Carrie Chapman Catt - Diaries, Korea and Japan, October 4th - 30th, 1912 (Box 1, Folder 8)

white robed women trailing their level [best?]. To which a piece of paper containing the name of the dead man, was placed, so his spirit occupied the chair. Behind this came a [illegible] chair covered with an immense mourning hat and [within?] was the man's son. He got out and from behind the canvas walls fresh wailers who had been wailing set [up?] the most dismal howl human ear ever heard. Meanwhile wailing men, who were all high in position in Chōsen expressed their condolences in wails as well. To these the poor man made repeated obeisances. Every one in Chōsen wore white, but if mourning there seems to be more a [fit?] and this son who appeared not to be young wore a white hat as [well?] as being [illegible] in white. They allowed the poor match [to?] go awhile and the procession marched on. There must have been between 500 and 1000 men with lanterns. The streets were lighted and lined with quiet people waiting. We concluded to go in the [italic?], and we [passed?] and [repassed?], and when we found the theater was over for the evening we met the precession. The wailers were still wailing. [The?] mourners who [really?] [illegible] endure two whole days of such conduct [illegible] [earnest?] make [out?]. It was a curious and [illegible] sight. We returned to the hotel and after eating the fruit and nuts we had not had time for, we packed our things and made ready to leave very early in the morning. We all wanted to stay longer, but our stay in Japan was to be so short that we felt we must hurry on.

The day before our arrival in Seoul, there was a [illegible] notable event than the funeral of the Ex-Emperor's brother. This was the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] of [123?] men for conspiracy.

to murder the Governor-General. All the world must be talking about it, and they will talk more. Several mission workers were in Seoul to attend it and the missionaries were there: Among those arrested was Baron Yum who, it seems, is [illegible] [prominent?] native Christian. All the [illegible] were Christians to. They were arrested nearly a year ago upon suspicion and all except the Baron testify to the most horrible middle centuries torture. They had been burned, racked, stretched, hung &c and one had had his wrist broken. One or two had died. 117 of these men were [convicted?] and received to from 5 to 10 yrs [years] imprisonment the Baron getting 10 yrs [years]. There was no testimony except their own confessions which had been wrung from them by torture. At the trial, all renounced the confession but that was of no [avail?] Several could prove an alibi but this was not permitted. In the beginning some missionaries were charged with conspiracy also, they say that proper aid not done by them. They feel what it is a direct stab at Christianity and is done to frighten further converts. They will be an appeal. Just now, Japan is being [illegible] for having employed torture, denied a fair trial [illegible] fair testimony, and [illegible] the appearance of persecuting Christians. The missionaries are terribly distressed and as every one in Chōsen has been indirectly involved in [illegible] charges they feel that their honor has been stained and especially as their home papers have not unanimously [stood?] by them. We had no time to see any missionaries but we met Mr. and Mrs. [Buery?] again, and Mr. [Pinseau?] and [illegible] [illegible] and the M.E. South Mission Association.

[Notice?] man's hat, Bride and groom

Comet costume of young lady

they had been in attendance and had done nothing else. Here in Japan the editorials in the papers make me think that the motives are nearly the usual jealousy which the overlord feels concerning the display of [sympathies?] of [illegible] which the [unwilling?] auxiliary very naturally exhibits [illegible] likes her own liberty and independence but Japan prefers that she shouldn't have it. She fears an uprising and when the Gov. Yen was assassinated, she concluded that it was the beginning of it. She thinks the foreigners are supporting the nations and act this [trouble?] has grown out of it. Has no more [illegible] must a favor [illegible] has done, but it is decidedly tough in 105 men, who are undoubtedly [illegible], and who [illegible] must accept [illegible] [illegible] unless a higher court releases them. Our one day in Chōsen was more valuable than my [record?] seems for I had read. [illegible] [illegible] the [hermit?] [illegible] "a big book. Here the national emblem which is seen everywhere and which was on their flag when they had one as the red sign of early Chinese philosophy—a set of symbolism representing the mark and [illegible] elements on nature. [illegible] [commas?] which fit together in a circle like this, one red and one black, is a sign. The red is [illegible], light, [illegible] life, [position?] the black is [illegible], darkness, depravity, death, negative. Here the [illegible]

[illustration]

Man in mourning hat. Very common sight

Nursing mother Very common sight and very [handy?]