The Meeker herald., 1896-12-12
Conditions In Turkey.

I "At the outset in reference to the more
important matters affecting our relations
with foreign powers, II would afford me
satisfaction II l could assure the Con-
gress that the disturbed condition in
Asiatic Turkey had during the past year
assumed less hideous and bloody as
pect and that either rs n consequence Of
the awakening of the Turkish govern
ment to the demand OF humane civiliza-
ton or as the result OF decisive action
on the part OF the great nations having
the right by treaty to interfere for the
protection of those exposed to the rage of
mad bigotry and cruel fanaticism, the
shocking features of the situation at least
had been mitigated.
"Instead. however. of welcoming a soft
ened disposition or protective interven-
ton, we have been afflicted by continued
and not unfreQuent reports OF the wan
ton destruction of homes and the bloody
butchers of men. women and children.
made martyrs to their profession of
Christian faith. While none of our citi-
zens in Turkey have thus far been killed
or wounded, though often in the midst
of dreadful scenes of danger, safety in the
| future is by no means assured. Our gov
ernmcnt at home and our minister at
Constantinople have left nothing undone
to protect our missionaries in Ottoman
territory. who constitute nearly all the i'll
| dividuals residing there who have a righ
| to claim our protection on the score OF
American citizenship.
Our efforts in this direction will not
Ike relaxed. but the deep feeling and
sympathy that have been aroused
among our people ought not to so far
blind their reason and judgment as te
lead them to demand impossible
things The outbreaks of blind fury
which lead to murder and pillage in
Turkey occur suddenly and without
notice. and an attempt on our part tc
force such hostile presence there as
might be effective for prevention OF
protection would not only be resisted
by the Ottoman government but would
be regarded rs an interruption OF theil
plans by the great nations who assert
their decisive right to intervene in Their
own time and method for the security
of life and property in Turkey.
Several naval vessels are stationed
in the Mediterranean as n measure OF
caution and to furnish all possible re
lief and refuge In case OF emergency
We have made claims against the Turk,
ish government for the pillage and de
structiOn of missionary property al
Harpoot and Marash during uprising.
at these places. Thus far the validity
of these demands has not been admit
ted, though our minister, prior to suct
outrages and in anticipation of danger
demanded protection for the person,
and property OF our missionary citi
zens in the localities mentioned, and
Notwithstanding that strong evidenc,
exists of actual completely of Turkisi
soldiers in the work OF destruction ant
robbery, the facts as they now appear
do not permit us to doubt the justice o.
these claims, and nothing will be omit
ted to bring about their prompt settle
ment.
"A number of Armenian refugee.
having arrived Mt our ports. and ordel
has lately been obtained from tn.
Turkish govern ment permitting tn,
wives and children Of such refugees Il
join them here. 1t is hoped that here
after no obstacle will he interposed t.
prevent the escape Of all those wht
seek to avoid the perils which threater
them In Turkish dOminIons
Our recently appointed consul t.
Erzer,,om Is at his post and discharg
Ing the duties of office. though fol
some unaccountable reason his forma
exequator from the sultan has mo-
been Issued. I don't believe the som
her present prospect in Turkey will bt
hong permitted to offend the sight OF
| Chrisfendom. II 30 mars the humane
and enlightened civilization that be.
longs to the close Of the nineteenth
century that 1t seems hardly possible