply, as per inclosed copy, from Mr. Otori, stating that he would
communicate our suggestion to his Government. The same day we also received
a reply in the same sense from Mr. Yuan. (See inclosed copy.)
The following day, the 26th, Mr. Yuan sent us another letter (see copy
inclosed), stating that at 3 a.m. that day the grand council of his
Government, which includes the Emperor, had considered our communication,
but were compelled to say that, as Japan had refused to withdraw her troops
from Korea, the troops of China must remain.
I have heard since, on good authority, that the Empress of China has decided
to set aside the 60,000,000 taels, collected for her sixty-first birthday
anniversary celebration, to be used in putting down this trouble, and that
no celebration shall take place till this matter is settled.
The Japanese troops have occupied the hills and all other strategic points
about Seoul. They also have complete control of the river from Seoul to
Chemulpo and the roads leading to and from these points, so that the Chinese
will meet with very effectual opposition when they arrive.
I have now to state also that at the urgent request of His Majesty I have
agreed to grant asylum to the royal family and other high officials if it
becomes necessary, at the same time deprecating any such change
[Page 26]
of location by the heads of the
Government, unless it becomes absolutely necessary.
In view of this event, I have finally persuaded Admiral Skerrett to increase
the guard promised me from 12 to 120 men, as the former number would be
quite inadequate for the protection of the legation alone, A conflict may be
expected at anytime. More Japanese troops are arriving almost daily, and the
Chinese Government is reported to be actively engaged in massing and
equipping an adequate force. On the 26th instant Mr. Otori had an audience
with His Majesty, in which he presented a paper, by order of his sovereign,
stating that Japan found it necessary, for the mutual welfare of the two
countries, to ask that certain radical changes be made in the government and
policy of Korea, such changes to be made upon consultation with the Japanese
authorities; and that until these changes are made in a manner satisfactory
to Japan the Japanese troops would not be withdrawn. (See copy
inclosed.)
I may add that Japan seems to be very kindly disposed toward Korea. She seems
only to desire, once for all, to throw off the yoke of Chinese suzerainty,
and then to assist her weak neighbor in strengthening her position as an
independent State, by aiding her in such reforms as shall bring peace,
prosperity, and enlightenment to her people, a motive which pleases many
Korean officials of the more intelligent sort, and one which I imagine may
not meet with disapproval in America.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 18.]
Mr. Otori’s reply
to the joint note from the Foreign Representatives
at Seoul.
His
Imperial Japanese Majesty’s Legation,
Seoul, June
25, 1894.
Sir: Acknowledging the receipt of your note of
to-day’s date, suggesting me, under request of Korean Government and as
friendly office, the solution of the present situation by withdrawing
simultaneously the Japanese and the Chinese troops from Korean
territory, I have the honor to respectfully express my sincere thanks
for your advice and your magnanimous act. But I regret to state herein
that, the withdrawal of Japanese soldiers being entirely in the option
of the Japanese Government, the only course open to me is to convey
your, note to the notice of my Government, as requested, and which I
shall not fail to do in the earliest opportunity. I also have the honor
to add in this connection that my views being entirely in accord with
yours in preserving peace and order in this capital, and in continuing
the amicable relations among us altogether, I have already taken due
steps to recommend my Government in order to arrive at the end desired
by all concerned.
I have, etc.,
(Addressed to all the foreign representatives at Seoul.)
[Inclosure 2 in No. 18.]
Mr. Yuan to Foreign Representatives.
22 Day, 5 Moon, 20 Year of
Kwang-hsü (June 25, 1894).
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your joint communication on the 22d of fifth moon of this
year.
(Dispatch quoted in full.)
[Page 27]
In reply, I have the honor to inform you that I telegraphed immediately
to my Government these facts, and I will inform you after I get an
answer from my Government.
I have, etc.,
(Addressed to all the foreign representatives at Seoul.)
[Inclosure 3 in No. 18.]
Mr. Yuan to Foreign Representatives, transmitting communication
from the Chinese Government.
23 Day, 5 Moon, 20 Year of
Kwang-hsü (June 26, 1894).
