Korea and her neighbors: A narrative of travel, with an account of the recent vicissitudes and present position of the countryBird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)
History
Korea and her neighbors: A narrative of travel, with an account of the recent vicissitudes and present position of the country
Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)
Korea -- Description and travel
The King, on gaining security, at once reassumed his long-lost
prerogatives, which have never since been curbed in the slightest
degree. The irredeemable Orientalism of the two following proclamations
which were posted over the city within a few hours of his escape
warrants their insertion in full:--
ROYAL PROCLAMATION
_Translation_
Alas! alas! on account of Our unworthiness and mal-administration the
wicked advanced and the wise retired. Of the last ten years, none
has passed without troubles. Some were brought on by those We had
trusted as the members of the body, while others, by those of Our own
bone and flesh. Our dynasty of five centuries has thereby been often
endangered, and millions of Our subjects have thereby been gradually
impoverished. These facts make Us blush and sweat for shame. But these
troubles have been brought about through Our partiality and self-will,
giving rise to rascality and blunders leading to calamities. All have
been Our own fault from the first to the last.
Fortunately, through loyal and faithful subjects rising up in
righteous efforts to remove the wicked, there is a hope that the
tribulations experienced may invigorate the State, and that calm may
return after the storm. This accords with the principle that human
nature will have freedom after a long pressure, and that the ways of
Heaven bring success after reverses. We shall endeavor to be merciful.
No pardon, however, shall be extended to the principal traitors
concerned in the affairs of July, 1894, and of October, 1895. Capital
punishment should be their due, thus venting the indignation of men
and gods alike. But to all the rest, officials or soldiers, citizens
or coolies, a general amnesty, free and full, is granted, irrespective
of the degree of their offences. Reform your hearts; ease your minds;
go about your business, public or private, as in times past.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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