2
1st. (15th of 10th Moon). Sunday. Fine.
3
Arrests are going on all sides. Many of the teachers of Foreigners (Missionaries) have been arrested. The "Ins" want to make as much fuss as possible over this matter in order (1) to direct the public attention from their crimes to the new prisoners, (2) to take this opportunity for getting rid of all troublesome persons.
4
By the way the little sign of life shown by the Cabinet has completely overawed the American Legation.
5
The Japanese paper in Seoul which said nothing ugly about the Japanese and Coreans who murdered Her Majesty is very bitter against the Royalists who tried and failed to rescue His Majesty the other day.
7
2nd. (16th). Monday. Fine.
8
Dr. Underwood and wife are as good to me as can be. The Doctor is a strong Royalist.
9
Dr. Allen and Mr. Sill have fits of fear on them. Mr. Hulbert and I wanted to start a paper. But Dr. Allen and Mr. Sill told Hulbert that the Legation would at once come down on anything of the sort. They could not allow any refugee to start a paper opposed to the government under the American auspices direct or indirect. The representatives of Uncle Sam went so far as to say that the present government is the government de facto, because all the decrees are in the name of the King! Funny! Were not the decrees which appeared soon after the murder of Her Majesty all in the name of the King? How is it then that the American Legation which maintained the illegality of the Cabinet soon after the murder, because the King's decrees were issued under coercion, now turns round and says that the decrees now issued are legal? This inconsistency and weakness of the Legations have wronged many a people.
11
3rd. (17th). Tuesday. Cloudy and warm.
12
Thank God my father and companion are so far safe out of immediate danger. Hear An Kiung Soo was arrested.
13
Dr. Underwood firmly believes that Her Majesty is alive. In fact I am sleeping on the bed which he prepared for Her Majesty in his study. He tells me that she was to come here in the night of the late event. Would to God she were alive and out of danger!
14
The death of Her Majesty was published on the 1st of December. The flags in the Legations are all half-masted.
15
Mr. Yu Kil Chun, through General Greathouse, has written me two very affectionate letters assuring me of his help and asking me to come and see him in the Cabinet. But is he the only man in the government? He may be sincere in his professions of friendship to me but others may differ from him. Once in trouble, he may not be able to do anything for me.
17
4th. (18th). Wednesday.
18
General Greathouse came to see me this morning. I wrote to Mr Yu asking him to send in my resignation for me.
19
The King has been for the few days past entirely cut off from the ouside world. He sent word to Dr. Underwood yesterday that Kim Hong Chip, Wo Yun Chung and Yi Chai Mion are growing more and more insolent. He asked the doctor why he does not come to the palace now. The fact is that Mr. Sill was so scared that he positively told Dr. Underwood not to go to the Palace. While the Doctor went to the Palace at the request of the Legation carrying on messages, Mr. Sill now insinutes that Dr. Underwood, without good cause, has been meddling with politics. The attitude of the American and English Legations is contemptible.
20
This morning General Dye sent word to Dr. Underwood that they are going to remove the King to a very unhealthy quarter. I do not see where help can come from! If the Legations acknowledged the present Cabinet from the start, the King might have been safer. But their utter cowardly attitude now so strongly contrasted to their former policy has made the Cabinet and Japanese bold enough to do any devilment.
21
In 1884, Kim Ok Kiun and his party tried to overthrow the then government in the hope of destroying Chinese influence. The rash attempt only succeeded in strenghening the Chinese grip on Corea. In October, this year, Japan jealous of the growing influence of Russia, sought to weaken it by helping in the murder of the Queen. But that very nasty deed has inclined Coreans more favorably toward R. than any act on the part of Japan could ever have done. Between Corea and Japan there is now an impassable gulf flowing with a dark stream of distrust and prejudice purpled with the blood of the Queen of Corea.
23
9th. (23th). Monday. Very cold.
24
Cold weather has set in after a month of lovely days and nights.
25
This morning I was informed that my cousin had been arrested and brought to Seoul from our country home. Oh, things look so dark! When and where will relief come from?
26
My heart aches to think of the anxiety in which dear mother and precious Darling are night and day. When am I to have a settled home where I can unpack all my trunks and live with dear ones in enjoyment of peace and love!
27
I am afraid that it is all hope against hope to believe in the escape of Her Majesty from her murderers―Japanese. If anybody can be sure of her fate it is Yu Kil Chun and his party. They told me that she is sure enough dead. Nor would they dare restore her to her rank, had they the least doubt of her being killed. Oh, no! Why should I cherish a hope a dead and burned Queen is alive?
