A WORD FROM THE MANAGER.

With this issue we enlarge the WEEKLY REPOSITORY to twice its former size. We do this because of a seeming demand for more reading matter and for some advertising space. The paper has not passed its probationary stage yet and with the enlargement we make the same statement that we made in the first. issue, viz, if the paper fails to pay expenses we shall stop it. We have been disappointed so far in our subscription list. There are quite a lot of foreigners here in Soul who are either reading their neighbor’s paper, or  are not reading any at all. And a larger number outside of Soul are doing the same thing. But while we are disappointed in not having more subscribers we feel safe in saying that we reach more foreign residents in Korea than any other English periodical which has been published, and at present we are the only English paper in Korea. Therefore we invite those desiring to reach the foreigners in this country to try our columns for advertising purposes. As will be seen in our advertising rates published elsewhere have greatly reduced our prices and hope to find a liberal patronage along this line. We shall only allow of one column of advertisements on any one page and no ads will be accepted for the 1st or the 4th page.

We shall not keep harping on these sub jects but we will say once for all that if there is not a more general and hearty support financially than there this been we shall simply conclude that the English reading public does not care for a paper and shall suspend publication.

For the benefit of subscribers living out of town we will receive postage stamps on account, either Korean or Japanese, but they must be either one or two cent stamps, the large denominations cannot be accepted.

JAPANESE EMIGRATION.

The Japan Times to which we always turn with pleasant anticipations, in its issue of the 9th inst. discusses “Korea as a field for Japanese Emigration.” It notes with satisfaction the discussion of the subject by leading journals as the Jiji and the Nippon-jin. Both the papers it appears look upon this country as affording sufficient room “for the absorption of a large part of our ever-increasing population,” and they agree in urging the speedy construction of “the Seoul-Fusan railway and other lines thro the fertile, but as yet undeveloped provinces to the south of the capital.” Another paper calls for the building of a railway from Seoul to Wonsan and that the work should be done by the Japanese as in that way a direct line of communication could be opened with Tsushima and the mainland of Japan. The editor of the Times during his visit to Korea last fall which extended over eighteen days tells us he found his fellow-countrymen here prosperous and new arrivals experiencing little difficulty in obtaining means of obtaining an honest living “in some way or other.’ There are now about 15,000 Japanese in Korea. These are engaged largely in commercial enterprises. The journals whose articles we are reviewing point out that Korea “presents a far better prospect for agricultural, and to a lesser degree, manufacturing settlement.” The tracts. of fertile land now left uncultivated are believed would, under the skillful management of the Japanese farmer, yield a harvest such as he is not accustomed to see at home. Korea supplies Japan with rice even now and this supply could be largely increased by “an extensive emigration of our farmers to the peninsula.”

The Jiji quotes a “well informed and trustworthy Korean” as saying that Korea has room enough for as many as five million settlers. This statement the editor of the Times receives with some reservation, as he well may, “but it is not to be questioned that there is a large field there for the absorption of our surplus population.” All this is very interesting and we doubt not of vital importance to Japan but one may well wonder what the Korean thinks of such a scheme of wholesale emigration or colonisation.

A walk from the South gate of Seoul to Chong-no will convince anyone that the best sites on this most important street of the capital are held by other than Korean owners. The same is true to a less extent; possibly of other streets, but the most casual observer cannot fail to notice how the Korots has been and is being driven from the first class places into second or third rate places. Chong-no of course is a prominent exception, but the exception only emphasizes the general rule. At the ports, the Korean occupies no place except the coolie in his violent efforts to secure a valise or trunk of the visitor to carry to the hotel. We heard only a few days ago of an instance where a merchant m Chong-no had to shoulder a bad debt of twelve or fifteen hundred dollars for his brother. Our informant volunteered the information that many merchants were heavily in debt to the Japanese and the Chinese. Such a state means closing up of business. 

Now if this country is to become an outlet for the surplus population of Japan, we may well ask what is to become of the natives here. We are incidentally told that “the idea of emigration to Korea is, of course advocated primarily for the interests of Japan, but there is no doubt that the results will be in many ways highly beneficial to the Koreans themselves, for the successful carrying out of the idea will bring about an immense increase in the material prosperity of the country and probably also a decided improvement in its administrative system.” It is evident from present indications the sentiments quoted above are entertained by the more thoughtful Japanese.

THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES.

