oner, "Have you read the 'Tragedy of
Korea'?" It has been translated into Chinese.
At first I was accused of exaggeration and worse. Subsequent events have
amply borne out my statements and warnings. The book has been for a long
time out of print, and even second-hand copies have been difficult to
obtain. I was strongly urged to publish a new edition, bringing my
narrative up to date, but I found that it would be better to write a new
book, including in it, however, some of the most debated passages and
chapters of the old. This I have done.
Some critics have sought to charge me with being "anti-Japanese." No man
has written more appreciatively of certain phases of Japanese character and
accomplishments than myself. My personal relations with the Japanese, more
especially with the Japanese Army, left me with no sense of personal
grievance but with many pleasant and cordial memories. My Japanese friends
were good enough to say, in the old days, that these agreeable
recollections were mutual.
I have long been convinced, however, that the policy of Imperial expansion
adopted by Japan, and the means employed in advancing it, are a grave
menace to her own permanent well-being and to the future peace of the
world. I am further convinced that the militarist party really controls
Japanese policy, and that temporary modifications which have been recently
announced do not imply any essential change of national plans and
ambitions. If to believe and to proclaim this is "anti-Japanese," then I
plead guilty to the charge. I share my guilt with many loyal and patriotic
Japanese subjects, who see, as I see, the perils ahead.
In this book I describe the struggle of an ancient people towards liberty.
I tell of a Mongol nation, roughly awakened from its long sleep, under
conditions of tragic terror, that has seized hold of and is clinging fast
to, things vital to civilization as we see it, freedom and free faith, the
honour of their women, the development of their own souls.
I plead for Freedom and Justice. Will the world hear?
F.A. McKENZIE.
Contents
I. OPENING THE OYSTER
II. JAPAN MAKES A FALSE MOVE
III. THE MURDER OF THE QUEEN
IV. THE INDEPENDENCE CLUB
V. THE NEW ERA
VI. THE RULE OF PRINCE ITO
VII. THE ABDICATION OF YI HYEUNG
VIII. A JOURNEY TO THE "RIGHTEOUS ARMY"
IX. WITH THE REBELS
X. THE LAST DAYS OF THE KOREAN EMPIRE
XI. "I WILL WHIP YOU WITH SCORPION
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