28
Mr. 魚允中 who had several times asked me to come out under his protection, sent me word through Mr. Brown this morning that I should stay where I am for a few days yet.
29
The Japan Mail publishes of that Dr. Underwood was the ringleader of the loyalist attack of the 28th of November. Mrs. Underwood felt so indignant over it that she wrote to the Japan Gazette and to a Shanghai paper stating the fact that her husband went to the Palace on the 28th November at the special request of Dr. Allen, the secretary of the American Legation. I am sorry she went that far. Certainly it is very unwise to involve the Legation folks in the matter. But she is a woman who would have her say.
30
Wrote Dr. Allen of Shanghai and to father.
32
11th. (25th). Wednesday. Very cold and bright.
33
They released my cousin yesterday. Darling wife and baby came and spent a few hours with me this p.m.
34
Collections and Recollections:
35
1. A few days before the 8th of October, Yu Kil Chun told my 1st cousin in a great excitement that the Queen would soon find out that she could not indulge in her selfishness always unchecked. In the afternoon of the 7th of October, I saw Yuk Chong Yun 陸鍾允 whispering to Mr. Kim Yun Sik for more than an hour.
36
2. On the morning of the 8th, when Mr. Kim Y. Sik heard of the fate of Her Majesty he told my cousin in great relief "Ah, the great work is done! 大事成矣
37
3. During his stay in America, Soh Kwang Pom was indebted to Mr. T. Underwood, the elder brother of Dr. Underwood for support. The kind-hearted man was grieved that Soh, instead of living within his means, became so dudish that he would not put on any suit of clothes which was not made to order in stuff as well as in style. Soh once said in my hearing that when he returned to Japan from America, the standard of living of the Japanese looked so poor and wretched and contemptible that he could not see what reasons the Japs had for living at all(!) Very different impression this is to mine.
38
4. The last time I saw Her Majesty was on a night about a week before her death. She was not well. She with gracious similes, told me that Min Sang Ho was to be sent to Washington as the Secretary. I asked her if she could not send me to some European country. She smiled and called me a "naughty fellow." She always took pleasure in telling her courtiers how well I used to read "Samkukchi" for the Prince, how I used to sleep in the ante-chambers, how the "na-ins" (Palace maids) liked me, how she looked on me as a nephew etc. etc. etc.
39
5. Notwithstanding her graciousness toward me I always felt awestruck before her. In her 30 years of checkered reign, she had never met a foe whom she could not "down", be it Tai Won Kun, Pak Yong Hio, or Inouye. Death alone conquered her. What a blessing she would have been to Corea had she devoted her brilliant talents to the good of her country as much as she did to her selfishness.
40
6. Extreme selfishness, whether in a Queen or in a coolie, brings on its punishment―sometimes. No man who has any sense at all will deny that the Queen's reign was a long stretch of oppression, cruelty and corruption. She made millions poor that a few might be rich. She made millions wretched that a few might be happy. She made millions did in cold and hunger that a few might live in silk and sin. Is it wonder then that the people should so little lament her death? Her memory is cherished by a few of the minor circle of her favorites. Some, like my father, went to avenge her death from a sense of loyalty and of principle. But these are only few and far between.
41
7. Harley Underwood, 6 years old is a remarkably good boy. His fond mother does everything that would spoil a child, but he is the least spoiled boy I have seen.
43
13th. (27th). Friday. Very cold and bright.
44
Wrote a note to Miss Richardson, asking her to tell the N.C. Herald to stop my paper.
45
Cho Chong Ung 趙重應, a secretary of the Board of Justice came to see me. He took away, in writing, my "statement" of the affairs of the 28th of November as far as my part was concerned.
46
Called on the refugees in the American Legation (李允用, 李完用, 李夏榮, 玄興澤, 閔商鎬) . The government, anxious to disperse the refugees in the Foreign Legations, try to persuade 李完用 and Min to return home. Yi is afraid of Tai Won Kun.
47
李允用 and 玄興澤 told me that on the fatal morning of 8th October, Her Majesty, hearing that Japs were rushing into her quarters, went down to the yard trying to escape. But 鄭秉夏, told her that the Japanese would not hurt her contrary to international law, and forced her to return to her apartments. If this is true 鄭 is a most damnable traitor the world has ever seen. He is indebted to Her Majesty for everything he has and he is. He was one of the most trusted favorites of the Queen. Yet he seems to have borne the most important part in her murder. Smooth villain! No wonder that the Cabinet has made him one of their confidants ever since the 8th of October.