A correspondent of the Hongkong Telegraph writing under the date of March 7th in summing up the situation wrote as follows: “It is becoming more and more apparent daily that the war between the Americans and Filipinos wilt be a prolonged one, continuing for an indefinite period in spite of the fact that the Filipinos have not the advantage of the blessings of modern military education, in spite of the fact that they are ill-fed and clad and  unpaid, and as a matter of fact, handicapped all round, they still prove a stubborn enemy, who will probably give the Americans more trouble than they bargained for when they purchased the claim to the Philippines from Spain. Without a force of about 35,000 men the Americans can only remain on the defensive, with the exception of the offensive undertakings of the warships, and cannot successfully operate against the enemy so as to make short work of them. With a force of the number above-mentioned at their disposal, the American commanders can, provided that they have the powers necessary, surround the Filipinos, hemming them in on all sides, and then hold out the inevitable alternatives—death or surrender.”

The record of facts since that date seems to bear out. the correspondent in his statements

The transports Senator and Ohio arrived early in March bringing about 1,500 regulars and 4,000 repeating rifles.

The transport Grant reached Manila onthe 10th of March with about 1,700 regulars and Major-General Lawton on board. General Lawton is to be second in command.
Severe fighting occurred on March 14th and again on the 15th with heavy losses among the Filipinos but scarcely any damage to the Americans.
The insurgents made a determined attack on a suburb of Iloilo on the 16th  of March with a large force but were repulsed after a severe battle.
Despatches of March 20 report that there was a battle on the 19th in which General Wheaton’s brigade pursued the Filipinos 15 miles. The American casualties amounted to 30.
The battleship Oregon and the transport Sherman arrived at Manila about the 20th.
Aguinaldo is said to be very active, going so far as to visit his men in their trenches every day and encouraging them in every way.
The Spanish General Rios wanted to offer Aguinaldo $3,000,000 for the release of the Spanish prisoners, but the Americans refused to allow him to do so because the money would have been used against the Americans. The gunboats of the American forces are a very great aid to the men in the field, forcing their way up the streams and with shells clearing the way for the troops.
The Baltimore which arrived early in march, brought a company of American cavalry which are at once a novelty and a terror to the Filipinos.
It looks as if the American forces were slowly surrounding the insurgent forces and that it will no be long before the Filipinos will see that they have nothing to gain and very much to lose by waging a futile war against the United States government which is seeking their good in every move.

WE HOPE SO!
A telegram received at Tokyo on the 17th  ult, contradicts the report regarding the U.S. demand for a concession from China

AS OTHERS SAY
Our esteemed contemporary, The Chinese Recorder, for March says: “We are sorry to note the suspension of our neighbor, The Korean Repository. We trust, however, that it is only temporary, and that in the near future it may be resuscitated with new life and vigor. At the same time we are pleased to receive “The Korean Repository” weekly edition. Whether this is a case of transmigration, or parent and child, or substitution, we are not told in the number before us. The future will doubtless decide.” Just so, we cannot now.
In this connection we note the Japan Mail thinks we stepped into the shoes of the Independent, a gratuitous assumption, as The Korean Repository under its present editorship, was over fifteen months old, and should have shoes of its own, before the Independent was born.

ITALY IN CHINA
The Italian Minister in Peking, Comm R. de Martino, demanded the cession of Sanmun Bay. This at the beginning of March. Later telegrams to hand state that the Empress Dowager shows much determined opposition to the demand and that no Councillor will have the courage to propose “even some sort of compromise to the question. The high Ministers at Peking know that if China gives in now there will be no end of demands for territory made by other countries.” The latest news we have shows that the Italian Government withdrew the demand “alleging that the present affair originated entirely from the incorrect reports sent home by her Minister in Peking. It is supposed, however, that, backed by England, Italy will probably submit a fresh demand.” In the meantime in a despatch from Peking dated March 22, “China, it is stated, is considering the question of opening anmun and Seek Poo, Chehkiang province, to foreign trade before the second Italian demand is preferred. It is likely that the scheme will be carried through.” A despatch a day later says that, “It is rumored in diplomatic circles that Germany has intimated to Italy that she would not help her in case of an appeal to force but she would not hamper Italy’s movements in view of the latter’s position as member of the Triple Alliance.”

THE AMERICAN MINISTER GOES ON FURLO.
Hon. H. N. Allen and family were granted farewell audience prior to their leaving for the United States. The left Seoul on the 5th inst. and will leave Chemulpo on the 9th. They go by the way of Europe and will be gone about six months. The community in general and the Americans in particular wish them a pleasant voyage and safe return. The Minister’s two sons will remain in the United States where they will attend school.

