Omaha daily bee., 1895-11-15
BIG FLEETS MENACE TURKEY
French Squadron Expected to Join the
English at Any Time.
RUSSIAN TROOPS READY TO MOVE
European Powers Make Final Prep.
arations for an Energetic Move
Against the Porte-Massa-
cres SIN Continue.

very little change in the situation here this
morning. The Italian feet is understood TO
be on its way to Salonica bay to Join the
British fleet Of about twenty war ships al
ready there. The French feet is expected
there shortly and the representatives of the
powers, as result OF communications ex-
changed with their governments have had
another informal meeting at the French em-
bassy. When the three squadrons have united
and Sir Philip Curre, the British ambassador,
returns some decided step upon the part of
the powers may be anticipated
News received here today from the district
OF Van records fresh massacres of Armenian
Christians there. The Kurds OF Van are said
to be attacking and pillagng the Armenian
villages, and the Turkish officials are re-
ported to be powerless to preserve order
telegram received here from SiNas on
Tuesday evening. but only Tade public today,
says that massacre Of the Armenians has
been commenced in that city; but. according
to the Porte, order has been restored there.
The facts in the case may be expected shortly.
ANOTHER sNUB FROM THE PORTE.
1t is rumored here today that Shakir
Pasha, the imperial high commissioner for
Armenian reforms, is about to be recalled in
order that he may be appointed grand vizer
In succession to Hall Rifat Pasha the present
incumbent of that office. II the rumor is
correct, this would seem to be another open
defnance of the powers for Shakir Pasha Is
regarded as the chief butcher OF the Porte
Since his appearance at ErZeroum as high
commissioner the massacres there have been
more bloody and frequent than ever before and
he has done nothing to punish the offenders
In fact he has been charged with calmly look
ing on while the Turkish scldiery fired upon
every helpless Christian they caught sight of
Each day brings further details Of the
lnHn nonh ,.a1yA
the story OF the crimes more ghasty Men,
women and children were shot, bayoneted
burned and outraged for days the killing and
mutilatlon lasting for weeks, though intervals
of rest are recorded. The orders for these
outrages are said to have been sent by the
Porte and they were carried out in the most
cruel manner imaginable.
VICTIMS SKINNED ALIVE.
The number of killed will probably never
be known, and is estimated at from 500 to
1000, according to Turkish or Armenian ver-
sions OF the affair. Certainly, many hun
dreds were killed and 1t Is even said that some
OF the victims were skinned alive, while
others were soaked with petroleum and set
fire to.
The Turkz of Erzeroum, as usual claim
that the Arme1ians were the aggressors, but
Independent reports acquit the Armenians of
doing anything more than attempting to de-
fend themselves at ErZeroum and at Diar-
hekir, although at Zeioun where they cap
Armenians are admitted to have taken the |
initiative in attacking the Turks The latter |
are not always to blame for the outbreaks |
but there seems to be no excuse for the |
fendish massacres which follow When |
once the Turk begins killing he never knows |
when to stop.
Further troubles are also reported at Khar- |
pout, Malitich and Arabkr and at Marash |
the bloodshed and outrages said to have |
been even more terrible and prolonged than at |
Erzeroum.
During the rotng at Marash, Hadjln and |
Orfah the American missionaries, thanks to |
the strong representations made on the sub |
ject to the Porte by the United States am |
bassador, Mr.. Terrell were protected by
Turkish gendarmes. This, it is known, was
by direct order of the Porte telegraphed to
the Turkish officials at the places mentioned
MUST PROTECT AMERICANS.
Owing to additional disquieting news Just
received here from Sivas. Mr.. Terrell has re-
newed his demand that the Porte protect the
missionaries, and he is holding the Turkish
government responsible for their lives.
Abdulah Pasha, formerly president OF the
Sassoun bureau of inquiry, and Saibden |
Pasha, have been sent to Erzeroum and |
Bitlis, respectively, to take command Of the |
Turkish troops in those places. This lends |
color to the report that Shakir Pasha is |
coming back to Constantinople and that he |
is to be appointed grand vizler. |
There is no improvement in the financial |
aspect Of affairs. In fact, IL anything this |
side Of the question is darker than ever for |
there are ugly rumors afloat to the effect |
that certain palace officials have made large
sums OF money recently by buying and sell |
Ing Turkish securities at the right moment |
upon information received from high sources |
There are rumors in Russian circles here |
of great activity being displayed in connec- |
tion with the Black sea fleet of Russia and |
for some time past important movements Of |
troops are known to have been taking place |
on the frontiers Of Russa nearest to the |
disturbed districts Of Asiatic Turkey. |
Official dispatches published here today
from the disturbed district show the Ar |
menians, in every case, Rave been the ag-
eresaors and attacked the Mussulmans, who |
were obliged to defend themselves against |
the Armenians. At Arabekir on October &c |
and 27 the official reports add the Arme-
mans set fire TO mosque, school and bazaar |
with bombs, and massacred number Of Mo- !
hammedans, The authorities, it is claimed |
afterward discovered forty bombs which the |
Armenians intended to explode in the local |
barracks and government offices. According |
to the official announcements, the Armenians |
Of ErZinghia attacked the government office
burned It and other buildings, but were dis |
persed by the military. Over 5000 revolu- |
tionists are said to be assembled at Tchouk-
merzen and Adans prepared to fight the Tur-
kish troops.
RUSSIA MAKES A MOVE.
ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 14.-Fiye Rus
sian war ships have been ordered to start |
Immediately for the Mediterranean In view
OF the proposed naval demonstration there
arising out Of the Armenian question.
BENT ON DIFFERENTIATION.
CHICAGO Nov. 1.-THE Associated press
has today received the following from DIR.
NJ. NJ Mangasarian, leader Of the Society of
Ethical Culture In this city, and one of the
most eminent and best known Armenians in |
the United States:
The very recent massacres OF ArmouIans
reported from Trebizond Erzeroum. Moush
and Diarkir fully confirm the words spoken
to me by the Turkish commissioner general
to the Worlds Columbian exposition Hakki !
Bey: II We uhe Turks cannot have the |
country we shall ste that you Che Armeniansl
don't get it There is very little doubt thai
the Turks believe their days are numbered
and are therefore determined to extermina,e
III Armenians, root and branch. before they
themselves have been finally and forever
driven out Of the civilized world. II Europe
Is TO act at all II must act at once for soon
II Will be too late TO undertake the salvation
of Armenia, as there will be no Armenia left
10 save"
MISSIONARIES IN DANGER.
BOSTON Nov. 1+.--Today's dispatches
from Constantinople state that the mission
aries in Khartoum, eastern Turkey are I'm
great danger. The missionaries referred 10
are those OF the American board. Their
names and homes In this country are as
ionows' Rev. o. p. Allen, Mount Morris, n.
T. Mrs. Caroline n. Allen Bangor Me
IL 4