The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-12-06

Trivial errors have resulted In the remiS-
equity OF the complaint was apparent,
though the vexatious practice has not been
wholly discontinued.
The Armenian Massacres.
Occurrences in Turkey have continued
to excite concern. The reported ma ssacres
OF Christians In Armenia, and the develop
ment there and in other Districts of a
spirit of fanatic hostility to Christian In
nuences, naturally excited apprehension
for the safety of the devoted men and
women who as dependents OF the foreign
missionary societies In the United States,
reside in Turkey under the guarantee of
law and usage, and In the legitimate per-
Torrance OF their educational and re-
ligious mission. No efforts hay been spared
In their behalf and their protection In per-
son and property has been earnestly and
vigorously enforced by every means with
In our power.
/ regret, however, that an attempt on our
part to obtain better information concern
Ing. the true condition of affairs In the dis
turbed quarter of the Ottoman empire by
sending thither the United States consH at
Sivas to make Investigation and report,
was .thwarted by the ob1ectlons OF the
Turkish government This movement on
our part was In no sense meant as
gratuitous ENHANCEMENT or the united
States In the so-called eastern question,
nor as an officious interference with the
right and duty which belong by treaty to
certain great European powers, calling
for their Intervention In political matters
affecting the good government ana re-
ligious freedom of the non-Musselman
subjects of the sultan. but 1t arose solely
from our desire to have an accurate
knowledge of the conditions in our efforts
to care for those entitled to our protection.
The presence of our naval vessels which
are now In the vicinity of the disturbed
localities affords opportunities to acquire
q measure of familiarity with the condi-
ton of affairs, and will enable us to take
terests of our countrymen within reach
OF our ships that might be found i'm
perilled.
VIII Keep q Watchful Eye.
The Ottoman government has lately is
from taxation an American college for
girls at Scutari. Repeated assurances
have also been obtained by our envoy at
maintained and administered by our coun-
trymen shall be secured in the enjoyment
OF all rights, and that our citizens through
eminent, however, in view Of existing facts.
is far from relying upon such assurances
as the limit Of its duty. Our minister has
been vigilant and alert In affording all pos
sible protection in individual cases where
danger threatened or safety was imreriled
we have sent SHIPS as far TOWARD me
sible for. them to go, where they offer ref
uge to those obliged to fee, and we have
SHIPS IN the thHt our c
zens as well as theirs will be received and
protected on board those ships. On the de-
mand of our minister orders have been is
sued by the sultan that Turkish soldiers
shall guard and escort to the coast Ameri-
can refugees: These orders have been car
ried out, and our latest intelligence gives
assurance of the present personal safety of
our citizens and missionaries. 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 con-
hicts 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 citizens and in furtherance of
their own interests, but as agents of the
Christian world. Their right is to enforce
such conduct of Turkish government as
will restrain fanatical brutality, and If
this falls their duty Is to SO interfere as to
insure against such dreadful occurrences
In Turkey as have lately shocked civiliza-
ton. The powers declare this right and
this duty TO be theirs alone, and it is earn
estly hoped that prompt and effective ac-
ton on their part will not be delayed.
The new consulates OF Erzeroum and
Harpoot, for which appropriation was
made last session, have been Professionally
filled by trusted employees of the dSpart-
ment of state. These appointces, though
now In Turkey, have not yet received their
exequaturs.
More Aid to Venezuela.
The arbitration of the claim of the Ven
ezuela Steam Transportation company un-
der the treaty of January 10, 1892, between
the United States and Venezuela resulted
in an award in favor of the claimant The
government has used its good offices
Venezuela on the one hand, and France
and Belgium, on the other growing out of
the dismissal of the representatives of
those powers on the ground Of o publica-
ton deemed offensive to Venezuela. AL
though that dismissal was coupled with
cordial request that other more PERSONAL
ly agreeable ENJOYS be sent in their stead
a rupture of intercourse ensued and still
continues.
Needed Improvement In Consular Service.
/. In view of the growth Of our interests
In foreign countries and the encouraging
prospects for a general expansion of our
commerce, the question of an Improvement
in the consular service has increased in
Importance and urgency. Though there
is no doubt that the great body of consular
officers are rendering valuable services to
the trade and Industries of the country
the needs of some plan of appointment and
control which would tend to secure a
higher average of efficiency is not denied.
The Importance of the subject has led the
executive to consider what steps might
properly be taken without additional legis-
lation, to answer the need of better
system of consular appointments. The
matter having been committed to the con-
sideration of the secretary of state, In pur-
suance of his recommendations, an eXecu-
tive order was issued on the goth of Sep
TENDER, 1896, by the terms of which 1t Is
provided that after that date any vacancy
In consulate or commercial agency, with
an annual salary or compensation from
official fees of not more than $500 or less
than $1,000. should be filled either by trans
fer or promotion from some other position
under the department of state of a char
acter tending to qualify the incumbent
for the position to be filed; or by the ap-
,pointment of person not under the de-
partment of state, but having previously
served hereunder and shown his capacity
and fitness for consular duty; or by the ap-
pointment of q person who, having been
selected by the president and sent to q
board for examination, Is found, upon such
examination, to be qualified for the posi-
ton. Posts which pay less than 81 600 be-
Ing usually, on account of their small COM
pensation, filed by selection from resi-
dents of the locality, 1t was not deemed
practicable to put them under the new
system.
The compensation of $500 was adopted
as the minimum limit In the classification
for the reason that consular officers receiv-
ing more than that sum are often charged
with functions and duties scarcely In
ferior in dignity and Importance to those
OF diplomatic agents, and IL was therefore
thought best TO continue their selection In
the discretion of the executive without
subjecting them to examination before q |
board. Excluding II places with compen-
sation at present less than 81, GOO, So places
above the maximum in compensation, |
the number of positions remaining within !
the scope of the order Is 1885, This number
will undoubtedly be increased by the in |
c1uslon of consular officers whose remun-
GRAFTON in fees, now less than 81 600 will |
be augmented with tho growth OF our for |
eign commerce and q return to more ia |
vorable business conditions. In execution /
OF the executive order referred to, the Sec |
rotary of state has designated as board |
to conduct the prescribed examinations |