Sir: Referring to your joint communication of
the 22d of fifth moon of this year (June 25), I had immediately replied,
in which I also said that I would telegraph to my Government of the
fact.
I have the honor to inform you that I have received a telegram from my
Government as follows:
Regarding the Chinese troops sent out to Korea, by the invitation
from the Korean Government to help in the extermination of the
rebels. On the arrival of the troops, we were informed that the
city of Chun Chu had been recaptured and the rebels were all
dispersed; the Government was going to withdraw the troops from
Korea, but great numbers of Japanese troops coming out to Korea
and remaining in the capital and Chemulpo, they seem to remain
longer. As this concerning to the agreement between China and
Japan which was made at Tien-Tsin in the eleventh year of
Kwang-hsü (1885), the troops of two nations should be withdrawn
at the same time. The instructions having been given to refer
the matter to the Japanese Government, and this already has been
done, but the Japanese Government did not agree to it. My
Government also considering very much upon the condition of the
people of all the friendly nations, but we are not possible to
withdraw our troops, but the Japanese do not agree to withdraw.
We are grateful for the amicable arrangements endeavored to be
made by the representatives of all friendly nations in Korea in
this case.
I have, etc.,
(Addressed to all the foreign representatives at Seoul.)
[Inclosure 4 in No. 18.]
Memorial of Mr. Otori (minister from
Japan) to His Majesty the
King of Korea.
(Delivered at audience, June, 26, 1894.)
Your Majesty’s virtuous rule is daily progressing, and the people of your
Kingdom are being reformed [improved]. I am respectfully appreciative of
the fact that the administration of His Majesty is all-pervading
throughout the Kingdom.
Regarding the troubles in the south, the rebels could not be restrained,
as they are ignorant and stubborn, so that they began at once
atrociously to oppose their officials. The Government was even compelled
to send down soldiers in order to reduce them; but as it was found very
difficult to suppress them, as a last resort assistance was asked from a
[the] neighboring country.
As soon as my Government heard of this, and for this reason, His Majesty
the Emperor directed me to return to my post with some
[Page 28]
troops for the protection of his legation
and Japanese subjects. He also instructed me to lend assistance in
promoting good conditions and in suppressing evil; also to give any aid,
if there should be anything required in the case, in order to maintain
friendship between our two neighboring countries (Japan and Korea).
On my arrival in Seoul I was informed that the city of Chun Chu had been
recaptured, and that the rebels were dispersed, and that, therefore, the
soldiers will be withdrawn and good order will again reign.
This is good for Korea, both in her internal and in her external
relations, since it is shown that the virtuous action and authority of
His Majesty is thus able to pervade the whole realm.
As Japan and Korea are both situated in the eastern part of Asia, and
their boundaries are very close to each other, they are thus not only
mutually dependent, but from ancient times we have exchanged missions
between our two countries for the maintenance of friendship, as may be
found from history.
It is the custom at present, as we can see, for the nations of the earth
to make themselves as prosperous and strong as possible by attending
closely the administration of politics, education, laws, finances, the
encouragement of agriculture, and the promotion of commerce. In this way
they make themselves strong and important among the nations. Then, if
Korea alone remains bigotedly attached to ancient customs, giving no
consideration to the changed conditions of the present day, and neglects
the intelligent exertion necessary for the maintenance of independence,
how can she stand alone [independent] among the nations? Therefore [in
view of Korea’s danger], I am instructed to express these considerations
to your high officials at a council and. [endeavor] to induce the
Government of Korea to adopt a policy which will make her prosperous and
strong; then the friendship between our two nations may be maintained,
and we may continue mutually dependent.
I sincerely hope that Your Majesty will earnestly consider this memorial
and give instructions to your minister of foreign affairs, or to an
especial commission to meet me in council, that I may fully explain my
meaning and intention. And [I trust that] you may not be led to
disregard this attention [kind thought] of my Government for a friendly
nation. Then will the present weighty condition [strained relations]
take on a more fortunate aspect.
I earnestly hope that this [favorable] result may be attained.
Wishing to His Majesty long life, happiness, and prosperity.
