Morris tribune., 1896-04-08
The Scene of War Again Shifts
to the Domain of the
Sultan.
Probability That the United
States Fleet Will Makea
Demonstration.
An Trad Ready to Issue for
the Expulsion of All
Missionaries.

CoNsTANTINoPLE, via Sofia, Bulgaria,
| April 8.-Advices received here from
Diarbekir indicate beyond any reason
able doubt that the Rev. Mr.. George G.
Knapp, one of the American mission
aries at Bitlis, is confined in the jail at
Diarbekir, capital of the villayet OF
that name in Turkish Armenia, and
| that serious international complica-
tions are more than likely to follow.
| The Turkish government, replying to
| the representations of the United
States charge d'affaires, Mr.. John W.
Riddle has announced through the
grand vizier, and through the minister
for foreign affairs, that no news has
been received by the porte regarding
the reported expulsion of the Rev. Mr..
Knapp from Bitlis, and it was init
mated that if it was true he had ar
rived at Diarbekir, it would appear
that the local authorities were desirous
of secretly expelling the American
! missionary.
1t Cannot Possibly Re True.
But the latest news from Diarbekir
shows that this cannot possibly be the
case as it is further announced that
the Rev. Mr.. Knapp is to be sent to
Alexandretta, seaport on the bay OF
Iskanderun, opening into the east tern
portion of the Mediterranean, there to
be either shipped out of the coun try Or
delivered to the representatives OF the
United States.
At the first intimation of trouble, the
United States charge d'affaires, after
communicating with the porte and re-
ceiving unsatisfactory replies as cited,
cabled to Washington for further in
structions, and it is now said that the
United States squadron in the Mediter-
ranean, consisting of the flagship Min
neapolis, commanded by Admiral Z.
o. Selfredge, and the cruiser Marble
head, will shortly
Assemble in the Gulf of Iskanderun
and at the same time, formal protest
against the treatment of the American
missionaries may be made to
the porte, coupled with the
demand for an adequate indem-
nifty for the damage recently
done to the property of Americans The
Imprisonment and proposed expulsion
from the Turkish dominions of the
Rev. Knapp is, however, understood to
be but preliminary to the expulsion
of all the Christian mission aries, mostly
Americans, English and French Catho-
lies, from Asiatie Turkey, and possibly
from European Turkey as well Besides
it is rumored that the agents of the
American Red Cross society now dis
tributing relief funds in Asiatic Tur-
key, in the presence of local Turkish
officials, are also to be expelled from
that part of the empire In support of
this report, it is stated that an imperial
trad, providing for the expulsion from
Turkey of the Christian missionaries
and agents of the American Red Cross
society, has already been signed by the
sultan, although it has not yet been
issued from the palace.
Panic Exists Among Armenians.
That this is the case would seem to
be proved by the activity at the French
and British embassies, during the past
few days, and by the visits which the
United States charge d'affaires has
made to the porte It is also known
that panic exists among the Arme-
mans in the district of Suadich, owing,
it is explained, to the presence there
for some unknown reason, OF strong
force of Turkish troops. The United
States charge d'affaires has obtained
from the porte the assur ance that the
vail of Aleppo has been instructed to
protect the American missionaries Ill
the Suadich district.
Action Must Be Energetic.
1t is believed here that only prompt |
and energetic action will prevent the |
issuing Of the imperial trad providing
for the expulsion Of the missionaries,
and Red Cross society agents.
1t is not impossible, according to re-
port, that the British government may !
take immediate steps to protest against |
the proposed expulsion of the mission
aries, and that the marquis Of Sails
bury, in this instance, Will be sup
ported by the French government.
Here arises delicate question. Rus
sia is seemingly the ally of France, and
the strong supporter of Turkey under
almost any circumstances, but should
France determine to take action in this
case, it is difficult to see how she can
do SO without inssome degree embroil-
ing herself with Russia It is just
upon this point that rests the hope that
France through Russia, will prevail
upon the sultan not to issue the imperial
trad providing for the expulsion of the
and agents of the American
Red Cross society, and that this may
avert any serious trouble, except, pos
sibIy, upon. the part of the United