W. F. Sands, the secretary, will be in charge of the Legation during the absence of Minister Allen.

OF INTEREST TO FRUITISTS.

We give place to the following letter:

DEAR MR. APPENZELLER:

Thank you very much for the Easter apples: Your success in raising such fine apples and in keeping them in such excellent shape till this late date certainly deserves mention and should be recorded for the stimulation of other prospective orchardists. Why don’t you mention it in your paper?

Yours sincerely.

H. N. ALLEN.

Acting on this suggestion we may say we were able to keep four different varieties of apples until the beginning of this month. Of two varieties we had but a single specimen and regret we cannot give their names. The Baldwin of which we had several had deteriorated considerably in flavor, due in part at least to the heat of last October as well as to the fact that the tree was allowed to bear too many. The Romanite South kept splendidly and was as delicious as at the beginning of this year. It is a choice winter apple. We are also happy to say that General Dye, whom we are glad to. recognize as the leading fruitist in Seoul, kept pears until some time in March. He is not sure of the variety but thinks it is Keifer’s Hybrid.

Americans in Shanghai and Hong-Kong have organized a party known as the American-Asiatic Association. Its purpose is similar to that of the British associations in China which have done so much to further the interests of England in the Orient.

CITY AND COUNTRY.
 The evening song of the soldier is heard again in the city.
Dr. O. R. Avison and family left Chemulpo last Friday for America on furlo.
Wanted—some one to clear our streets of the professional beggars that are disgracing them.
Rev. C. T. Collyer spent last Sunday in the capital. He is stil showing the effectes of his recent severe illness.
Mrs. J. N. Jordan, wife of the British Charge d’Affairs left Soul for Chemulpo enroute to Europe for an indefinite stay.
A silver spoon bearing the initials “A.M.F.” or “A.M.T.”  has been found and the owner can have the same by proving property. The spoon is at the Trilingual Press office.
The Official Board of Translators of the Bible will hold their semi-annual meeting beginning the first of May. The board will meet daily and continue in session for a month or possibly longer.
Mr. Crumm of the Surveying Board began on the 1st inst. to make a careful survey of Seoul. He is assisted by a class of students whom he instructed during the winter in the elements of the science.
The Nagasaki Press notices carefully the movements of Pak Yong Ho, “an ex-Korean minister of state and now a political refugee in this country,” who, we are informed in its issue of the 15 inst., went to Kagoshima, but returned to Nagasaki after a brioef Absence.
All missionaries whose dispensaries or chapels were omitted from the sheet calendar of the Korean Religious Tract Society last year are requested to send information concerning them to the corresponding secretary, Dr. H. G. Underwood immediately.
His Majesty, the Emperor, personally inspected, on the 3rd inst., the new library building west of and adjoining the United States Legation grounds. The building was designed and erected by Mr. J. Henry Dye. It is one story high, built of brick, and is an ornament to Chong-dong.
Congratulations and best wishes come in to us from all sides on beginning the Weekly. “The little paper is a great boon to us, I assure you.” Another says, “If there is any paper published in Seoul put my name down for it.” Only one in the whole long list ventures to express the opinion that the “price seems very high for so small a sheet.” We began small so as to leave room for growth. We thank our friends one and all for their kind words.

EASTER OBSERVANCES.
That last Sunday was Easter no one could be ignorant of who has anything to do with any of the Seoul churches. The day was observed on a large scale in all the churches. At the Korean churches large crowds of people showed something of the interest manifested, while the decorations and special services participated in by the people themselves showed the deep hold that this feast is taking upon the Korean Christians.
At the Roman Catholic churches the usual extra services were held.
At the Church of the Advent, the only representative of the Church of England, special services were held as if usual with them. Rev. A. B. Turner preached on the resurrection, and a special officering were taken for the orphanages in connection with that organization. At the Seoul Union church special music was provided and the floral decorations were very fine. The resurrection of Christ and its relations to death and immortality of man was the theme ably discussed by the pastor.
The Korean protestant churches were handsomely decorated and were crowded to their utmost capacity at all their services.
This great interest in Easter among the Koreans shows that Christian sentiment is growing rapidly among the people and the Christian festivals are beginning to be fixed institutions among quite a large number of Koreans.

