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Read the previous story: [Three Gunshots]
Most of the people present at the scene were white. They shouted, “Kill those two!”, “Hang them!”, and “Execute those Asian devils!” In response, Korean representative Lee Hak-hyun yelled, “We who live in San Francisco are victims of the barbaric Japanese Empire, and this matter is akin to the American War of Independence against the British Empire.”
A witness, an American woman, stood on a wooden box and declared, “Although this man is of the yellow race, he is truly a patriot and a man of integrity. He sacrificed his life for his country, and everyone, regardless of nationality, should love their country as much as he does.” According to the testimony of Seon Woo-tan, who was also present, the Japanese consul Koike, who had come to see off Stevens, requested police protection and fled in panic.
The Situation in the United States and Media Reactions
Before Stevens spoke in Washington about the legitimacy of Japan’s annexation of Korea, the U.S. government had already internally approved Japan’s policies. Even President Roosevelt had said, “The Koreans are a people who cannot raise a finger to defend their own country, and thus they need the protection of Japan.” The U.S. government had recognized Japan’s occupation of Korea through the secret Taft-Katsura Agreement. Though not officially announced or widely known to the public, this was understood among Washington’s leadership. The Taft-Katsura Agreement, signed on July 29, 1905, stated that the U.S. would acknowledge Japan’s occupation of Korea in exchange for Japan not interfering with the U.S.’s actions in the Philippines. It was an agreement born out of imperialist thinking where powerful nations divided weaker countries for their own benefit. Stevens’ role was necessary not only for the Japanese government but also to enhance the prestige of the U.S. government. The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 ended in Japan’s victory. Japan began to exert political, economic, and military influence over Korea, which bordered Russia and China. Both the U.S. and the U.K. recognized Japan’s interference in Korea. Korea appointed pro-Japanese Stevens as their advisor in August 1904. By November 17, 1905, the Eulsa Treaty was signed, giving Japan control over all diplomatic agreements for Korea. Subsequently, treaties were signed placing all legal status under Japanese control.
The Shooting Incident
The shooting of Stevens on the morning of March 23 was covered in newspapers in San Francisco and other major cities the next day, highlighting the story of the two Korean youths who shot him. The reports emphasized their patriotic motives and the Korean community’s anger towards Stevens. The incident occurred during a period of anti-Japanese labor movements among American lower classes, which garnered significant understanding and sympathy from American citizens.
Coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle
The next day, the Chronicle covered the incident with the headline “Pray and Plan Murder,” including photos of those involved and several illustrations depicting the shooting by Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un. The article, while containing comments sympathetic to the Japanese or Stevens, focused on the Korean community’s view of the actions as just and patriotic. Key Chronicle articles about the shooting incident are as follows:
- March 21, 1908: An interview with Stevens where he claimed, “Initially, Korean officials did not welcome the Japanese, but now both officials and farmers welcome them, believing in the need to reform the old government structure.”
- March 22, 1908: Under the headline “Koreans Call Stevens a Public Enemy,” it reported that “Koreans will praise these gunshots, and Japan will think of Korea as it does Poland.”
- March 24, 1908: The front page headline, the entirety of page 2, and most of page 3 focused on articles from the Korean perspective, analyzing the incident as a political event related to Asian geopolitics rather than merely an illegal act or murder.
Japanese Reaction
The Japanese consul was shocked by these reports. Despite his severe injuries and the precariousness of his life, Stevens stated, “Those who harmed me are fanatical young students. They oppose Japan’s protection of Korea, but their actions will not affect Korea-Japan relations.”
- March 25, 1908: Jang In-hwan confronted Stevens in a hospital under police supervision, interpreted by Yang Joo-sam. Jang accused Stevens of selling out their country and extorting money from Koreans, while Stevens expressed pity for Jang’s ignorance and emphasized his friendly ties with many Koreans. Jang later sent a letter to the Chronicle explaining his motives for shooting Stevens, condemning him for plotting Korea’s destruction and asserting that his death was necessary for the nation’s glory and the happiness of its people.
Coverage in Other Newspapers
- The Japanese newspaper Shinsaegebo: It lamented the shooting of Stevens, praising his contributions to both Japanese and American governments.
- The New York Times: An editorial titled “The Korean Nation Is Still Alive” recognized the shooting as a desperate act of survival and a symbol of Koreans’ resolve to shape their destiny.
- Other American newspapers: The Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Examiner, and Oakland Tribune also gave extensive coverage, with some noting the nationalist motives behind the shooting.
Korean-American and Domestic Responses
- The Korean newspaper Gongrip Shinbo: It urged Koreans to recognize Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un as patriots and to awaken to the cause of independence and freedom.
- Korean newspapers in the U.S. and Korea: They highlighted the patriotic fervor and anti-Japanese sentiment ignited by the shooting, with some predicting that more patriots would emerge to assassinate prominent Japanese figures. China’s Shijie Ribao also praised the Korean people’s determination and bravery.
These articles and editorials collectively emphasize the significant impact of the Stevens shooting on both Korean nationalism and American public opinion.
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