KOREA AND JAPAN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 66, 13 March 1912, Page 4

KOREA AND JAPAN.

Accordingly to correspondents at Tobin, there is a disinclination on the part of the journals of the Japanese capital to accept at its full face value the very optimistic account of tin progress of Korea given by the Gover-nor-General, General Count Terauchi, at a banquet to the press correspondents. A report issued by the Rev. G. Kitano, a Buddhist priest sent ovei to Korea on a tour of inspection by the great Buddhist monastery of Hongwanji at Kyoto, points out that of the convicts in Korea no fewer than 20 per cent are Japanese convicted of manslaughter nr murder, and 70 per cent are Koreans convicted of robbery with violence. Further, a number of Japanese occupying important positions arc amassing fortunes by use.-y ■and extortion, whilst tbo moral and religions condition of the country is steadily degenerating. The somioflicial “Cauwo” finds that the priest’s report gives ground for anxiety, and shows that whatever may be the material development of the country it is clear that all is not well with Korea. “Unless,” it says, “the Japanese Government takes steps In improve the moral and religions slate oi

tlio country, tlic work of Japan in Korea can only lie an utter failure.” The “Japan Mail,” which is more official than the “Chuwo,” admits that Mr Kitano is right in his contention that the evil practices permitted in Korea not only impede the progress of Korea but injure the fair fame of Japan.