48
Looking at the fact full in the face, can not help saying that the present Cabinet is the best Corea has seen this year. The better part of the members from common interest and common danger hang together, thus avoiding the curse of Corean politics―dissension. They are men of business. A cabinet composed of the refugees would be a sad failure, because they could not prefer together and stick gain and pleasure to work and honesty.
50
15th. (29th). Sunday. Cloudy and cold.
51
This p.m. 4 dear mother came to see me. She told me that Yi Chai Sun 李載純 was arrested yesterday, that the government intends to demand the Legations for the refugees, that my father is counted among the unpardonables, and that An Kiung Soo (安駉壽) and Kim Chai Poong (金在豊) are in danger of losing their lives. Han Chin Chang (韓鎭昌) gave her these news. Things look dark. How long will the Queen-murderers, Japanese and Japanites, be allowed to indulge in their spite and abuse of power!
52
It is noticeable that out of 9 "ilmyongs" (一名) who held high positions in the government two months ago only one is "in" while the rest are either "out" or in hiding. The present "ins" are all haters of "ilmyongs." Kim Hong Chip is notorious for his cast pride and partiality.
53
Someone told me this morning that Kim Hong Chip is strongly against cutting the hair. The idea! He who would plot with Japanese for cutting the throat of his Queen and sovereign, objects to cutting his topknot―that it too ridiculous if not too mean.
54
Just before the event of the 28th of November when Dr. Underwood asked Mr. Sill and Dr. Allen if they would protect Her Majesty should she come to their Legation, the worthy representatives actually told him that they could―not shelter her. him! They are friends in dead! Nothing can be so ridiculous and contemptible as the cowardly attitude of Messrs Representatives of America, England and Russia during the two weeks past. The vigorous bustle of the Japanites has scared the Representatives out of their wit.
55
A few days ago, Soh Kwang Pom wasap pointed Minister to Washington. I would not be surprised if this turned out to be a trick to get him out of the Cabinet.
57
20th. (5th of 11th Moon). Friday. Mild and cloudy.
58
Collections and Recollections:
59
1. Mr. Waeber came to see Dr. Underwood yesterday p.m. to ask him if he (Dr. Underwood) would not go with him to the Palace. The Russian representative talks quite hopefully. But remember, the less one hopes, the less he is disappointed.
60
2. Dr. Underwood is a large-hearted and a hard-working man. His wife improves on longer acquaintance. She has a very delicate body, yet she helps her husband in all his religious works. Miss Redpath, Dr. Underwood's cousin keeps the house―and keeps well. Yet she is a great talker of little wit.
61
3. Mrs. Underwood! "Poor Harley! Dearie, you ought not to put the bread into your mouth without chewing."
62
Dr. Underwood "No indeed, Harley, you ought to chew before you put it into the mouth."
63
4. General Dye, it is reported, came out from the Palace a few days ago to change his clothes. When he tried to go in again he was refused admittance. Well done! The regicides know what they are about.
64
5. When the first Japanese minister, Hanabusa (花房) , came to Corea 15 years ago, he and suite were quartered in 天然亨, outside of the West Gate. A Corean wag seeing the Japanese flag interpreted thus: "That Japan wants to fight Corea right now, because it means 금방 (the brass or gilded ball on the top of the post) (the sun) 보 (the sheet) or "Let us fight at once."
65
6. What Corea wants is a strong government which may warrant the security of life and property. A Corean told me yesterday that people in the country refuse to buy any real estate, not knowing how the government may turn next, up or down. So disgusted are the mass with the "somerset" government that they care not who rules the country provided they be given safety.
67
21st. (6th). Saturday. Very cold.
68
Yesterday a.m., I received a letter from Dr. Allen of Shanghai informing me of the safe arrival of father to the Settlement. Received a very nice letter from Dr. Reid. He tells me that my father is now staying with him.
69
About 4 p.m. mother came to see me. She informed me on the authority of Mr. Han, that Kim Yun Sik, Yu Kil Chun, and O Yun Chung were seen closeted together nearly whole day yesterday. Very likely their main business was to discuss the advisibility of granting an audience to Waeber who had asked for one.
