The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-14

feelings of any true American, for God made
men, breathing the air of freedom into them,
and gave them this world with full rights to
live in and enjoy, and he did not make men to
cut down one another.
Now, therefore, our only cry is, "Give the
Armenian this right OF living, safety OF life and
property, and the ArmenianS an industri-
Gus people viii show to the world that they
can also work the earth, and there will be no
more famine or poverty to make the nation
burden on great-hearted and liberal Ameri-
cans.
The object of this mass-meeting, to raise
funds to enable the Red Gross Association to
go into Armenia and distribute help to the
people. moves our hearts in gratitude to all
noble donators. But as these ravaging Turks
do not know by any other way to stop their
cruel wiping-out intention but only by force,
feeding poor wretched survivors will serve to
preserve victims for the indispensable Turk and
clothing them will serve to enrich their
pockets. The only way TO help the Armenians
we know is q strong representation to the
President to use all his influence Eng
land and Russia to come to some understand
ing to save the Armenians or America must in
teffere and show the Sultan the power of the
Stars and Stripes, which stand Tor liberty and
brotherhood. Otherwise it will not be long
before the whole Armenian nation will be
wiped from existence.
Again and again expressing the deep graft
tude of all the Armenians in this State, we
submit to your attention and TO the public the
Enclosed translations of letters lately received
from different people in different parts OF
Turkey. Names, for precaution, are reserved.
In behalf of the Armenians in the State OF
California, am your obedient servant,
NJ. ANANoUN.
Inclosed in the foregoing letter are the
following extracts from personal letters
received from Armenia:
From letter dated c., Dec. 6, 1895.
Christmas is approaching, but no one has the
spirit or courage TO celebrate. The women all
are in mourning for the nations at11ctlon.
cal now imagine the MORNINGS OF the jews
during the time of Esther. In the churches
and the houses deadly silence reigns as at
funeral. Sackcloth and ashes would be put on
but Tor fear OF detection. This city, though, is
quiet for the present time, since extra warshlps
OF the powers have been permitted TO enter
but yet great lear prevails. The least quarrel
or dispute puts every person into flight Tor llfe
Often suddenly houses are shut, stores closed,
khans business buildings) are barred and peo-
pie will be seen running everywhere, seeking
refuge. Most appalling news from the Interior
In spite OF all suppression, reaches our ears.
Our hearts are in sore grief for them. We know
not what to do.
Several attempts were made to collect money
and clothing to send to the survivors of the
massacres, but it has been suppressed by the
government Already there is great poverty
here. On account of a disturbance here quite
9 long time the stores were closed, and now al
most nc business is done, but still human
hearts can't stand the wretchedness and mis-
cry they are in in the interior. Again. secret
EFFORTS are being made to collect money and
clothing and send them secretly, but at great
risk for don't know whether they reach
their destination or are taken on the way by
the Turks. Anyhow, every person, Armenian,
regard. All we believe done by the intrigue of
Russia, but England is much more to be
blamed, for after stirring up the matters so
much did not stand bravely and urge upon the
right. May God send help to us, for there is no
| help from any power at present.
Signed by B. K
From a letter dated s., December Is.
| 1895.
| Quite q long time have not written to you.
! l am sure it worried you and caused you some
| fear about our city. but, my dear how could |
write. and there is no business to write about.
All | have to write about is national affairs,
| and don't like TO stir you up. 1 presume
] you reading the papers there and l would
| not be surprised If you know more than we do
! but you know of the happenings; YOU know
| not of the fear as we do, for we are living in
| fear. The general belief is that it is quieter
! here, but big storm is gathering around, for
! hOrdes of Kurds are being imported from the
! interior either TO be let loose on us to rob and
| KILL or coming themselves, their atrocities and
pillaging in the interior, without any inter
| yentlon, having given some taste TO their
| mouths; they come in here to practice the
! same, more riches are here for them; but
| worse than this, the Government is sending
many ArmenIans into the interior like sheep
| TO the laughter-house. under the pretense OF
| avoiding the dangerous element, but in reality
| 10 nave them killed by the huFds in the in
| terror. Signed by A 4.
| From letter dated B, December 10,
| 1895
| Since l wrote TO you last there is no change
! in our condition here. Starvation is frigh ten
| ing those who evade the sword Most OF the
| time the stores are closed and what is the use
| of opening them, for whatever the Turks ask
must be given them and money asked in
| return. Who can dare to ask for money for
| goods Sure, your doom is sealed then. There
| looks no hope, no light. The future is dark
May God have mercy upon us. We feel rather
thankful, for according to the news from other
! towns, we are much better off. In Adana
| C8sarea and Marssh, where massacres on
| grand scale are still going on, our great grief
| is that many are losing all hope OF any help
| from the Franks [all Europeans are termed
| Franksl and become apostates, turning over to
Mohammedanlsm. Oh, the poor Armenians
| their fate IS really worthy of weepingl some
! times we are tempted to say: Chow cruel art
thou, Lord! We cry unto thee for help and
| thou answerest not Thou hast made US as
dust under the foot of the inidell"
Signed by A. K.