MIXED NEWS.
The Korean has a hard and an unenviable time. He runs against his official superiors on all sides. A native paper reports an incident distasteful to parties whose interests are better conserved by silence. The “reporter” is summoned but as he is away another man at work in the office who has nothing to do with the squib, is “called” by the “special detectives,” a body that seems of late to be omnipresent, and is then dismissed by the Court subject, however, to the call of the plaintiff. An editor who ventures to intimate that the members of the Privy Council who voted in favor of granting the concession to Count Keyserting were pro-Russian in the political views dins the “special detectives “ at his heels. His confreres take note that such a thing as free speech even in a very limited degree does not exist here how and are beginning to think the only way to run a newspaper is to attach it to a foreigner, with all of which we have no sympathy. A coolie sells a few pieces of sod to the editor of The Weekly Repository gets his pay—editors are all honest men—in the evening, and before eleven o’clock the next morning finds himself “detained” by the authorities or somebody else but is released by the payment of one dollar and twenty cents. Rice advances two cents or more a measure; a religious paper makes the somewhat irrelevant statement that barley wine is going up in price and that many people are, Micawber-like, waiting for something to “turn up.”  In the meantime the ex-Vice President of the Privy Council and ex-Minister of Home Affairs leave Seoul quietly for their distant homes in exile. The Korean mint which was first erected in Seoul some ten years or more ago, then removed to Chemulpo where it has coined nickles worth one cent or a trifle more but are passed as five cents, is not being brought up to Yong-san. The nights remain cool the thermometer hangs around freezing point and Aeolus keeps the country and especially the rivers to himself. The Seoul Union opens the tennis season on the 4th and the Seoul Bicycle Club boasts of three chainless wheels. The spring-poet is mixing his ink and we away  look for metrical effusions of limitless length with the bursting buds.
The Man on the Wall

THE WORLD AT LARGE.
In Mr. Rhodes’ Cape-to-Cairo railway project the distance is 3,229 miles, and he needs $50,000,000.
The French government’s expense for the year is $700,000,000, od three and a half milliards of francs. The national debt amounts to thirty-five milliards of francs. This financial condition binds France to keep the peace as nothing else could.

THE SHISHA.
M.L.G. writes in the Hiogo News—The public have been apprised from time to time of recent events in the history of this institution. Hon. N. W. McIvor having come to Japan in September last as the legal representative of the American Board, he and the former missionary teachers in the school began a series of conferences with the trustees. These conferences failed in accomplishing a pacific settlement of the questions at issue, and just as all preparation had been made to take the case into the Japanese Courts, the trustees resigned in a body.
This made the organization of a new Board necessary. This has been done through nominations by the Japanese donors, the American donors, and the alumni. One of the first things which the new board did after organization was to restore the old constitution, whose “unchangeable fundamental principles” suffered at the hands of the old Board just a year ago. This Christianity has been restored to its original position as “the basis of the moral education in all departments of the Doshisha.” The representatives of the American Board, in view of this action in regard to the Christianity, have given them a statement recognizing their full control over the institution. This statement closes with these words: “It is understood by us that the Christianity, which is to form the basis of moral teaching in all departments of the Doshisha under the unchangeable principles of its constitution is that body of living and fundamental Christian principles believed and accepted in common by the great Christian Churches of the world.”
The trustees, on their part, recognize that they “hold all the property in trust to carry out the wishes and purposes of the original founders in accordance with and unchangeable principles of he constitution” as above referred to.
In this way this once-flourishing institution takes a new lease of life. The way before it us not all smooth. Financial and other difficulties lie directly across its pathway.

NEW BATTLESHIP “MAINE.”
The designs for the new American battleship Maine, the first that have been prepared since the war, sho the influence of the lessons of Santiago. The new ship is almost completely covered with 5 in. and 12 in. steel armor. She will carry 5,000 tons more plating than British battleships of one fifth greater size. She also carries two more 6-in. guns than the new British Formidable. Guns and armor won the day at Santiago. The new ship will have no wood on board that is not fireproofed. She will have engines of 16,000-horsepower as against the Formidable’s 15,000-horse power, and will steam eighteen or nineteen knots. Electricity, in accordance with Chief Engineer Melville’s recommendations, will be enormously used on board her to hoist ammunitions and move guns. She will have next to no unarmored superstructure, and the fire-mains are all below the armored deck, fitted at intervals with risers.

Lord Charles Beresford favors establishing a line of British steamers from Newshwang to Mukden in order that England may have trade supremacy in that part of the Orient. Lord Charles thinks that the stability of the Chinese empire would be for the best interests of European nations,