Connecticut western news., 1896-02-27
A STATEMENT OF AN APPEAL.


 It is thought that the following let ter and appeal will be of especial inter- est to the people of North Western Connecticut and vicinity inasmuch as Mir Andrus is brother-in-law of Dea- con u. F Morse of South Canaan and is we'll known in this section His statements can be relied on. The NEWS cheerfnlly complies with the reqnest in publish Mir Andrus' letter and appeal ]
 The beginning of trouble for us here at Mardin was determined by the ont break which began in Diarbekir after the midday prayers on Friday, Nov. l. The riot continued three days. Koords from without aiding in footing and firing shops and houses adlscent to the market. When the Koords were expelled from the city, and the gates closed against them, they turned their attention to the villages. These, one after another, were taken, plundered, and in many instances burned. massa- creing being generally in proportion to the degree of resistance made by the villagers. A district about 90 miles long and 50 broad, east of Diarbekir and up to the borders of Z-x in the village of B-i. was swept by this hurricane of destruction wherever Christian villages nestled among the pillows of this rolling country. We are not yet in position to estimate the number of killed and wounded in cities, towns and villages.
 The irst intimation was given in the attack upon Tel Ermine, We'd. Nov. 6 This Papal-Armenian town of 200 houses and 60 shops, five hours west of Msrdin, was taken the following day. A two hours off shared the same fate. At about the same time the villages of A K, M- and B. fell into the hands of the Koords and only L., t%ehty minutes north of the city, remained in- tact, This they tried to capture but were driven back. The Koordish tribes
 
 Mardin, after finishing the destruction of the villages. Meanwhile the local government was actively preparing for defense. and the leading men of the city. both Mnslems and Christians, in a most frsternal spirit joined their efforts to those of the government to prevent a .f lx.x bekir. On Saturday and Sunday. Nov. 9, 10 three serious attempts were made by the Koords to enter the city, in hope that they. would be aided from within. In this they were disappointed, especial ly when they were fercely attacked by the very parties on whom they were re- lying to let them in. They were obli- ged to draw off with severe loss. The Koords persistently asserted tbst 6r- man for the slaughter of Christians had been given but the Christians of Msrdin had bribed the government to conceal it and defend th,ml
 When the Keords realized that the government and city were unit for the common defense they drew of and the tide of attack swept further east, taking N and some twenty Christian villages in it's way. Many of the latter were also b9rned. Midyat, like Mardin, re- sisted all attacks. Tho result of all this is that some $500 refugees are collected here, with prospect for more to follow. Iu the village -, nine hours east, 300 refugees from Diarbekir plain are beg giug food and clothing. The entire Christian population remaining in Lerf have been stripped of verything. Large measures of relief will need to be instituted before winter is over, or thousands will die from exposure and hunger. We need your help at once. | Our hearts ache because we have not the means to cope with the sudden and wide spread penury, hunger and naked. ness. Dear friends we entreat you to hasten your gifts to these starving null. titudes. and provoke others to similar speedy succor, Remittances should be sent us through Assistant Treasurer Wiggins, of the A. B. 0. F. NJ. Congre gational Hcuse, Boston, Mass.
 On behalf of Mardin Station,
 A. N. ANDRUs, Marlin, Dec. 12, 1895.