The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-12-03

attention of the Congress to the position we
occupied of thu parties to treaty or
agreement by which we became Jointly bound
with England and Germany to so interfere with
the government and control of Samoa as in
effect to assume the mana cement of Its affairs.
On the 9th day of May, 1891, l transmitted to
the senate special message with accompany
ing documents giving information on the SUBJ
iect and emphasizing the opinion I have at all
times entertained that situation on this
matter was inconsistent with the mission and
traditions of our government in violation of
the principles we profess nd in all its phases
mischievous and vexatious. / again press this
subject upon the attention of Congress and ask
for such legislative action or preston as will
lead the way to our relief from obligations both
nksome and unnatural
The Cuban Rebellion.
Cuba is again gravely dis turbed, an insurrec-
preceding revolt, which continued from 1858
to 1873. exists in a large art of the East
interior of the island, menacing even some
populations the coast. Besides dangering
the commercial exchanges of the island, of
which country t,@es the predominant
share. this fragrant conc tinn of hostil tiles by
rousing sentimental sympathy and melting adj
venturous support among our people, has en-
tailed earnest effort on the part of this govern
ment to enforce obedenc to our neutrality
laws and to prevent the territory of the United
States from being abused vantage ground
from which to aid those in arms against Span
tional sympathy of our countrymen, as indi-
viduals with people who to be struggling
for larger autonomy and greater freedom
deepened such sympathy naturally must be
in behalf of our neighbor. Yet the plain duty
nf their government is to observe in good ia it'll
the recognized obligations of international re-
latonship. The performance of this duty
should not be made more difficult by disre-
gard part of our citizens of the obligations
growing out Of their allegiance to their coun-
try which should restrain them from violating
as individuals the neutrality which the nation
of which they members is bound to observe
in its relations to friendly sovcr ign States.
Though neither the warmth of our peoples
sympathy with the Cuban insurgents nor our
loss and material damage consequent upon the
futile endeavori thus far made to restore peace
and order any shock our humane sen@ibili-
ties may have rec wed from the cruelticS
which appear to especially characterize this
sanguinary AMI fiercely conducted war, have in
the least shaken The determination of the gov
eminent to honestly fulfill every international
obligation; yet, it is to be earnestly hoped. on
every grounds, that the devastation of armed
conflict may sp edily be stayed and order and
quiet restored to the distracted isl and, bring
ing in their train the actibility and thrift of
peaceful pursuits.
The Turkish Troubles
Occurrences in Turkey have continued to ex-
cite concern. The reported massacres of Chris
ians in Armenia and tho development there,
and ii other district of the spirit of fanatic
host ility to Christian influences. naturally
cited apprehension for the safety of the devoted
men and women who, as dependents of the for
eign mis- sionary societies in the United States,
ana reside in Turkey under the guarantee of
law and usage nd in tho Legitimate perform
ance of their educational and religious mission
No efforts have been spared in their behalf and
their protection in person and property has
bean esrne silly and vigorously enforced by
every means within our power regret, how
ever, that attempt our part to obtain
bette inf ormation concer ming the true condi-
ton of affairs in the disturbed quarter of the
Ottoman empire by sending the United
States consul at Siuas o make investigation
and rep ut. was thwRrted by the objections of
the Turk ish government. This movement
our part was in no sense meant as gra tuitous
entanslement of the United States in the So
called Eastern question. nor as an oIicIous in
terference with the right an duty which be-
| long by treaty to certain great European
powers calling for their intervention in polit-
| lcat matters affecting the go cd government and
religious freedom OF the non-Mussulman sub
| ects of the Sultan, but it solely from our
desire to have accurate knowledge O. the
cond titions in our eforts to care for those
| titled to our prOtec ton.
| The presence of our naval vessels which arc
in the Trinity of the disturbed local., les
afford opportunities to acquire measure of
| familiarity with the condition of affairs and
will enable to take suitable steps for the
| protection of any interests of our countrymcn
within reach of our ships that might be found
inperillcd. The Ottoman government has
lately issued imperial Trade exempting for
aver from taxation American college for
girls at Scutari. Repeated assurances have
also been obtained by our envoy at Constau-
tinople that similir institutions maintained
and administered by count Iymen shall be
secured in the enjoyment of all rights and that
our citizens throughout the empire shall be
protected.
| On the demand of minister orders have
been issued by the Sultan that Turkish soldiers
| shall guard and es ort to the coast American
refugees and those orders have been carried
out and our latest intelligence gives assurance
Of the preseut personal safety of our citizens
and missionaries. Though thus far no lives of
American citizens have been sacrificed there
can be doubt til at serious loss and destruc-
/ ton of mission property have resulted from
| riotOu= coutiicts and outrageous attacks
| BY treaty several of the most powerful
! European powers have secure a right and as
suned iuty not only in behalf of their own
| citizens aad in furtherance of their own inter-
/ ests. but agents of the Christian world.
Their right is to enforce such con iuct of the
| Turkish government Will restrain fan teal
brutality, and in fact, heir duty is to Interfere
90 as to insure against such dreadful occur
| rences in Turkey as lately shocked civilization.
! The powers declare this right AMI this duty to
| be theirs alone, and it is earnestly hoped that
| effective action on their part will be do
| layed.
] OUR FINANCES.