New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-20
THE NEW MINISTER FROM FRANCE.

NJ oUIREY's FRIENDSHIP FOR THIS COUNTRY
DURING THE CIVIL wAR-RECOLLECrIoNs OF
ASSOCIATIONS WITH HIM AT THAT TIME.
To the Edttor OF The Trto"ne.
SIR: The arrival of NJ. Max Outrey as MIN
lister of France recalls TO my mind the following nci
dents which will illustrate the sincerity OF his regard ior
this country and entite him to cordial reception
among the people During the late rebellion when the
future OF the Union was impered and soon after the
terrible massacre OF Christians In Syria, NJ Outrey was
placed in charge of the ConsuateGenera OF france lo
Syria and Palestine. The writer OF this note was NIB
American colleague and frequently received messages Oh
sympathy and confidence in the success OF the feuer
arms from NJ. Outrey, who expressed MS sentiments
upon every fitting occasion French troops had recently
ocoupied SYRIA and French feet was then IN Syrian
waters and the ConsuGeneal of France possessing as
be did civil, judicial and diplomatic funcuohs' was
parsonage of great influence. He received py every
steamer coming from Egypt copies OF ali kilograms sep
there respecting the American war; These ne ihcoseu
me without delay. Through him the American colony AT
Beirut learned of the taking of Fort Donelson ana the
subsequent victories which dsspated the gloom caused
by the disaster at Bull Run and filed us with hope
1t was during those dark days that an American mis-
sonary, the Rev. Mr. Coing was assassinaed near AeA
andretta the seaport OF Aleppo. Another nhssonuiy
was murdered Adranople. Apprehension was iei'
lest plot had been formed 10 murder all the American
missionaries in Turkey 1t seemed necessary that
sbold nroceed TO investigate the crime at its place OF
execution but there would be steamer going NORTH
ward for fortnight and my only hope OF reaching the
lawless district Of Payas rested upon the courtesy Oh
some naval vessel of friendly Power when might oe
making a tour OF the coast. naturally apped 10 NJ
Ourey TO know any Of the French fleet were en- route
TO the Bay of Scanderoon, and if could he landed near
the scene of murder He knew of no vessel gong IN
that direction but asked to wait for an answer un
he could consult with the cOnmondd e'-ch OF inc meet
few hours later he sent Inc note saying that 'e
frgate Mogador at my service, that the commanding
officer, Commodore simGn would accompany me- anu
asked me to indicate what hour would like to start
and the number of persons in my suite. The Comma
dore received most cordially and begged me 10 con-
slider the French frgate Mogador as an American snip
until the arrival Of a vessel Of the American navyA-
The third day thereafter the Commodore accompanied
me TO occupied by Mustook Boy, the hereditary
chief OF the revoted district and enforced my demand
for redress by saying that the French nag must be
deemed as American and representing all Europe Tor
this was matter in which all ChristendOm was unit
was Hospitality entertained board the Mogador for
week and after the departure OF the gallant Commodore
he back gunboat to give Inc such further ala as
might require. For all this cooperation was OF course
indirectly indebted TO the friendly Intervention OF NJ.
Outrey When after several months returned 10 Beirut
and announced to my colleagues that the murderer mad
been discovered that found to he nephew OF the
Chief Mustook and that he had been tried and executed
NJ Outrey was the first to send me his CONGRATULATIONS
Generous sympathy like this was in marked contrast
with tile dubious attitude of the representatives OF some
other Governments. AT my suggestion the Department
of State caused the thanks of the President to he con-
veyed through the Government of France to Commodore
Simon but it remains for American citizens to snow
to NJ Ourey their esteem and appreciation, 10 when ne
has the additional claims of noble character andcnar
ing social qualities He left in Syria high reputation
for uprghtness and ability in the discharge OF duties iar
more dicult and delicate than will rest upon him here
and his promotion the post OF Minister to Japan was
cordially recognized due TO his unusual merit and IN
corruptble worth Now that his country and THIS nave
passed through terrible from which each isstral
ing every nerve 10 recuperate confidently believe that
we shall have in NJ. Outrey sympathetic and an inte
gent friend entirely worthy to be cassed among those
gallant Frenchmen who during the first century OF the
nations history have opportunity offered, served the
Republic. ). A. D.
Neu- York, Feb. 10, 1877.