Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-12-22
AFRAID OF PLOTTERS.
No Naturalization Treaty
With Turkey.
AN ARMENIAN MISSIONARY
Became a United States Citizen and
Must Keep From His Native Land.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass, Dec. 22.-The Turk
hh government recently issued an edict
baaishing all subjects who have been
naturalized as American citizens. Rev.
O. II. Krikorisn, an Armenian missionary
now stopping at the School for Christian
Workers In this city, first came to this
country In 1881, and, after spending six
years here In study, returned to Turkey
under the direction of the American
board, engaging In missionary work, es-
pecially in establishing Christian schools.
The growth of this school work de-
manding more funds for its proper de-
velopment, Mr.. Krikorian returned TO
this country In October, 1892, and under
money sufficient for the needs OF his
schools. This brought him TO Springfield
In August last, where he has since re-
sided, making appeals here and in nearby
towns for his fund.
He was successful in raising nearly the
full amount and was planning 10 return
when his attention was called to the fact
that the Turkish government had issued
a manifesto declaring they would expel
oil Armsnians who had become natural
ized Americans. This interested Mr. Kri-
korian at once, as he had been naturalized
during his former stay In this country.
No Satisfaction.
Not wishing to undertake the trip home
with the certainty Of being debarred from
landing, he wrote letter to the state de-
partment pertaining to his history and in
tentions as given. He received letter
from Secretary Gresham which seems to
settle the matter against him and in favor
Of the manifestly unjust ruling of the
Turkish government.
The secretary gives long extract from
the presidents message In which refer
ence IL made TO this matter, President
Cleveland holding that as long as the
Turkish government declares that the
return of former subjects is dangerous to
the empire, that they return with treason
able plots and projects against the govern
ment, and since there Is no naturalization
treaty between the two countries, the
United States cannot prevent them en-
forcing such laws as they may make.
Secretary Gresham's letter closes with
the statement that the department
recognizes the right Of that government
to enforce its declared policy against
naturalized Armenians," the only COM
hOTtiuB hssuTduCc DcluB tHdJ lHo AintTl-
oan minister Is instructed to protect them
from unnecessary harshness of treat
ment"
In . Quandary.
OF course this amounts to nothing. The
American minister would be powerless to
help them after the declaration on the
part Of our government that they cannot
prevent such laws as Turkey may have
made from being enforced. 10 simply
means that either Punishment or imprison-
ment awaits all who return to Turkey, no
matter what their motive or mission may
be.
Mr.. Krikorian is sorely perplexed. Not
only do his schools demand his presence
there, but he is separated from his family
In Constantinople. and the work for which
he has prepared himself and devoted his
life seems thus suddenly ended unless
Providence opens some way, now unseen,
out Of this difficulty.