Mr. Foulk to Mr. Bayard.
Seoul, Corea, July 23, 1885. (Received September 11.)
Sir: I have the honor to report that on yesterday the establishment of a home office was completed by the Corean Government. Such an office, of modern creation, existed until the time of the revolutionary [Page 351] troubles in December last, when it was abolished by decree. The new minister for home affairs is one of the nobles assigned to a ministerial office by the brief government of the radical progressionists in December last, from which fact his now being placed at the head of the home office is remarkably significant.
His Majesty has been rapidly resuming his former active participation in the affairs of the Government, and it is intimated that he has created the new home office, which is located in the palace, with the object of having the management of all affairs pertaining to the interior of the country under his immediate supervision, assisted by the high minister of state. This arrangement, if carried out, will very materially affect the work and influence of the foreign office.
I am, &c.,
Ensign, U. S. Navy, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.