The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-12-11
The Message.
Continued from page ID

and an attempt ON our part to IQr..
q hostile presence there as might be eff
TectiVe for prevention or protection would
not only be resisted by the Ottoman gov
eminent, but would be regarded as an in
terruption of their plans by the great ma
tions who assert their exclusive 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 a measure OF caution
and to furnish all possible relief and refuge
In case of emergency. We have made
claims against the Turkish government for
the pillage and destruction of missionary
property at Harpoot and Marash during
uprisings at those places. Thus far the
validity of these demands has not been adj
mitted, though our minister, prior to such
outrages and in anticipation of danger,
demanded protection for the persons and
property of our missionary citizens in the
localities mentioned, and, notwithstand-
ing that strong evidence exists of actual
completely of Turkish soldiers in the work
Of destruction and robbery, the facts as
the justice of these cla ms, and nothing
will be omitted to bring about their prompt
settlement.
Armenian Refugees
A number of Armenian refugees having
arrived at our ports, an order has lately
been obtained from the Turkish govern
ment permitting the wives and children
hoped that hereafter no obstacle will be
interposed to prevent the escape of oil
those who seek to avoid the perilS which
threaten them In Turkish dominions
Will Not Long Be Tolerated.
Our recently-appointed consul to Err
zerum is at his post and discharging the
duties of his office, though for some unac-
countable reason his formal exequatuer
not believe that the present somber pros
pect in Turkey will be long permitted to
offend the sight of Christendom. II SO
mars the humane and enlightened civiliZa-
tion that belongs to the close of the Nine
teenth century that II seems hardly posi-
BILE that the earnest demand OF good peo-
pie throughout the Christian world for its
corrective treatment will remain unan-
swered.
Cuban Insurrection.
The instruction in Cuba still continues
with all its perplexities. 1t Is difficult to
been made towards the pacification Of the
island, or that the situation Of affairs as
in the least improved. If Spain still holds
Havana and the seaports and all the con-
siderable towns, the insurgents still roam
land country. If the determination of
Spain to put down the instruction seems
but to strengthen with the lapse of time
and is evinced by her unhesitating devotion
of largely increased military and naval
forces to the task, there is much reason to
belieye that the insurgents have gained
In point OF numbers and character and re
in government control, excluding Alaska.
The balance, being by far the most valuable
portion, has been given away to settlers,
to new states, and to railroads, or sold at
q comparatively nominal sum. The patent
ing of lands in execution of railroad grants
has progressed rapidly during the year,
and since the 4th day of March, 1893, about
e5, DOC, 900 acres have thus been conveyed to
these corporations.
Care Recommended.
I agree with the secretary that the re-
mainder OF our public lands should be
more carefully dealt with and their aliena-
ton guarded by better economy and greater
prudence.
The commission appointed from the
membership of the national academy of
sciences, provided for by an act of congress
to formulate plans for q national forestry
system, will, II is hoped, socl be prepared
to present the result of thorough and in |
telllgent examination of this important |