The new Emperor, feeble of intellect, could be little more than a tool in the hands of his advisers.  His father, however, intended to remain by his side, and to rule through him.  In less than a week the Japanese had prepared a new treaty, providing still more strictly for the absolute control of everything in the country by Japan.  The six curt clauses of this measure were as far-reaching as they could possibly be made.  No laws were to be acted upon or important measures taken by the Government unless the consent and approval of the Resident-General had been previously given.  All officials were to hold their positions at the pleasure of the Resident-General, and the Government of Korea agreed to appoint any Japanese the Resident-General might recommend to any post.  Finally, the Government of Korea was to engage no foreigner without the consent of the Japanese head.

A few days later a fresh rescript was issued in the name of the new Emperor, ordering the disbandment of the Korean Army.  This was written in the most insulting language possible.  “Our existing army which is composed of mercenaries, is unfit for the purposes of national defence,” it declared.  It was to make way “for the eventual formation of an efficient army.”  To add to the insult, the Korean Premier, Yi, was ordered to write a request to the Resident-General, begging him to employ the Japanese forces to prevent disturbances when the disbandment took place.  It was as though the Japanese, having their heel on the neck of the enemy, slapped his face to show their contempt for him.  On the morning of August 1st some of the superior officers of the Korean Army were called to the residence of the Japanese commander, General Hasegawa, and the Order was read to them.  They were told that they were to assemble their men next morning, without arms, and to dismiss them after paying them gratuities, while at the same time their weapons would be secured in their absence.

One officer, Major Pak, commander of the smartest and best of the Korean battalions, returned to his barracks in despair, and committed suicide.  His men learnt of what had happened and rose in mutiny.  They burst upon their Japanese military instructors and nearly killed them.  They then forced open the ammunition-room, secured weapons and cartridges, posted themselves behind the windows of their barracks, and fired at every Japanese they saw.  News quickly reached the authorities, and Japanese companies of infantry hurried out and surrounded their barracks.  One party attacked the front with a machine-gun, and another assaulted from behind.  Fighting began at half-past eight in the morning.  The Koreans defended themselves until noon, and then were finally overcome by a bayonet charge from the rear.  Their gallant defence excited the greatest admiration even among their enemies, and it was notable that for a few days at least the Japanese spoke with more respect of Korea and the Korean people than they had ever done before.