70
Mr. Waeber and Dr. Underwood, at 4 p.m., went to the Palace, but were refused admittance. Well done! The "Ins" know full well that Waeber is going away soon, giving up his post to a new man. Hence they have nothing a fear or hope from the indignation or pleasure of Waeber. But as Waeber had a formal note from the F.O. granting an audience, he may be justified for making a fuss about the insult―if he chooses to. Maybe the whole thing was merely an oversight on the part of the gate guard.
71
Felt heartsick all the p.m.
73
24th. (9th). Tuesday. Cloudy and cold.
74
Spent most of the morning with the refugees in the U.S. Legation. No news.
75
Today's Official Gazette published my dismissal from the F.O., and the government's apology the Russian Minister for the insult of the 21st inst. I was transferred to the F.O. by the express order of His Majesty. No wonder his enemies should dismiss me.
76
Am homesick this evening! My dear ones and myself in the same city, yet I can not go to them. When are we to have a secure and united and peaceful home?
78
25th. (10th). Wednesday. Cloudy and cold.
79
Another Christmas day. I ought not to spoil the joys of others by sad countenance or womanish whinings. Yet my smiles belie my sorrowful heart.
80
Spent the part of the a.m. with my precious Darling and our baby in Dr. Cutler's room. Took tiffin with the ladies on the hill.
81
Mr. Han Se Chin (韓世鎭) came to see me. His friendship I hold in high esteem. He refused good positions which Pak Yong Hio offered him months ago. Han belongs to no party. Yet he said to me, "I would have been proud of you still, even if you had been imprisoned or killed for your last undertaking."
82
Waeber had an audience this p.m. He told His Majesty that he had received instructions from St. Petersburg to stay in Corea even after the arrival of the new minister and that he (Waeber) would be happy to do anything for the good of the King and country. Waeber told His Majesty further that the decrees and actions of the present government have not been in accordance with the principles of reformation and civilization.
83
Am glad Waeber is going to stay at least so far as my personal friendship for him is concerned. Yet, His Majesty and his friends have no more reason to found their hope on Waeber's assurance of help than the regicides have to kindle their fear by Waeber's threats.
84
Had a nice Christmas dinner at Dr. Underwood's. Spent the evening very pleasantly with games of "Rhyming," of "Questions," of "Catechism" and of "Correspondence." Company dismissed at 12 with the "Auld Lang Syne."
86
26th. (11th). Thursday. Mild.
87
This a.m. a Tai Won Kun's man came and informed Dr. Underwood that the Old Man is very anxious to drive out the regicides, but that he is powerless to do anything as he has no friend. That he (the speaker) was sent to the Doctor by the Old Man to find out if the Doctor is willing to help him by furnishing him with the support of the Legations and that the Old Man would send to the doctor a trustworthy nobleman to negotiate in case the Doctor should hesitate to believe in the messenger.
88
Evidently the Old Man is not satisfied with being used merely as a figurehead. His favorite grandson was a few days ago appointed to go to Japan. The Old Man does not like that.
89
Hopeless is the country where political factions seek their strength and support from foreign governments.
90
Hulbert: "Helen answer me, how did lots wife did?"
91
Helen H: (5 years old) "She died of turning somerset."
92
Soh Jai Pil (徐載弼) or Dr. Philip Jaison is in Seoul. He is now an American citizen. He tries to find a boarding place among Americans.
93
This morning I called on Mi-oki (美玉) , the daughter of Pak Y.H. She is now 12 years old and stays in the M.E. Girl-School on the Hill. She is the express image of her father in her features. I could not help being touched when the sight of the little girl reminded me of the ups and downs of fortune her father and she have experienced.
94
Whooping cough party was given by Mrs. Underwood to all children including her who could not go the Christmas party in the Union rooms. There were 11 children, Laura being one of them. The dinner, games, magic lantern and the tree came off all first rate. The children showed which side their sympathy lay by cheering when the King appeared on the canvas and by hissing when a Japanese was seen.
95
In talking with Yi Mun Kiu (李文奎) this a.m. I said "Why is it that everybody hates the Japanese? Even he who lived long in Japan hates Japanese like a poison." "Because they are so thin and crafty," answered Yi. "Look at thier merchandize. No article of Japan-make is strong and lasting. Then their words and deeds go not together. They say they are helping us, but their actions injure us. They want to make us cut our hair in order to benefit their hat-makers and tailors (!) No, no, Japan can not reform us. If we are to be reformed at all through outside influence, we prefer the European to the Japanese." Yi is not a learned man nor an official. His sentiment is an index to the popular feeling about the matter.
