Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1904 — TAKES CONTROL OF KOREA. [ARTICLE]

TAKES CONTROL OF KOREA.

Japan Institutes a Viceroyalty in the Hermit Kihgldui, Japan has. instituted a viceroyalty in Korea. Mr. Tokugawa has been appointed resident viceroy in Seoul and Mr. Karu vice resident'; The latter for several weeks has stayed at the imperial palace iu Seoul to prevent the Emperor from fleeing on board a French warship. The Japanese have removed the Gingsburg Goal Company’s vessels front Chemulpo and also the Korean warships. The Japanese cruisers Suma and Idzuma arrived at Shanghai. One thousand Russian troops have arrived at Tongwu and 500 at Ransom The Korean government has decided to order the army to join the Japanese forces in the field. The army at present consists of about 20.000 mem trained in European manner. In 1800 the army was taken in charge by a Russian colonel. with three non-commissioned officers, but two years later ho retired, after doing much to improve tlie efficiency of the troops, One of the features of the army is the bodyguard of tlie Emperor. It consists of 1,000 picked men, all drilled to perfection and under perfect discipline. From time to time drafts from thisbodyguard are made for the standing army, tints helping greatly the drilling of tlie latter. The port of Wiju has been opened to foreign trade, but it has not yet been decided what ' limitations to place on commerce ami other im• i ( 1 enta 1 mat tecs. The opening of the port necessitated a harbor, and Yongampho was chosen. The Japanese minister at Seoul has requested the Korean government to hand tlie French minister his passports.