New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-04

naItneT ;
the Cuban insurgents. nor our loss and materiai
damage consequent upon the futile endeavors
thus far made to restore peace ana oruer, MOI
any shock our humane sensibiities may nave re-
ceived from the cruelties which appear 10 espe-
cialy characterize this sangninary and herceiy
conducted war have in the least shaken the
determination OF the Government to honestly
fulfil every international obligation. yet II s to
be earnestly hoped on every ground that the
devastation OF armed conflict may specify De
stayed and order and quiet restored to the dis
tracted island bringing in their train the activity
and thrift Of peaceful pursuits.
THE ALLIANCE INCIDENT
one notable instance of Interference by Spain
with passing American shins has occurred. On
March last the Alliance. while bound from Colon
to NewYOrk. and following the customary track
for vessels near the Cuban shore. but outside the
three-mile limit, was fired upon by Spanish gun
boat. Protest was promptly made By the United
States against this act as not being JUSTIFIED by a
state Of war. permissible in respect or vessels
on the usual paths OF commerce. nor tolerable IN
view Of the wanton peril occasioned 10 innocent
life and property. The act was disavowed with
full expression OF regret and assurance or non
recurrence OF such just cause OF complaint. while
the offending officer was relieved or his command
Military arrests Of citizens OF the United States
In Cuba have OccasOned frequent reclamatlOns.
Where held on criminal charges their delivery to
the ordinary civil jurisdiction for trial has been
demanded and obtained In conformity with treaty
provisions and where merely detained Dy way OF
military precaution under proclaimed state OF
siege without formulated accusation. their re-
lease or trial has been insisted upon. The right
Of American consular officers in the Island TO pre-
fer protests and demands In such cases having
been questioned by the i1sular authority their
enjoyment Of the privilege stipulated by treaty
for the consuls Of Germany was claimed under
the INSTRUMENTATION provision OF cur own
convention and was promptly recognized
The long-standng demand Of Antonio Maxine
Mora against Spain has at last been settled by the
O September Ia
inally agreed upon in liquidation OF the claim
Its distribution among the parties entitled TO re-
ceive II has proceeded as rapidly as the rights OF
those claiming the fund could be safely deter
mined
The enforce ment OF differential duties against
products Of this country exported to CUBA ana
Puerto Rico prompted the immediate claim on our
part to the benefit of the minimum tariff Of Spain
In return for the most favorable treatment per
mitted by our laws as regards the production OF
Spanish territories A commercial arrangement
was concluded in January last securing the treat
ment claimed.
Vigorous protests against excessive fines i'm
posed on our ships ana merchandise by the Gus
toms officers OF these islands for trivial errors
have resulted in the remission of such hnes In IN
stances where the equity OF the complaint was
apparent, though the veXatious practice has not
been wholly discontinued
PROTECTION OF AMERICANS IN TURKEY.
Occurrences in Turkey have continued to excite
concern. The reported rnassacres Of Christians in
Armenia and the development there and in other
districts Of spirit Of fanatic hostility to CHRIS
tan influences naturally excited apprehension FOR
the safety OF the devoted men and women VINO,
as dependents of the foreign missionary societies
in the United States, reside in Turkey under the
guarantee OF law and usage ana IN the legitimate
performance Of their educational and religious
mission. No efforts have been spared in their
behalf and their protection in person and prop
erty has been earnestly and vigorously enforced
by every means within our power.
| regret, however. that an attempt on our part
to obtain better information concerning the true
condition OF affairs in the disturbed quarter OF the
Ottoman Empire, by sending thther the United
States consul at Sivas to make investigation ana
report. thwarted by the objection OF the
Turkish Government This movement on our part
was in no sense meant sratuitous entange-
ment OF the United States in the sc-caled tas tern
question nor as an offcious interference with the
right and duty which belong by treaty 10 certain
great European powers. calling for their inter
ventiOn in political matters affecting the good
government and religious freedom OF the non
Mussulman subjects IF TIA. Sultan, but II arose
solely from our desire 70 have an accurate knoWI-
edge Of the conditions. in our Efforts 10 care TOT
those entitled to our protection.
The presence Of our naval vessels when are now
In the vicinity of the disturbed localities AFFORDS
opportunities to acquire measure Oh laiinndtiay
with the condition of affairs. and will enable us
to take suitable steps for the protection or any
interests OF our cOunrymen within reach or our
ships that might be found imperilled
The Ottoman Government has lately issued an
imperial trade eXemptng forever from taxation
an American college for girls at Scutarl Re-
pea ted assurances have also been obtained by our
envoy at COnstantinople that similar institutions
maintained and administered by our countrymen
shall be secured in the enjoyment or all rights,
and that our citizens throughout the Empire shall
/ be protected
SHIPS SENT FOR REFUGE.
The Government however. in view Of existing
facts. is far from relying upon such assurances
as the limit of it's duty. Our Minister has been
vigilant and alert in affording ali possible pro-
lection in individual where danger threat
ened or safety was mperilied We have sent
ships as far toward the points OF actual disturb
ance 1t is possible for them to go. where they
offer refuge to those obliged 10 flee, and We have
the promise OF other Powers which have ships
IN the neghborhood that our citizens, as wen
as theirs will be received and protected on ooafu
those ships On the demand or our Mlnnslel'
orders have been issued by the sultan tnat TURK
slr soldiers shall guard ana escort 10 TIE CO'7'
American refugees
These orders have been carried out. ana our
latest intelligence gives assurance or the present
personal safety of our citizens and missionaries
Though thus far no lives II American citizens
have been sacrificed there can be no DOUBT that
serious loss and destruction Of NILSSON p ropssay
have resulted from riotous conn1cts ana outrage
Gus attacks
BY treaty several Of the most powerful European
Powers have secured a right and have assumed a
duty not only In benaii of their own citizens anu
/ in furtherance Of their 1wn interests out a.
agents OF the Christian world Inelr right Is 10
! enforce such conduct or lulhlSH wv q
will restrain fanatcal brutality and II THIS rams
their duty is to 50 interfere AS to insure against
such dreadful occurrences In Turkey as have
| lately shocked civilization The Powers declared
this right and this duty to be theirs alone ana
is earnestly hoped that prompt and effective
action on their part will hot be- delayed
| The new consulates at ErZeroum ana HarpooI
FOR which appropriation was made last session
have been professionally filled by trusted empioYes
| ~ tho Department Of State These appolntees.
! though now in Turkey. nave not yet received
their exequaturs.
The arbitration of the Lain or the Venezuela
Steam Transportation Company under the treaty
OF January 49, 1892 between the United states ana
Venezuela resulted in award in FAVOR OF the
claimant.
| ,rba Governrent has used its good offices
! toward composing the differences between NeneZ-
uela on the one hand and France and belgium
on the other growing out of the dismissal or the
ranrasentatives of those powers on the ground
| NJ publication deemed offensive 10 Venezuela.
/ AI,bouob hat Dismissal coupled with a