In opposition to these advocates of force the new government in Tokyo took the wholly reasonable and laudable ground that Korea should be treated as a coördinate and independent power and that she should be approached from the diplomatic rather than the military side. The rebellion which resulted caused a long delay in the carrying out of any plans that Japan may have formed relative to the opening up of Korea. At the same time the approaching majority of the King of Korea, and the consequent retirement of the Regent, was sure to cause important changes in the attitude of the peninsular government. This became all the more evident as the queen and her powerful faction developed a feeling of strong hostility to the person and the policy of the Regent. Taking advantage of this rift in the Korean lute the Japanese sent a semi-official agent in the person of Hanabusa who found means to secure frequent access to the Queen and her party and who doubtless used every argument to widen the breach between the Queen and the Regent. When everything was ready the Japanese warship _Unyo Kan_ appeared off the Korean coast near Chemulpo and got herself fired upon by a Korean fort. This was the last, the dying act of the Regent, but it formed an opening wedge for the negotiations which were immediately instituted and which resulted in the signing of the treaty between Korea and Japan at Kangwha in 1876. The Regent had already retired from public life in disgust, although his friends were constantly plotting to bring him back to Seoul and reinstate him in power. The years 1876-1880 form one of the most important periods in the modern history of Korea, even though they were very quiet years. The king had entered upon his career and his course was to be determined upon. The court was in a plastic state ready to be moulded into any form which a strong mind might suggest. Chinese suzerainty had slept so long and was so nominal in character that no protest was forthcoming even when Korea and Japan signed a treaty as between wholly independent powers. The ruling faction had come into power through the help of the Japanese. The latter recognized to the fullest extent the independence of Korea. There was every reason in the world why Japan should use her powerful influence to direct the stream of Korean politics into safe and progressive channels. She had an unparalleled opportunity. Everything was in her favor. England never began to have such a favorable outlook in India as Japan had in Korea beginning with the year 1876.