The Governor-General must be a military officer.  Dr. Ishizaka says:  ’Militarism means tyranny; it never acts in open daylight, but seeks to cover up its intentions.  The teachers in primary schools and even in girls’ schools, that is, the men teachers, wear swords.’ (5) Lastly, Dr. Ishizaka speaks of the method, which we can easily recognize as to source, of trying to ‘assimilate’ the Koreans by prohibiting the language, discarding Korean history from the schools, repressing customs, etc.

“In conclusion Dr. Ishizaka points out that not alone must these errors be righted, but that the only hope lies in the assumption on the part of Japanese, public and private, of an attitude of Christian brotherhood towards the Koreans.  He announces a campaign to raise money among Japanese Christians for the benefit of Koreans and their churches.”

The Japanese Government at last came to see that something must be done.  Count Hasegawa, the Governor-General and Mr. Yamagata, Director-General of Administration, were recalled and Admiral Baron Saito and Mr. Midzuno were appointed to succeed them.  Numerous other changes in personnel were also made.  An Imperial Rescript was issued late in August announcing that the Government of Korea was to be reformed, and Mr. Hara in a statement issued at the same time announced that the gendarmerie were to be replaced by a force of police, under the control of the local governors, except in districts where conditions make their immediate elimination advisable, and that “It is the ultimate purpose of the Japanese Government in due course to treat Korea as in all respects on the same footing as Japan.”  Admiral Saito, in interviews, promised the inauguration of a liberal regime on the Peninsula.

The change unfortunately does not touch the fundamental needs of the situation.  No doubt there will be an attempt to lessen some abuses.  This there could not fail to be, if Japan is to hold its place longer among the civilized Powers.  But Mr. Hara’s explanation of the new program showed that the policy of assimilation is to be maintained, and with it, the policy of exploitation can hardly fail to be joined.

These two things spell renewed failure.

XIX

WHAT CAN WE DO?

“What do you want us to do?” men ask me.  “Do you seriously suggest that America or Great Britain should risk a breach of good relations or even a war with Japan to help Korea?  If not, what is the use of saying anything?  You only make the Japanese harden their hearts still more.”

What can we do?  Everything!