Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1895-12-06
KANSAS AGITATOR: GARNETT, KANSAS, DEC. 6, 1895

attention Of the Congress to the position we
occupied as one of this 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 management 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 l have at all
times entertained that our situation on this
matter was inconsistent with the mission and
traditions of our government in violation of
the principles we profess and in all its phases
mischievous and vcxatious | again press this
subject upon the attention of Congress and ask
for such legislative action OK preston as will
lead the way to our relief from obligations both
irksome and unnatural
The Cuban Rebellion.
Cuba is again grayey dis turbed, an insnrrec-
ton in some respects more active than the last
preceding revolt, which continued from 1868
to 1878. now exists in a large part of the East
ern interior of the island. monacing even some
populations on the coast. Besides dangerng
the commercial exchanges Of the island, OF
which our country takes the predominant
share, this fragrant condition of hostilities by
rousng Sc mental sympathy and melting ad
venturOus support among our people, has en-
tailed earnest effort on the part of this govern
laws and TO prevent the territory of the United
States from being abused as a vantage ground
from which 20 aid those in arms against Span
ish sovereignty. Whatever may be the tradi-
tional sympathy of our countrymen. as indi-
viduals with people who seem to be struggling
for larger autonomy and greater freedom
deepened as such sympathy naturally must be
in behalf Of our neighbor. Yet the plain duty
of their government is to observe in good faith
the recognized obligations of International re-
lationshp The performance of this duty
should not be made more difficult by a disre-
gard on part of our ci tizens Of the obligations
growing out of their allegiance to their conn
try which should restrain them from violating
as individuals the neutrality which the nation
of which they are members is bound to observe
in its relations to friendly sovereign States.
Though neither the warmth OF our peoples
sympathy with the Cuban insurgents nor our
loss and material damage consequent upon the
futile endeavOrs thus far made to restore peace
and order, nor any shock our humane sensibili-
ties may have received from the cruelties
which appear to especially characterize this
sangunary aud iiercely 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 speedily be stayed and order and
quiet restored to the distracted island, bring
ing IN IIlelr tram TIE uctlDillIN anu tnTllI Oh
peaceful pursuits.
The Turkish Troubles.
Occurrences in Turkey have continued to OK
cite concern. The reported massacres Of Chris
tians in Armenia and the development there,
and in other districts, of the spirit of fanatic
host ility TO Christian Influences naturally ex-
cited apprehension for the safety of the devoted
mon and women who, as dependents of the for
Ggn missionary societies i'll the United States,
and reside in Turkey under the guarantee of
law and usage and in the legitmat, perform
ance Of their educational and religious mission
No efforts have been spared i'll their behalf and
their protection in person and property has
been earne silly and vigorously cn'Or.cd by
every means within our power rcgr I, how
ever, that an attempt on our part t. obtain
better inf ormation concerning the tru> condi-
ton of affairs in tho disturbed quarter Of the
Ottoman empire by sending the United
States consul at Siuas 70 make investigation
and report. was thwartcd by the objections of
the Turkish government. This movement ON
our part was in no sense meant as gratuitous
ENHANCEMENT of the United States in the So
called Eastern question nor as an otliciots in
reference with the right and duty which be-
long by treaty to certain great European
powers, calling for their intervention in polit-
cal matters affecting the go cd governncntand
religious freedom Of the non Mussuman sub
iocts of the Sultan, but it arcs, solely from our
desire to have AN accurate knowledge OF the
conditions in our efforts to care for those
titled to our protection
The presence of our naval vessels which are
now in the vi Unity of the disturbed localities
afford opportunities to acquire a measure Of
familiarity with the condition of affairs and
will enable MS to take suitable steps for the
protection of any interests of our countrymen
within reach OF our ships that might be found
impcrillcd. The Ottoman government has
lately issued an impcfi al Trade excmpting for
ever from taxation an American college for
girls at Scutar Repeated assurances have
also been obtained by our envoy at Constau-
tinoplc that similar institutions maintained
and administered by our count rymcn shall be-
secured in the enjoyment of all rights and TINT
our citizens throughout tho empire shall TO
protected
On the demand Of our mini-tc. orders have
been issued by tho Sultan that Turkish soldiers
shall guard and es 'ort 10 the coast American
refugees, md those orders have been carried
out. aud our latest intelligence gives assurance
of the present personal safety ot our citizens
and missionaries. Though thus far no lives of
American citizens have been sacrificed there
can be no doubt that serious loss and destruc.
ton of mission property have resulted from
riotou- conflicts and outrageous attacks
BY treaty several of the most powerful
European powers have secure right and as
sumcd duty not only in behalf of their own
citizens and in furthcrance Of their own inter
ests. but agents of tho Christian world.
Their right is to enforce such con met of the
Turkish government As will restrain fauntical
brutality and in fact. their duty TO interfere
50 as to insure against such dreadful occur
reuccs in Turkey a lately shocked civilization
The powers declare this right and this duty to
be theirs alone. and It IL earnestly hoped that
effective action on their part will not be de-
laycd.