The letter of the Emperor of Korea to the President of the United States makes interesting reading: 

“Ever since 1883 the United States and Korea have been in friendly treaty relations.  Korea has received many proofs of the good will and the sympathy of the American Government and people.  The American Representatives have always shown themselves to be in sympathy with the welfare and progress of Korea.  Many teachers have been sent from America who have done much for the uplift of our people.

“But we have not made the progress that we ought.  This is due partly to the political machinations of foreign powers and partly to our mistakes.  At the beginning of the Japan-Russia war the Japanese Government asked us to enter into an alliance with them, granting them the use of our territory, harbours, and other resources, to facilitate their military and naval operations.  Japan, on her part, guaranteed to preserve the independence of Korea and the welfare and dignity of the royal house.  We complied with Japan’s request, loyally lived up to our obligations, and did everything that we had stipulated.  By so doing we put ourselves in such a position that if Russia had won, she could have seized Korea and annexed her to Russian territory on the ground that we were active allies of Japan.

“It is now apparent that Japan proposes to abrogate their part of this treaty and declare a protectorate over our country in direct contravention of her sworn promise in the agreement of 1904.  There are several reasons why this should not be done.

     “In the first place, Japan will stultify herself by such a direct
     breach of faith.  It will injure her prestige as a power that
     proposes to work according to enlightened laws.

“In the second place, the actions of Japan in Korea during the past two years give no promise that our people will be handled in an enlightened manner.  No adequate means have been provided whereby redress could be secured for wrongs perpetrated upon our people.  The finances of the country have been gravely mishandled by Japan.  Nothing has been done towards advancing the cause of education or justice.  Every move on Japan’s part has been manifestly selfish.

“The destruction of Korea’s independence will work her a great injury, because it will intensify the contempt with which the Japanese people treat the Koreans and will make their acts all the more oppressive.

“We acknowledge that many reforms are needed in Korea.  We are glad to have the help of Japanese advisers, and we are prepared loyally to carry out their suggestions.  We recognize the mistakes of the past.  It is not for ourselves we plead, but for the Korean people.

“At the beginning of the war our people gladly welcomed the Japanese, because this seemed to herald needed reforms and a general