The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1895-12-06

nitv. which. upon Nicaragua's refusal
I 70 admit liability. was en- -oreed oy
Great Britain. While the sOvereig lty
and Jurisdiction of Nicaragua was III
no way questioned by Great Britain
the formers arbitrary conduct in re-
gard TO British subjects furnished the
ground for this proceeding. British
naval force occupied without resist
ance the Pacific seaport OF Corinto, but
was soon after withdrawn upon the
promise that the sum demanded would
be paid. Throughout this incident the
kindly offices of the United States were
invoked and were employed in favor OF
as peaceful a settlement and as much
consideration and Indulgence toward
Nicaragua as were consistent with the
nature of the case. Our efforts have
since been made the subject of appre-
ciative and grateful recognition by Nj
caragua.
The Cuban Insurrection.
Cuba is again gravely disturbed. An
Instruction. in some respects more ac-
tive than the last preceding revolt,
which continued from 1s6s to 1878, now
exists in large part of the eastern in
terror OF the island, menacing even
some populations on the coast. Be
sides deranCing the commercial eX-
changes OF the island, of which our
country takes the predominant share.
this fragrant condition of hostilities. by
arousing sentimental sympathy and in
citing adventurous support among our
people, has entailed earnest effort on
the part Of this government to enforce
obedience to our neutrality laws and
TO prevent the territory of the United
States from being abused as vantage
ground from which to aid those in arms
against Spanish sovereignty. What
ever may be the traditional sympathy
OF our countrymen as individuals with
people who seem to be struggling for
larger autonomy and greater freedom,
deepened as such sympathy naturally
must be in behalf Of our neighbors. vet
the plain duty of their government is
TO observe in good faith the recognized
obligations OF international relation
ship. The performance of this duty
should not be made more difficult by a
disregard on the part of our citizens Of
the obligations growing out of their
allegiance to their country, which
should restrain them from violating as
individuals the neutrality which the
nation of which they are members is
bound to observe in its relations to
friendly sovereign states.
Armenian Massacres.
Occurrences in Turkey have con-
tinued to excite concern. The reported
massacres of Christians in Armenia and
the development there and in other dis
tricts of a spirit of fanatic hostility to
Christian influences naturally excited
apprehension for the safety of the de.
voted men and women who, as Deepen
dents of the foreign missionary societies
in the United States, reside in Turkey
under the guarantee of law and usage
and in the Legitimate performance of
their educational and religious mission.
No efforts have been spared in
their behalf. and their protee
ton in person and property has
been earnestly and vigorously enforced
by every means within our power
| regret, however, that an attempt
on our part to obtain better informa-
ton concerning the true condition of
affairs in the disturbed quarter of the
Ottoman empire, by sending thither the
United States consul at Sivas to
make investigation and report, was
ttwarted by the objections of the
Turkish government. The presence
of our naval vassels which are now in
the vicinity of the disturbed localities
affords opportunities to acquire a meas
ure of familiarity with the condition OF
affairs and will enable us to take suit.
able steps for the protection of any in.
terests of our countrymen within reach
of our ships that might be mpeiilled.
Our minister has been vigilant in
affording all possible protection in in.
dividual cases where danger threatened
or safety was imperilled. We have
sent ships as far toward the points OF
actual disturbance as it is possible for
them to go. where they offer refuge
to those obliged to flee, and we have
the promise of other powers which
have ships in the neighborhood that
our citizens, as well as theirs, will be
received and protected on board those
ships. Though thus far no lives of
American citizens have been sacrificed.
there can be no doubt that serious loss
and destruction of mission property
have resulted from riotous conflicts and
outrageous attacks. By treaty several
of the most powerful European powers
have secured a right and have assumed
duty, not only in behalf of their own
itizens, but as agents of the Christia q
world. Their right is to enforce such
conduct of Turkish government as will
restrain fanatical brutality, and if this
fails their duty is to so interfere as to
insure against such dreadful occur.
rences in Turkey as have lately shocked
civilization. The powers declare this
right, and this duty to be theirs alone.
and it is to be earnestly hoped that
prompt and effective action on their
part will not be delayed.
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