97
27th. (12th). Friday. Windy and cold.
98
The whole town is under the cover of last night's snow.
99
About 11 a.m., an old man named Yi Yong Won (李容元) came to see Dr. Underwood. He is an old man of fine appearance. He told Dr. Underwood how indignant T.W.K. is at the "traitors" (the Cabinet) , how anxious and desirous the Old Man feels to overthrow the present regicidal government, and how glad he would be to destroy the Japanese domination in Corea. Yi became quite hysterical when he was speaking of the Japanese slavery under which Corea now labors. Then he named several old fogies as candidates for a new Ministry. In behalf of T.W.K. he requested Dr. Underwood to ask for Waeber's interference.
100
Dr. Underwood communicated with Waeber, but the latter refused to have anything to do with T.W.K. saying that R. could not interfere with the internal affairs of Corea.
101
Received a letter from Dr. Launbuth of Nashville. Also from Father.
103
28th. (13th). Saturday. Very cold and bright.
104
This morning a T.W. K.'s man came and told Dr. Underwood that much disturbance was caused in the Palace last night and is likely to continue on account of coercion being used to compel His Majesty, the Crown Prince and T.W.K. to cut their hair. That T.W.K. desires to hand over the country to Russia as her dependency. That the bargain should be arranged and closed today. That T.W.K. can not trust his eldest son, the Minister of Household.
105
Advised Dr. Underwood to have nothing to do with the affair. If Corea is destined to fall a dependency of Russia, let events take care of themselves. I shall not be an instrument of bringing it about.
106
Mr. Song, Dr. Underwood's writer, informed me this morning with a degree of excitement, that he or another Corean had no objection to cutting his hair; but that he strongly objected to being compelled to do so by Japanese. "All nonsense!" said I rather warmly. "Why the people said nothing when the Japanese murdered our Queen like a dog. But object to cutting their hair!"
107
T.W.K.'s agents (Yi Yong Won etc.) had a long interview with Waeber today. Waeber is said to have answered that he would think about the matter―of interfering(?)
109
29th. (14th). Sunday. Very cold.
110
A T.W.K.'s man came about 7:30 p.m. and told Dr. Underwood that the soldiers are going to cut their hair tonight and that they in turn will force His Majesty, the Prince and T.W.K. to cut theirs. If the Cabinet succeeds in doing this, it will have done a very sensible work. Dr. Underwood deprecates the coercion to be sued in the matter; but when people refuse to reason they should be made to obey force. My only fear is that the report may be a false one.
111
T.W.K., through his agents, is said to have told Waeber that if he, (Waeber) doubted the sincerity of the Old Man, he (Waeber) might name his pro-Russian men for the new Cabinet. If so, the Old Man seems to be in earnest.
113
30th. (15th). Monday. Bright and cold.
114
They did not cut the hair last night. Nor is it likely that the Cabinet is strong or sensible enough to enforce the measure.
115
The secret negotiations which T.W.K. carried on with Waeber yesterday got around and Yi Yong Won is reported to have taken to his heels.
116
An extra number of Kuanpo yesterday publishes that Pak Son (朴銑) , Yi Joo Hoi(李周會) and Yun Suk Woo (尹錫禹) were sentenced to death on 28th December for their connection with the crimes of the 8th of October. The sentence was given on the strength of the following evidence (?) of their crime:―
117
1. Pak Son who under disguise of short hair and foreign clothes, pretended to be a Japanese, used to be a suspicious character. Early on the 8th of October, as he was rushing through Kwang Hwa Mun (光化門) with Japanese among the rioters, Hong Kei Hun 洪啓薰 stood in the gate and called him (or them) traitors. Upon which Pak struck Hong's arm with a sword. Then he went straight to the apartments of Her Majesty. There he seized her by the hair and dragging her out to the veranda, he stabbed her in the breast. Then he wrapped the corpse in a black blanket, and pouring kerosene oil over the whole, he set it on fire.
