The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-12-20
WHAT ABOUT ARMENIA?

The President spoke wisely and pa
triotically with regard to the duty OF
the United States in the Venezuelan
dispute. lie is applauded by all pa
triotic men of all parties, including the
extreme iingoists, and has more than
justified the confidence of his friends
that he would be equal to the emer-
gency.
All this is about the ownership of
strip of land in South America. The
whole country is indignant, and justly
so. at England's attempt to steal be
cause her immediate competitor is
weak When she finds that her real
quarrel is with this country, there will
be peaceful settlement of the contro-
versy y show of force prevents the
necessity for the use of force.
In the meantime, while outraged
over the attempt to steal a strip of
land. what is the President and Con-
gress going to do about the massacre
and outrage Of men and women in Ar
menia? Do they hold territory dearer
than life? Are the American mis-
sionaries to be butchered without re-
taliation because England esteems the
debts due by the Sultan of more value
than the lives of it's subjects?
Every dictate of a just policy and
consistent attitude makes it incumbent
upon This country to enforce the spirit
of the Monroe doctrine, but higher
duty. the protection of lives and hap
piness of our most unselfish citizens,
who have given up all to carry the
light of the gospel to those who sit in
darkness. demands that vigorous and
immediate steps should be taken
against Turkey.
The following letter describing the
situation in Southern Asia Minor has
been received from an American re-
siding there:
I'VE are here he says. like sheep
in the midst of wolves. The most hor-
rible passions are raging like the sea
all around us Every day brings III new
report of murder, outrage and plum
der. All over the country to the east
of us the work of destruction is going
on. 1t reminds me of the Sioux mas
sacre in Minnesota in 1862. The tales
of refugees from pIundered and burnt
villages christian are most heart
rending. Absolutely no proyocation
in nf
these cases.
I'VE know not what the end viii be.
Is il possible that the whole Christian
world will stand quietly by while such
horrible atrocities are perpetrated all
over the East? For the thing is abso-
luteIy universal We have been on the
very verge of massacre for the past
three weeks. and it is wholly uncer-
tain when the scenes already witnessed
in other cities shall be enacted here
also.
1T is very apparent from the de
pertinent of the Turkish officials that
they are under the most stringent or
lers to safeguard American lives and
property. The presence of the Mar
hlehead on the coast has been most
timely and it's influence has been very
great.
Il doubt . continues the correspond
ent. IF anything in this crisis short OF
a military occupation of this part OF
the country will enable the powers to
effect any considerable change in the
condition of affairs or even to restore
the former degree of quiet and safety.
While the government seems alert and
earnestly endeavoring TO prevent yio-
lence. they do not, perhaps cannot.
punish Moslems for insult and violence
toward Christians"