chosen to reproduce the above, because of its singularly moderate tone, which may be assumed to represent the views of the more intelligent and conservative leaders. It is worth noting, however, that there is not the slightest intention of restoring the independence of Korea shown by either party.
Assuming that such a policy as the Kokumin here advocates is eventually adopted, what is the future of Korea as a dependency of, or actually a part of Japan? That depends, naturally, upon the resources of the country and the opportunity offered for their development. Korea is not a naturally rich country. It is impossible to obtain accurate statistics bearing upon the resources of the kingdom, for such have never been compiled. But the greater part of the land is not suitable for agriculture, being mountainous and tolerably barren. Still, there are many fertile valleys and uplands. It is estimated that at present about forty per cent, of the arable land is in cultivation, nearly the same proportion as in Japan. As agriculturists the Koreans are about equal to the Japanese, which means they are away behind the times. But they are naturally industrious, and if given an opportunity many of them would become prosperous and even wealthy. Conditions in the country have heretofore retarded the accumulation of wealth by depriving the masses of the people of all incentive to acquire more than they can consume from year to year. The collection of the taxes is in the hands of the local magistracy, which extorts from the people all their surplus earnings. So the
