The record-union., 1894-02-15

and theft continue day and night. Chris
tians' caravans are being robbed and the
merchants murdered. The prisons are
crowded with Armenian prisoners. Most
of the conspicuous Armenians of Caesarea
/ have been imprisoned. y few escaped
by paying high ransom.'
The Christian Union. in an editorial,
after reciting the infamies practiced upon
the Armenians by the Turks, says:
III the people of Armenia were not
disconnected under these circumstances
they would not be human; If they did
not demand and seek change it would
be because oppression had destroyed the
/ courage and independence that once
made them great nation. II hope de-
| terred maketh the heart sick, it would
seem as though the time had come for the
Armenlans to give up in despair. AS
long ago as 1899 the Sultan granted them
civil and religious libery, a blessing that
they have never enjoyed under Turkish
rule reforms often promised and as
often disregarded, have not been carried
out to this day.
These are facts, not fancies. On these
grounds at the present moment the
Armenians are disconnected. They are
dlscontented because they are oppressed.
suppose they are disconnected; can any
one blame them? Why did the Ameri-
cans tight against their mother country
when they were Of the same race, Ian
guage and faith, and bound by the ties Of
blood to allegiance? There was no hesi-
tatlon then between the muSket as a
means TO gain freedom and submission TO
despOtism. Even the children rebelled
and made the conquering British Gen.
eral surrender to their wishes in the
streets of Boston.
Ever since the Turkish Government
ruled over them, the Armeniaus have not
had freedom Of thought, pen or press.
1hey are deferred IN every step that they
would take forward in the advancement
OF their nation in civilization. Neverthe-
less they read and make themselves ac-
qualnted with every progressive move
ment III Europe and America. AS the
world advances they wish to advance
with it. AS the facilities and opportuni-
ties they thus desire are not offered them
IN their own country under the despotic
rule OF their ignorant oppreSsorS, some OF
them tlnd their way to America. to be-
come acquainted with it's educational and
governmental systems, where all can en-
JOY their privileges alike, without inter-
terence by any despotic power. This is
their sole object III coming to this
country.
1t IS not well understood that under the
name of political offenders many Ar
menlans are called upon to suffer martyr
dom, as III the days of religious persecu-
ton IN Europe, whereas, by the renuncia-
ton of Christianity and the adoption of
Mohammedanisn,t they could escape, even
When condemned to capital punishment,
and, at the same time be socially exalted.
If an Armenian resents wrong he is
called "seditious;" if he expresses his
own ideas OF progress he is ''Nihilist;"
II he comes to America for higher educa-
ton ana investigation, he is pronounced
an 'insurrectionist.'' This is the cry of
his religious enemies. 1t is the opposite
OF his real sentiments.
The Armenians are a law-abiding and
peace-loving people, rendering honor
where honor is due. They are easily dealt
with in spirit of justice. They believe
In the great power and the influence OF
moral suasion, and the force of public
opinion throughout the world. 1t is to
this that /, as an Armenian, appeal.
Ii the situation and the condition of the
Armenian people under the Turkish
Government were fully understood by
the President, have no doubt but that
he would modify his message.
Public sentiment in this country forced
the British House of Commons to pass
the bill granting home rule to Ireland.
and public sentiment in this country can
force the Sublime Porte to cease perse-
cutting, to deal justly with, and to grant
reilglOuS llDerLy 10 the ArmenlanS.
To that enlightened public sentiment /
appeal on behalf of my oppressed and
almost despairing countrymen. TO you
they hold out their hands. They cannot
leave Armenia if they would; they have
not the means, and the Turkish Govern
ment values them too much in financial
way to let them off easily. Moreover.
they have lived in one spot many CEN
turies, and they have their mother coun-
try. To Americans, who love and are
justly proud of their country, they ap-
peal for sympathy.
HAMPARTzOOM ID. GARABEDYAN.
Also indorsed by fifty other prominent
Armenians residing in this country