by Japanese officials formed a plot to get rid of these
people, seize the Government, and then administer the reforms
themselves. Forcing their way into the palace Oct. 8, 1895, there was
enacted a tragedy similar to the one which recently horrified the world
in Servia. While the King was being insulted and dragged about by his
hair, the fleeing Queen was stricken down and stabbed, several members
of her family sharing the same fate. She, it is said, was then
carried, still breathing, to a grove in the park, where, after having
kerosene poured over her, she was incinerated. Such was the fate of
the intriguing but fascinating Queen of Korea, of whom Count Inouye
said: "She has few equals in her country for shrewdness and sagacity,
and in the power of conciliating enemies and attaching friends."

The King, a prisoner in his palace, allowed to see or speak with no
one, unaware of the death of the Queen (as were all except those
engaged in the plot), was compelled to sign odious edicts framed by a
cabinet composed of men upon whose hands the blood of his adored wife
was scarcely dry. The first of these brought for his signature was a
royal decree deposing the Queen, "who for 33 years has dulled our
senses, sold offices and titles," etc., etc. "Since she will not give
up her wickedness and is hiding and plotting with low fellows, we
hereby depose her and degrade her to the lowest rank." The King
declared he would have both his hands cut off before he would sign this
infamous paper, which did not prevent its appearing with his name
attached.

After four months of this torture the wretched man escaped in disguise
and found safe asylum in the Russian Legation, where he remained for
one year.

One of these reforming edicts signed under compulsion had ordered the
immediate abolishment of the Top Knot. The Top Knot was the symbol of
nationality and personal dignity. A man without it was less than
nothing, and its assumption was the most important event in his life.
The ceremony was costly. But what money could be saved from the
officials was freely given to the sorcerers and astrologers, who must
determine the proper moment and place, and the sacrifices which would
be required when their ancestors were informed of the important event
which had taken place! Then, when this horn-shaped knot had been
covered by a high hat of gauze tied tightly on with ribbons, the Korean
arose transformed into a being of dignity and con