audience with his Majesty the Emperor of Korea. The Japanese government shall also have the right to station residents at the several open ports and such other places in Korea as they may deem necessary. Such residents shall, under the direction of the resident general, exercise the powers and functions hitherto appertaining to Japanese consuls in Korea, and shall perform such duties as may be necessary in order to carry into full effect the provisions of this agreement.
Art. IV. The stipulations of all treaties and agreements existing between Japan and Korea not inconsistent with the provisions of this agreement shall continue in force.
Art. V. The government of Japan undertakes to maintain the welfare and dignity of the imperial house of Korea.
In faith whereof the undersigned, duly authorized by their governments, have signed the agreement and affixed their seals.
(Signed) Hayashi Gonsuke,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary;
(Signed) Pak-Che-Soon,
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
November 17, 1905.
After the conclusion of this so-called treaty. General Min, one of the leading statesmen of the country, wrote the following letter to his fellow-countrymen and then took his own life:
To the Twenty Millions of My Fellow-Countrymen: Alas! I lament the fact that our country and our people have come to such a degradation. It pains me to think that my twenty million compatriots shall perish in the coming struggle for existence. Those that want to die shall be alive, while those that want to live shall die. I suppose you already know these facts.
In utter despair and hopelessness I have decided to take my own life, and only thus repay bounties I have received from his Majesty, our emperor, and say now my last farewell to you all, my twenty million compatriots.
