KOREA— THE HERMIT NATION 



155 



The condition of the bell is perfect and the method of sounding it, 

 with blows from a suspended beam, has no tendency to injure it, as 

 does tlie more modern metallic tongue or clapper. Gongs are seen 

 everywhere in this country, and, though hardly credible, man}^ of 

 them are sweet-toned and harmonious. 



Twenty years have elapsed since the Hermit Nation opened its 

 doors to the representatives of western civilization. Its progress in 

 some directions has not been inconsiderable. Alread}'^ the American 

 trolley car runs beside the great bell and the first steam railroad in 

 the kingdom is approaching completion under American supervision, 

 with American material, and backed by American capital. 



The political and commercial future of this interesting country 

 will be watched with a widespread interest, and no people will extend 

 a more willing and disinterested hand than the people of the United 

 States of America. 



Mil. ■.ICl.Al sol; 111 UAIK l>\- SKol 1. 



