Page:Japan by the Japanese (1904).djvu/226

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

188

JAPAN BY THE JAPANESE

be a cause which lies either in the accumulation of power in the hands of high families, or in the intrigues of malignant courtiers. The rumour has reached the Highest Place that the principal instigator is the King’s father, and His Majesty [i.e., Chinese Emperor] greatly enraged, now sends down troops to summon him before the Imperial Court and give explanations for his misconduct….’

Such was the reason given for the kidnapping of Tai-in-kun, but the real ground for it lay in the attempt of Li-Hung-Chang to utilize the contest between the rival factions in Corea for advancing China’s influence over that country. The Queen’s party regained power under protection of the Chinese army, and on the advice of the Chinese officers they showed readiness to negotiate with the Japanese mission.

Hanabusa and his suite were already embarked in the ships, when in the early dawn of the 26th a letter from the Corean presiding Minister was brought to him, which showed sincerity of purpose in wishing to end the matter by peaceful negotiation. Hanabusa agreed to postpone his departure for two days, negotiations were opened in Chemulpo late in the night of the 28th, and the treaty was signed on the 30th of August, 1882.

By this treaty Corea promised to punish within twenty days, and in the presence of Japanese officials, persons guilty of the late attack on the Japanese; and if the Corean Government failed to do so within the stated time, Japan was to have the right of arresting and punishing the guilty herself by sending out her own police to Corea. Corea was to institute a funeral ceremony for the Japanese official personages killed in the disorder. She also promised to pay Japan an indemnity of 500,000 yen in annual instalments of 100,000 yen each (afterwards reduced to 50,000 yen each). Japan obtained the right to station a detachment of soldiers in Corea for the protection of her Legation, but if nothing occurred in the course of a year, and if the Japanese Minister in Corea regarded the presence of such a force no longer necessary, it was to be withdrawn. Corea was to send to Japan a High Commissioner with the King’s letter asking pardon for the late disturbance.

By an additional contract the travelling limit of the Japanese residing in the open ports in Corea was extended to fifty Corean ri immediately, and to 100 ri on the expiration of the second year after the exchange of ratifications. In addition to the ports already opened, Yokwatin was also to be opened for trade with Japan within one year. The Japanese Ministers and Consuls with their families and suites were given the right of travelling in the interior of Corea with passports, and the Corean local Governors were called on to supply them with escorts.

In October, 1882, Corea sent Boku-ei-ko to Japan as High