New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-08
MISSION WORK IN ASIA MINOR.
HARDsHIPs AND PROSECUTIONS ENDURED BY THE
AGENTS OF THE AMERICAN BOARD

HARDSHIPS AND PROSECUTIONS ENDURED BY THE
AGENTS OF THE AMERICAN BOARD.
Boston April One class of trials endured by
the missionaries of the American Board of Foreign
Missions in Turkey consists of difficulties in secur-
ing official permits for the erection OF school and
church buildings. The latest letters received at the
rooms in Boston bear on this phase of missionary
work and trial. The work of the Western Turkey
Mission consists in part of work among the Greeks.
The Rev Edward Riggs. of Marsovan. has often
taken the opportunity OF the winter vacation In the
Theoogical Seminary and College TO visit the Greeks
along the Black Sea coast Mr.. Riggs recently
visited Trebizond enjoying visit in that city with
the Greeks, and his return stopping at ordoo
and Fatsa. He writes that in Ordoo and Fatsa he
found the missionaries enduring the unrighteous de-
lays in the matter of their places or worship when,
with their schools. have been closed for months
through violent opposition and persecution. These
cases Of interference with the manifest rights OF
Protestants or non-Mahometans have been dag
ging along for a long time. and there seems to be
no hope of reversing the unjust verdict in either
case But friends in Constantinople speak hopefully
of being able get some concessions as permission
to use the closed buildings for schools, though not
for public worship. If the present disturbances in
the political affairs OF this country are TO have any
good results II would seem as If one OF them ought
to be the establishment of some court Of appeal for
the adjudication of such cases these where might
and secret political influence are arrayed against
the
community however feeble ii may be. to secure by
imperial frman the right 10 use their own premises
for worship and school purposes.
The Rev George L. White of Marsovan. reports
a visit of much interest 10 out-statons north ana
northwest of that station. He visited Bafra,
Alacham. SAMSON and kas;amony. and he writes
follows:
The community a. Bafra have never attained great
strength partly because they have never had
suitable meeting house. but have worshipped In vari-
Gus private houses. they have given considerable
money. purchased site. procured materials, after
which aid promised by the board, and thcy
erected the frame of 4 building but for several
years they have been trying in vain to secure rom
d house in which they can meet 10 worship cod
hastamOny Is the capital OF the province and centre
for arge region. the only province IN Turkey,
as the missionaries reckon. without an evangelical
church preacher This province Is IN our fed.
For years preacher was stationed there.
non-Mahomctans then, persecution was bitter. and
length in the boards sratness for funds he was
obliged TO withdraw. Within the last few years
number OF Protestants have moved there for pur-
pose of trade making the nucleus OF congregation.
Some young men have derived great benefit from
row a considerable movement toward evangelical
Christianity, believed to exist among a number ~
young merchants. which gives considerable prom
ise for the future. Their desire Is for aid In
ouirdlng the storm of persecution they feel sure
will break upon the Inauguration ~ such plans as
they propose The Government does not care FOR
nominal Christianity. but IL breads the real article,
cuton is often stirred up by the adherents OF the
old