Mr. Heard to Mr. Gresliam.
Seoul, Korea, May 16, 1893. (Received June 24.)
Sir: Soon after the date of my dispatch of May 1 it was reported that many thousands of the Tong Hâk were collected at the town of Po-eun, in the eastern part of Ch’ung ch’ong Do, and that their numbers were daily increasing. Every day brought fresh rumors of their strength, and among the Koreans there was much alarm. Although almost without arms, they were said to be drilling regularly, and professed their intention of marching on Seoul. They had erected a wall about their encampment, in the center of which was a large flag with the inscription, “Down with the Japanese and foreigners! May the right flourish!” and grouped about it were other flags inscribed with the names of the various districts from which the different parties came. They declared that they had no fear of the soldiers who might be sent against them, as the soldiers, instead of attacking, would join them.
Many Koreans who had entirely disregarded the previous manifestations [Page 16] seemed to look upon this as serious, and sent their families into the country.
An officer of the Government who went down a few days ago to remonstrate with them, and induce them to disperse, reported that they refused to listen to him and asked for troops. On Saturday, the 15th, 800 men, drilled in European style, with three Gatling guns, were sent to Suwen, about 100 li, or 30 miles, from the Seoul, to bar the road; but it is understood they will push on to Chong-ju, distant about 100 miles.
From the fact that their flag bears a hostile inscription, many foreigners believe themselves to be in danger, but I should doubt whether there was any real active hostility felt, and if this body succeed in reaching the city we have less to fear, I think, from it than from the mob of the idle and vicious, who always abound in the streets of cities, and who might try to burn and loot our dwellings. Of this, however, the chance is remote, although, of course, it is possible.
The U. S. S. Alert is at Chemulpo since the 7th instant. Admiral Harmony telegraphed me on the 14th: “Infer no need Alert Chemulpo. Will order away.” As I thought it more prudent she should not leave immediately, I replied: “Unless important elsewhere, suggest waiting few days.”
The Tong Hâk in themselves, I believe, are not dangerous. They seem to be quiet and peaceful, and would be content with little besides the rehabilitation of their founder and permission to practice their tenets; but they have no doubt collected to themselves hordes of discontented and poverty stricken people. The whole may be, and probably is, under the control of a political party, bent on making trouble for the Government, but who this party is, and what its strength, we have as yet no knowledge.
I have, etc.,