the simultaneous withdrawal of Chinese and Japanese troops from the Korean territory. We, the undersigned representatives, solemnly submit this proposal for your favorable consideration, as a course consistent with the honor and dignity of two great nations with which all our Governments are in friendly relations. We feel confident that your excellency will fully understand that the interests of our Governments are deeply affected, as the continued presence of foreign troops on Korean soil may easily lead to complications disadvantageous to the security of our nationals. We should esteem it a favor if your excellency would be pleased to present this communication to your Government at your earliest convenience. We will of course at the same time communicate immediately the request of the Korean Government to our respective Governments. We have, etc., No. 17.] JNO. M. B. SILL, For the United States. PAUL DE KEHRBERG, For Russia. J. LEFEVRE, For France. C. T. GARDNER, For England. Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, Peking, June 26, 1894. (Received August 3.) SIR: The Korean insurrection, and the part taken in it by China and Japan, continue to excite the utmost interest here. The insurrection itself has sunk into insignificance compared with the complications between Korea's two nearest neighbors to which it has given rise. I am informed that more than 4,000 Japanese troops are now in Korea and that the Japanese Government is making preparations and holding itself in readiness for important movements. China, also, is increasing her forces. In addition to previous shipments, several hundred soldiers left Taku on the 22d instant for Chemulpo, and these are but part of 5,000 that are under orders to embark. I am informed by the chargé d'affaires of Japan that a Japanese force is now in possession of Seoul and that the Chinese are encamped 15 miles south of that city. The Japanese Government does not propose to withdraw its forces until definite guarantees are given by China that it will not again interfere in Korean affairs, except as provided by the convention with Japan. This convention, executed at Tientsin in 1885, contains the following paragraph: In case of any disturbance of a grave nature occurring in Korea which necessitates the respective countries, or either of them, to send troops to Korea, it is hereby understood that they shall give, each to the other, previous notice in writing of their intention so to do, and that, after the matter is settled, they shall withdraw their troops immediately, and not further station them there." It is asserted that, in the present instance, the action of China was only communicated to Japan after it was an accomplished fact. The Chinese troops left Taku the 3d and arrived at Chemulpo the 5th instant, and it was not until this latter date, viz, June 5, that notice of their departure was given at Tokyo. Japan notified China on the 7th instant that she had sent troops, which were disembarked on the 10th. The ministers of the Yamên talk of this affair as if it were entirely in the hands of Li Hung chang. This confirms a report, which I have from the most reliable sources, that a secret imperial edict of about ten days ago constituted the great viceroy plenipotentiary in this affair, even to the power of dictating peace or war. The edict stated, however, that war would be exceedingly to be regretted in this year of rejoicing over the Empress' sixtieth birthday. The action of Japan is criticised here as hasty and unduly bellicose. Though there was never an international quarrel with less grounds for its justification, a conflict between the forces of the two countries seems imminent. The army of Japan upon a war footing is only 120,000 men, while the Viceroy Li alone has 50,000 foreign-drilled troops, armed with modern arms, and of fine discipline and efficiency. Besides these, there are many thousand foreign-drilled troops in other parts of the empire, and a practically inexhaustible supply of the old fashioned native soldiery. It is reported to-day that the representatives of the foreign powers at Seoul are striving to avert a conflict by inducing a simultaneous withdrawal of the hostile forces. I have, etc., CHAS. DENBY, Jr. No. 18 Mr. Sill to Mr. Gresham. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 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 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 any time. 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.] JOHN M. B. SILL. Mr. Otori's reply to the joint note from the Foreign Representatives at Seoul. 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.) K. OTORI. [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 com. munication on the 22d of fifth moon of this year. (Dispatch quoted in full.) In reply, I have the honor to inform you that I telegraphed immedi ately to my Government these facts, and I will inform you after I get an answer from my Government. I have, etc., YUAN SHI-KAI. (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 agree ment 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., YUAN SHI-KAI. (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 allpervading 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 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. No. 19.] Mr. Sill to Mr. Gresham. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, Seoul, Korea, July 2, 1894. (Received August 5.) SIR: Continuing the subject of military operations in Korea, I have now to inform you that on the 28th instant Mr. Otori demanded a declaration, to be given the next day by the Korean foreign office, as to whether Korea is tributary to China or not. This caused great consternation, as, if they answered in the negative they would offend China, while an affirmative answer might bring down the wrath of Japan. After many consultations and several reminders |