Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, Appendix I, Chinese-Japanese War, Enforcement of Regulation Respective to Fur Seals, Mosquito Territory, Affairs at Bluefields, Claim of Antonio Maximo Mora, Import Duties on Certain Products of Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela, Affairs in the Samoan Islands

Mr. Sill to Mr. Gresham.

No. 98.]

Legation of the United States,
Seoul, Korea, January 18, 1895. (Received February 19.)

Sir: Referring to my dispatch of yesterday’s date, I now have the honor to send you a translation of the King’s order in council, which order appeared in the Official Gazette of January 11. In this order His Majesty begins to put into force some of the reforms mentioned in the oath, a copy of which was inclosed in the above dispatch of January 17.

I have, etc.,

John M. B. Sill.

[Inclosure in No. 98.—Extract from Court Gazette, Seoul, Korea.]

His Majesty’s orders in council, January 11, 1895.

The ceremony of audience when ministers of departments and other officials attend the King shall he simplified.

Political officers shall he decided upon after consultation with me personally in council.

The ministry shall hereafter he called “the cabinet.” The place of meeting shall be removed into the palace, to the place called Su chung fun.

The court dress shall hereafter be black. The ordinary ceremonial dress shall be long overall gown, embroidered breast and back piece, official hat and boots.

Only domestic silk and cotton shall be used for these uniforms.

These styles shall be worn upon and after the new year (January 24).

Civil and military governors must stop reporting direct to His Majesty. They shall hereafter report first to the council, which shall in turn lay the matter before His Majesty.

The department of home affairs shall keep posted regarding the conduct of every office by the employment of an inspector. The errors and abuses shall thus be corrected.

The reduction of expenses shall be decided after due consultation.

Officials above the lower secretaries need not dismount from their horses or chairs till they reach the gate of the royal courtyard (may ride into the palace grounds).

False accusations made against officers in memorials to His Majesty shall be severely dealt with. The accuser shall be arrested and tried for his offense.

Prisoners falsely accused shall be released. Such prisoners, falsely accused, who may have died in prison shall be restored to office. (Post mortem honors.)

Instruments of torture shall only be used upon “death criminals.” The lash, cangue, and manacles can only be used on criminals (not on suspects). Aged and very young criminals, as well as light offenders, shall not wear the cangue and manacles, except murderers, thieves, and incendiaries.