The Emperor did his utmost to induce the Powers, more particularly America, to intervene, but in vain.  The story of his efforts is an interesting episode in the records of diplomacy.

Dr. Allen, the American Minister, wrote to his Secretary of State, on April 14, 1904, telling of the serious concern of the Korean Emperor over recent happenings.  “He falls back in his extremity upon his old friendship with America....  The Emperor confidently expects that America will do something for him at the close of this war, or when opportunity offers, to retain for him as much of his independence as is possible.  He is inclined to give a very free and favourable translation to Article I of our treaty of Jenchuan of 1882” (i.e., the pledge, “If other Powers deal unjustly or oppressively with either Government, the other will exert their good offices, on being informed of the case, to bring about an amicable arrangement, thus showing their friendly feeling").

In April, 1905, Dr. Allen transmitted to Washington copies of protests by an American missionary and certain Koreans against the conduct of Japanese subjects in Korea.  Dr. Allen was shortly afterwards replaced by Mr. Edwin V. Morgan.

In October, 1905, the Emperor, determined to appeal directly to America, enlisted the services of Professor Homer B. Hulbert, editor of the Korea Review, who had been employed continuously in educational work in Seoul since 1886, and despatched him to Washington, with a letter to the President of the United States.  Mr. Hulbert informed his Minister at Seoul of his mission and started off.  The Japanese learned of his departure (Mr. Hulbert suggests that the American Minister may have informed them) and used every effort to force a decision before the letter could be delivered.

On the same day that Mr. Hulbert reached Washington the Korean Cabinet were forced to sign the document giving Japan a protectorate over their land.  Formal notification had not yet, however, arrived at Washington, so it was resolved not to receive Mr. Hulbert until this had come.

“I supposed that the President would be not only willing but eager to see the letter,” said Mr. Hulbert in a statement presented later to the Senate; “but instead of that I received the astounding answer that the President would not receive it.  I cast about in my own mind for a possible reason, but could imagine none.  I went to the State Department with it, but was told that they were too busy to see me.  Remember that at that very moment Korea was in her death throes; that she was in full treaty relations with us; that there was a Korean legation in Washington and an American legation in Seoul.  I determined that there was something here that was more than mere carelessness.  There was premeditation in the refusal.  There was no other answer.  They said I might come the following day.  I did so and was told that they were still too busy,