The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-22
ChrlSllanI2ad Armenian Not illOWsl
to Enter Turkey.
He is A CITIZEN OF AMERICA,
Tut the state department Cannot Help
Him, a. Is imtd-Ihe Case Affects
Armenians Everywhere in This
Country.

SPRIgGFIELD, Mass, Dos. 2.-Rey. G.
H. krikorlan. an Armenian missionary
now stopping at the School for Christian
Workers in this city, is n victim of the
edict issued by the Turkish government
banishing al subjects who have been
naturalized as American citizens. Mr..
Krikorian first came 20 this country in
1881, and, after spending six years here in
study, returned TO Turkey under the di-
rection of the American board, engaging
in missionary work, especially In es;ab'
fishing Christian schools
The growvh of this school work de-
manding more funds for its proper de-
velopment, Mr. Krikorian returned to
this country in October 1892, and under
took the task of raising an amount OF
money sufficient for the needs of his
schools. This brought him to Springfield
in August last, where he he's 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 to return
when hia attention was called TO the fact
that the Turkish government had issued
q manifesto declaring they would expel
all Arnenians who had become natural
lied Americans. This interested Mr.. Kri-
korian at once, rs he had been naturaiized
during his former stay in this country.
Cold Comfort.
Not wishing to undertake the trip home
with the certainty of being debarred from
landing, he wrote letter to the state de
partment pertaining 10 his history and in
tentions as given. He received a 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 is 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 natura1ization
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 Armeninns," the only COM
forting assurance being that THE Ameri-
can minister is instructed 10 protect them
from unnecessary harshness of trea'r
ment.v
Must Keep Out
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. 1t simply
means that either Punishment or ;mprison-
inent awaits all who return to Turkey, no
after what their motive or mission may
be.
Mr.. Kriko.ian is sorely perplexed. Not
only do his schools demand his presence
there, but he is separated from his family
in Constantinoplc, and the work for which
he has prepared pimself and devoted his
life seems thus Suddenly ended unless
Providence opens acme way, now unseen,
out of this dirficulty.