The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-08-23
JEWS IN TURKEY.

REPORT FROM THE UNITED STATES MINISTER
ON TIE CONDITION OF IsRAELITEs IN THE
OTTOMAN EMPIRE.-wEIL TREATED ON THE
WHOLE.
WASHINGTON August %, 1877.
A despatch has been received at tho Department Of
State from tho United States Minister to turkey giving
interesting details concerning the number status and
persecution Of tho Israeitos In tho Ottoman Empire.
The total number Of Israeltes in the empire is gwen
Mt bo0 900. OF this total contains $50 ooO
Asiatic Turkey 000 European Turkey $4,000 Scrvia
5000 &c. Tho United States Minister says that Jus
tice TO Turk compes him to admit that tho Israel
ties been better treated by tho Ottoman by
many Of the Western Powers. and that the impression
prevails that they better treated In the empire
than the Christians. They are recognized an nde
pendent religious community, with tho privileges OF
their own ecclesiastical rule, their chief rabbi
Chacham Bashi. possessing, in conscque once OF his
functions great influence. The Turkish Minister Of
Foreign Affairs protested to Mr. Maynard that where
Turkish rule obtained tho Israchtcs always enjoyed
every privilege and immunity accorded by the laws to
Ottoman SUBJECTS
A RABBI ILL-TRRATED JKws.
Tho only maitreatment OF Israeltes which has been
brought the notice Of the United States Legation at
Constantinople during the ocial torn OF Mr. Maynard
was that Of the Rabbi Smeersohn, an American citi
zen. ON the 2Sth Of November, 1874, the rabbi was
set upon by bis own relig oniss, certain Jews ut
Tberias robbed OF considerable amount and most
shamefuly maltreated by being imprisoned, stoned,
stripped naked aud ridden IN that condition through
the streets of Tiberas, barely escaping with his life.
The United States Consul at Bcyrout won't to Tberas
and had the perpetrators arrested. Some claimed
British protection and escaped by tight The friends
OF the others assembled ovcrpowered tho authorities
and rescued them. Tho Legation at Constantnople
then took up tho subject and It being satisfactorily
pushed fast rs possible under tho circumstances,
when tho rabbi doubtless tired out and npovershed
LETT for France and in his absence nothing further
could be done.
DIFFICULTIES PORTE.
The position which tile Israelites hold in the En-
pre, the complex systems and situations and the he
terogenty OF the by which they are surrounded
tho state OF civilization and religious animostics
which prevail, the little authority exercised py tho
Ottoman government over the provinces, In or
binary times protesting that II should be held
responsible Tor abuses In tho provinces render the
dnicult oil explanation Some OF the lsraelitos claim
10 be UNDER British protection others have been
der Russian protection. Many hold themselves
independent people, owing allegi-
any government, and II 10 only when
prosecuted outraged thcy seek the protection any
or all human powers While all governments, notably
the United States government foremost OF all ao most
tion International questions and equities interfere
with aud prevent that full projection which they would
receive were they liked citizens Of any government,
oUrIAGEs To BE REPORTED
The United States Minister at Consantinople has TO-
quested the consular officers OF his
out the Ottoman Empire observe carefully condi.
ton of tho Israetcs within their several Jurisdictions
and report to the Legation at Constantinopc with
delay any instances Of prosecutions Of that people
which