1 Sep 1919 – Proclaims Korea Free Republic

In a proclamation addressed to “the people of the world” the “Republic of Korea” was proclaimed today.  The proclamation is signed by Dr. Syngman Rhee, who signs as “President of the Republic of Korea,” and by J. Klusic S. Kimm, Chairman of the Korean Commission to the Peace Conference in Paris.  In the proclamation the sovereignty of Japan over Korea is renounced and the world is asked to accept Korea as an independent Government, founded on the principles expressed in the American Declaration of Independence and and expressed by President Wilson during the war.

Again in this review of the NY Times Archives on one of Korea’s most important historical modern events, we see the importance of the Paris Peace Conference.  We also see how the words of the president of a powerful nation influence at least minds around the world.  And considering how the March 1st Movement worked out, and how little the US did in terms of following through on Pres. Wilson’s ideas/ideals, we also see what can happen when those minds don’t understand American politics well enough.

“We do this in acceptance of the principle that no people should be forced to live under a sovereignty which they have not chosen and which they do not recognize, and our certain knowledge of the fact that the belated and pretended promise or assurance by Japan of autonomy and federalization is only a new form of the cruel and atrocious denationalizing and dechristianizing process under which we have suffered unspeakable tortures and against which we have unceasingly fought and struggled for more than twelve years.”

4 Sep 1919 – Koreans Hurl Bomb at New Governor

An attempt was made yesterday to assassinate with a bomb Baron Saito, the newly appointed Japanese Governor General of Korea, and his wife, just as they were leaving the railroad station at Seoul.

The bomb exploded under the Governor General’s carriage.  No one was killed, but several persons were wounded, including William Harrison, brother of former Mayor Carter Harrison, and his wife, who were slightly hurt.

Here is an intersting note:

The news did not come as any great surprise in Washington quarters, where the Korean question has been closely followed because of the vigor with which the movement for independence is being urged.

Because of the clarity of hindsight, what I’ve heard mostly (from Koreans) about the March 1st Movement and its effort to reach out to the Paris Peace Conference and the world powers has been negative – which I have adopted too.  But, here is a note saying that it was at least not hopeless.  It did gain some important ears – just not enough or not the ones with enough push to do something…

The appointment [of Saito] was part of the Japanese Government’s scheme for supplanting the former military governorship of Korea with a civil administration. 

5 Sep 1919 – Saito Promises Reforms in Korea

The old method of punishment in Korea, he said, would be abolished, the right of free speech would be granted, and a Korean autonomous government in villages and districts would be instituted, with the eventual goal of Korean representation in the Japanese Diet.

Admiral Saito is a typical naval officer-affable, frank, and kindly.  He gives the impression of liberality and broad mindedness.  He speaks English readily and well.  [Whoopidy Doo...]

Disclosing important reforms to the correspondent, he said he wished the American people to feel that his administration, backed by the home Government and unequivocally recognizing any mistakes in the past, would in the future be based on the principle of governing Korea in the interest of the Koreans and keeping progress with the age.

“Much has been said about our assimilating the Koreans,” he continued.  “All I ask is that the Koreans be loyal subjects of the Japanese Empire.  It would be absurd to think of destroying the ancient Korean language and customs.  We shall continue to offer Japanese education, but there will be no coercive attempts to crush out the Korean spirit and traditions or legitimate aspirations.”

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“I promise to abolish all forms of discrimination whatsoever.  In addition to the abolition of the gendarmerie, the unpopular gold braids and swords worn by officials will be discontinued, and able Koreans will be given official appointments, promotion, and fair treatment on the same basis as the Japanese.  All the people will be given impartial justice.”

The correspondent particularly mentioned that flogging and alleged excesses, which as shown by photographs of some of the persons who underwent this punishment caused comment abroad, appeared to be out of place in a civilized country like Japan.  Admiral Saito pointed out that flogging had been discontinued in Japan only forty years ago.  He was convinced that it should be immediately abolished in Korea, and the home Government had agreed to this.

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“The poorest, as well as the richest, Korean can always come to my door and tell me his troubles and desires.”

6 Sep 1919 – Senators Treated to Peace Allegory

This is to be read in full — I’ll give a taste:

“This Mr. Jap did not bear a very good reputation in the community.  In addition to the robbery he had committed against John Chinaman, it was known that just a few years previous he had been guilty of an unprovoked and outrageous assault upon the old maden lady who lived in the community, known as Miss Korea.”

If some don’t draw a parallel between this senator’s description of Pres. Wilson as “Miss Columbia” and Pres. Obama — I’ll drop dead from a heartattack…

10 Sep 1919 – Troops Rule Seoul After Bomb Attack

Since the attempt to assassinate Baron Saito…every part of that city has been occupied by Japanese troops and the place is virtually in a state of siege.  The bomb thrower is still at large, although a number of persons suspected of being implicated in the plot are under arrest….  It is the opinion of the police the bomb was not made in Korea but was brought into the country probably from Manchuria.

 The next paragraph says the Japanese press and opposition took the view that the attack was a nautral result of Japan naming a military man as governor rather than a civilian – which is interesting…

The number of injured by the explosion, official advices state, was 29.

…After rolling toward Baron Saito the bomb remained thirty seconds before exploding.  A large stone in its path deflected the fragments backward and probably saved the Baron’s life.

This last articlecan show us that politics back in 1919 weren’t some Golden Age from whince today’s polarization has degraded…  Every time I catch myself thinking things today are uniquely crappy (or great), I force myself to look back…