The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1895-12-12

they are members is bound to observe
in its relations with friendly sovereign
States. Though neither the warmth
of our peoples sympathy with tho
Cuban insurgents nor our loss anC
material damage consequent upon the
futile endeavo1s thus lar made tt
restore peace and order, nor any shock
our humane sensibilities may have re
ceived from the cruelties which ap
pear to especially characterize this
sanguinary and tiercely conducted war,
have in the least shaken the determi-
nation Of Government to honestly fulfil
every international obligation, yet it
is to be earnestly hoped, on every
ground, that the devastation of armed
conflict may speedily be stayed and
order and quiet restored to the dis
tracted island, bringing in their train
the activity and thrift Of peaceful pur.
suits.
THE CHRISTIANS IN TURKEY.
Occurrences in Turkey have contin-
ued TO excite concern. The reported
massacres Of Christians in Armenia
and the development there and in
other districts OF spirit of fanatic
hostility to Christian influences natur-
ally 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 performance of their educa-
tiOnal and religious mission. No
efforts have been spared in their be-
half, and their protection in person
and property has been earnestly and
vigorously enforced by every means
within our power.
L regret, however, that al attempt
on our part to obtain better informa
tion concerning the true condition of
affairs in the disturbed quarter of the
Ottoman Empire, by sending the
United States consul at Sivas to make
investigation and report, was thwarted
by the objections of the Turkish Gov
ernment. This movement on our
part was in no sense meant as a agratui
tuous ENHANCEMENT of the United
States in the sO-called Eastern Ques-
tion, nor as an oi1icious interference
with tue right and duty which belong
by treaty to certain great European
powers calling for their intervention
in political matters affecting the good
government and religious freedom Of
the Non NJ Mussulman subjects of the
Sultan, but it 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 opportuni-
ties to acquire a measure Of familiar
ity with the condition Of affairs, and
will enable us to take suitable steps
for the protection of any interests OF
our countrymen within reach Of our
ships that might be found imperilled.
The Ottoman Government has lately
issued ar imperial trade exempting
forever f:om taxation an American
college for girls at Scutari. Repeated
assurances have also been obtained by
our envoy at Constantin0ple that SINH
lar institutions, maintained and ad-
ministered by our countrymen, shall
be secured in the enjoyment of all
rights, and that our citizen through
out the Empire shall be protected.
The government, however, in view
of existing facts, is far from relying
upon such assurances as the limit Of
its duty. Our minister has been vigi-
liant and alert in the affording all
possible protection in individual cases
where danger is threatened Or safety
was imperilled. We have sent ships
as far toward the points Of actual dis
turbance as it is possible for them to
go where they offer refuge to those
obliged to flee, and we have the
promise Of other powers which have
ships in the neighb0rhoOd that our
citizens, as we'll as theirs, will be re-
ceived and protected on board those
ships. On the demand of our minister,
orders have been issued by the Sultan
that Turkish soldiers shall guard and
escort to the coast American refugees.
These orders have been carried out,
and our latest intelligence gives as
surance 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 conflicts and out
rageous attacks.
BY treaty several of the most power
ful European powers have secured q
right to assume a duty not only in
behalf OF their own citizens aDd in
furtherance Of their own interests, but
as agents Of the Christian world.
Their right is to enfooce such conduct
OF Turkish Government as will restrain
fanatical brutality, and if this fails
their duty Is to SO interfere as to in
sure against such dreadful occurrences
~ uihOy 40 ldVO ldIely SnOCkCu CIV
ilization. The powers declare this
right and this Guty to be theirs alone,
and it is earnestly hoped that prompt
and effective action on their part will
not be delayed.
The new consulates at Erzeroum
and Harpoot, for which appropriation
was made last session have been pro-
visionally filed by trusted employees
Of the department of the State. These
appointees, though now in Turkey,
have not yot received their exequaturs
OUR FINANCIAL CONDITIONS.
AS we turn from q review of our for
eign relations to the contemplation of
our financial situation we are immedi-
ately aware that we approach q sub
jcct Of domestic concern more impor-
tant than any other that can engage
our attention, and one at present in
such a pcrplexing and delicate predi-
camcnt as to require prompt and wise
treatment. We may we'll be encour
aged to earnest effort in this direction
when we recall the stops already taken
toward improving our economic and
financial situation, and whom we ap-