Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-04

fines imposed on our snlpS anu ih'i'""
disc by the customs o'ncers OF un'S,
islands for trivial errors have tesui'e"
In the remission OF such fines in Instances
where the equity Of the complaint was
apparent though the vexatious prac-
tice has not been wholly discontinued.
TURKISH ATROCITIES.
Occurrences In Turkey have continued
10 excite concern The reported massa-
ores OF Christians In Armenia. and the
development there and In other districts
of n spirit of fanatic hostility 10 Chris
tlan influences naturally excited appre-
henslon for the safety OF the devoted men
and women. who. az dependents OF me
foreign missionary societies In the United
States. reside In Turkey under the
guarantee Of Ia y and usage and in the
legitimate performance or their educa-
tional and religious mission. No efforts
have been spared In their behalf, and
their protection I'm person and property
has been earnestly and vigorously en-
forced by every means within our power
regret. however, that an attempt
on our part 10 obtain better Information
concerning the true condition OF affairs
I'm the disturbed quarter Of the Ottoman
empire by sending thither the tnited
States Consul at Sivas 10 make inNest-
cation and report was thwarted by the
This movement on our part was n no
sense meant as a gratuitous enlargement
of the United States in the so-cailed
Eastern question. nor as an officious IN
reference with the right and duty which
belong by treaty to certain great Euro
pean Powers. calling for their interven-
ton In political matters affecting the good
government and religious freedom OF
the non Mussulman subjects OF the Sui
lint
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 i'm the vicinity OF the dis
turbed localities affords opportunities
TO acquire a measure OF familiarity with
the condition Of affairs. and will enable
ne TO take suitable steps for the pro-
lection of any interests of our country
men within reach OF our ships that might
be found imperlled.
The Ottoman Government has lately is
sued an Imperial trade exempting forever
from taxation an American college for
girls AT Scutari. Repeated assurances
have also been obtained by our Envoy at
ConstantinOple that similar institutions,
maintained and administered by our coun-
trymen. shall be secured in the enjoyment
OF all rights. and that our citizens
The government, however. i'm view OF
existing facts is far from relying upon
such assurances as the limit OF its duty.
our Minister has been vigiant and alert
in affording all possible protection in in
dvidual cases where danger threatened
or safety was mperilled. We have sent
ships as far toward the points OF actual
disturbance as it is possible for them TO
go. where they offer refuge to those
Obliged TO fee, and we have the promise
Of other Powers which have ships I'm the
neghborhood that our citizens as well
as theirs. will be received 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 10 the coast American
refugees.
These orders have been carried out. and
our latest intelligence gives assurance 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 outrageous attacks.
BY treaty several OF the most powerful
European Powers have secured right 20
assume a duty not only I'm behalf OF their
own citizens and I'm furtherance OF their
own interests. but as agents OF the Chris
tian world. Their right is to enforce such
conduct Of the Turkish Government as
will restrain fanatical brutality. and If
this fails their duty is TO so interfere
AS to insure against such dreadful occur
rences in Turkey as have lately shocked
civilization. The Powers declare this
right and this duty TO be theirs alone.
and IL is earnestly hoped that prompt and
effective action on their part will not be
delayed
The new consuates at Erzeroum and
Harpoot. for which appropriation was
made last session. have been provision
ally filed by trusted employees OF the
Department Of State. These appointees,
though now in Turkey, have not yet re-
ceived their eXequaturs
VENEZUELA.
The arbitration OF the claim OF the
Venezuela Steam TRANSFORMATION Com
pany. under the treaty Of January 10. 1892.
between the United States and Venezuela.
resulted in an award in favor OF the
claimant.
The government has used its good Offices
towards composing the differences be
tween Venezuela on the one hand and
France and Belgium on the other, grow
ing out OF the dismissal of the repre-
sentatives of those powers on the ground
OF a publication deemed offensive to
] Venezuela. Although that dismissal was
coupled with cordial request that other
more personally agreeable ENJOYS be sent
in their stead. rupture Of intercourse
ensued. and still continues
CONSULAR SERVICE.
In view Of the growth Of our interests
! I'm foreign countries, and the encouraging
prospects for a general expansion OF our
| commerce, the question of an improve
ment I'm the consular service has increased
| in importance and urgency. Though there
/ is no doubt that the great body of con-
/ sular officers are rendering valuable ser
/ vice TO the trade and industries OF the
country the need OF some plan OF APP
pointment and control which would tend
I 10 secure a higher average OF eihclency
/ cannot be denied
The importance OF the subject has led
the Executive 10 consider what steps
might properly be taken without addi-
tional legislation 10 answer the need
! OF "A better system Of consular appoint
ments. The matter having been COM
mitted 10 the consideration Of the Secre-
tary OF State, i'm pursuance of his re-
concentrations. an Executive order was
Issued on the 10Th Of September, 1895, by
the terms of which it is provided that
| after that date any vacancy III CONSUL
late or commercial agency. with an an
nual salary or compensation from Official
fees Of not more than $500 nor less than
| 81 900 should be filled either by transfer
| or promotion from some other position
under the Department OF State of a cha
racter tending TO qualify the incumbent
for the position to be filled, or by the
/ appointment of a person not under the
Department of State, but having pre-
viously served hereunder and shown his
capacity and fitness for consular duty,
or by the appointment of person. who.
having been selected by the President