The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-08

To the Congress of theo United States:
As representatives of the people in the
legislative branch of their government
you have assembled at time when the
strength and excellence OF our free IN
stitutions and the fitness of our citi-
gems to enjoy popular rule have been
again made manifest. A political con-
test involving momentous consequences,
fraught with feverish apprehension, and
creating aggressiveness so intense us to
approaeh bitterness and passion has
been waged throughout our land, and de-
termined by the decree Of free anu IN
dependent suffrage, without disturbance
of our tranquility or the least sign OF
wea akness in our national structure.
When we consider these incidents and
contemplate the peaceful obedience ana
manly submission which have succeeded
q heated clash of political opinions, we
discover abundant evidence of deter
animation on the part Of our countrymen
to abide by every verdict of the popu-
lar will, and to be controlled at all times
hy an abiding faith in the agencies es-
tablished for the direction of the affairs
of their government. Thus our pe6-
pie exhibit a patriotic disposition which
entities them to demand of those who
undertake to make and execute their
laws such faithful and unseihsh service
in their behalf as can only be prompted
by a serious appreciation of the trust and
confidence which the acceptance of public
duty invites.
THE BUTCHERY IN TURKEY.
AT theSoutset of a reference to the
more important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers, it would
afford me satisfaction if / could assure
the Congress that the disturbed condition
in Asiatic Turkey had, during the past
year, assumed a less hideous and bloody
aspect, and that either as a consequence
of the awakening Of the Turkish gov
ernment to the demands of humane ciyih-
cation, or as the result of the 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 fanati-
cism, the shocking features of the situa-
tion had been mitigated. Instead, how
ever, of welcoming a softened disposi-
tion or protective Intervention, we have
been afflicted by continued and not un-
frequent reports Of the wanton destruc-
tion of home and the bloody butchery
Of men, women, and children, made
martyrs to their profession OF Christian
faith
While none Of our cielzens in Turkey
have thus far been killed or wounded,
though often in the midst Of dreadful
scenes Of danger, their safety in the fu-
ture is by no means assured. Our gov
ernment at home and our ministers at
Constantinople have left nothing undone
to protect our missionaries in Ottoman
territory, who constitute nearly
all the individuals residing there
who have right to claim
our protection on the score of Ameri-
can citizenship. Our efforts in this di-
rection win not be relaxed; but the deep
feeling and sympathy that have been
aroused among our people ought to so far
blind their reason and judgment as to
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 at
tempt on our part to force such hos
tile presence there as might be effective
for prevention or protection would not
only be resisted by the Ottoman govern
ment, but would be regarded as an inter-
ruption Of their plans by the great nations
who assert their exclusive right to inter
yene in their own time and method for
the security Of life and property in Tur-
key.
Several naval vessels are stationed in
the Mediterranean as measure of
caution and to furnish all possible relief
and refuge in cases Of emergency. We
have made claims against the Turkish
government for the pillage and destruc-
tion Of missionary property at HarpooI
and Marash during uprising at those
places. Thus far the validity Of these de-
mands has not been admitted, though
our minister,p prior to such outrages and in
anticipation of danger, demanded protec-
tion for the persons and property of our
missionary citizens in the localities men