118
2. Yi Joo Hoi claims that early on the 8th of October, he went in by Yung Chu Mun 迎秋門 straight to Chang An Tang 長安堂, and that, after having saved the Crown Prince and Princess from danger, he came out. However, in his first confession, he declares that, as soon as he heard guns-firing in the Palace, he made for Kwang Hwa Mun, in private costume, but the gate was shut; that when he got to Yung Chu Mun, he found no sentinels there; and that no obstacle was in his way at any of the many gates in the Palace. But considering carefully the events of that morning (and Chang Park 張博 ought to know all about the plot T.H.Y.) , it is incredible that the rioters should have been so careless as to have left the gates unguarded. Again, in his second confession, he says that, at Sin Ku Mun 辰居門 seeing ten or more Palace servants in an imminent danger at the hands of riotous soldiers, he shouted and gesticulated to the latter, and that the soldiers, noticing this, ran away, letting alone the servants. This statement plainly shows that Yi was one of the rioters. Else by what art could he control their mutinous spirit with a gesture and a command? Hence, in his third confession, he, himself, acknowledges that he deserves death as the readiness of the soldiers to obey his orders happened to indicate, in appearance at least, his complicity in the riot.
119
3. Yun Suk Woo, obeying the orders of his superiors, Yi Tu Hwang 李斗璜, Yi Pom Rai 李範來, and Nam Man Ri 南萬里, led out his company of soldiers to guard Tai Hwa Kung 太和宮. Thence he went to the courtyard of Kang Nyung Chun 康寧殿 via Chun Saeng Mun 春生門. There he distributed his soldiers to different quarters. While he was patrolling about Kwang Hwa Mun and Kon Chun Mun 建春門, he came to a mound, Nok San (鹿山) . There he saw a corpse burning and on careful inquiry he learned that it was the body of a waiting maid. But next day, he heard that Her Majesty had no time to escape, while no other lady in the Palace had been killed. This information made him think that the corpse he had seen burning near the mound might have been Her Majesty's. Therefore, on that night, with the consent of Woo Pom Sun 禹範善 and Yi Tu Huang 李斗璜, he took the lower parts of the remains of the burnt body and buried them under the Western Hill (西峰) of O Oon Kak 午雲閣. Though Yun Suk Woo claims to have gone into the Palace that night (morning) according to the orders of his superiors, there is much that excites suspicion in his conduct. Moreover it was an act of great impropriety and impudence, on his part, to have dared move the sacred corpse, which he knew to be whose it was.
120
"On these grounds we have decided the three accused shall be executed by hanging."
121
So far as I can see from the foregoing paper Yi and Yun committed no crimes worthy of death. If Chang Park and his fellow regicides hope to deceive the world by such thin tricks, they are mistaken.
122
From 7:30 p.m. had a pleasant evening with Dr. Vinton and his pretty wife. The Doctor gave a birthday party. Played gams "Conundrums" of Parchisee, etc.
124
31st. (16th). Tuesday. Cloudy and cold.
125
Collections and recollections:
126
1. Yesterday His Majesty was forced to issue an edict that, as he had decided to cut his hair on the 15th of the 11th Moon (Dec. 30th) , his officers and subjects should follow his example in this matter. The poor King and his father looked for a rescue from the Russian or other Foreign Legations all day yesterday, but none came and at last they were compelled to cut their hair at 11 p.m.
127
2. Cho Piung Ho 趙秉鎬 is reported to have resigned his position in the Royal Household in order to avoid the disgrace of cutting the topknot. If true, what a fool he must be! He resigned not when Her Majesty was murdered but ran away to save his miserable topknot! By the way, the storekeepers on the Bell street, who went on with their business with the most philosophic indifference on the 8th of October, when the Queen was murdered by Japs, closed their shops today lest they might be compelled to cut their hair. So with all sorts of market men, the prices of necessaries have gone up to an outrageous degree. Can any people fall deeper in moral degradation than the Coreans? They swallow the camel but...!
128
3. Yi To Chol 李道徹 and Im Choi Su (林最洙) , two of the men connected with the affair of the 28th of November were executed yesterday. An Kiung Soo 安駉壽 and Kim Chai Poong (金在豊) sentenced to 3 years convict labor―changed into simple imprisonment.
129
4. The reason why Russians dare not interfere with the Corean affairs, in spite of the tempting proposition of Tae Won Kun and His Majesty is in all probability due to their fear of the Japanese troops. Russia can not take any step here under present circumstances directly against Japan or Japanites unless she be fully prepared to meet any armed resistance―and that successfully.
130
5. Attended the watch-night prayer meeting in Dr. Underwood's parlor.
131
6. Today is the 1st birthday of Laura. Feel sorry and sad that I am unable to be with Darling wife and baby and mother.
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