New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-10
MN. KNAPP NOT IN DANGER
FAIR TREATMENT ASSURED TO THE MIS-.
SIONARY IN TURKEY.
HIS TRIAL TAKEN OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE
TURKISH AUTHORITIES AND HIS
ACQCITTAL PROBABLE.

ANV'IIIAL PROBABLE.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNEl
washington April Sit is said by State Depart
",eht oi'icals that there is reason to fear that
MI Knapp. the American missionary said to have
oeen recently expelled from Armenia. will not meet
VII" lar treatment and eventually be permitted To
return TO his post at Bills after he has undergone
me form OF clearing himself from the charges that
nave been lodged against him of conspiracy against
the Turkish Government. Early IN the OF
the Armenian troubles Mr.. Terrell the United
states Minister to Turkey. instructed by the
0'a'e department 20 see to 1t that any American
CITIZEN native or naturalized. who was arrested by
the Turkish Government be surrendered to the
United States Minister for trial. In this matter
this Government held, against the opposition OF the
Porte that under the treaty of 1880 IL had the RICH,
10 exercise exra-territoria Jurisdiction in Turkey
where American citizens concerned
NJ" Terrell was explicitly instructed by Secretary
Olney to claim all rights under the fourth article
OF the treaty. and to offer TO try any American
citizen charged with instruction. rebellion, sedition
or like offences, In the of such offer being
refused. TO dema 10 the release OF the accused
son. SO when Mr.. Knapp about TO be arrested
by the local authorities at Bitis and Informed Mr.
Terrell of mis- danger latter promptly addressed
himself TO the Porte. and after much difficulty Sc
cured the remission OF the trial OF the missionary
himself. This made the trip OF Mr. Knapp to Con-
stantlnople necessary. but as there was good as
surGnce that the charges of seditlon against the
missionary without substantial foundation
there no reason TO apprehend that he would not
be promptly acquitted upon trial before the United
States Minister or his representative and be per.iit
ted 10 return to his post.
There Is this measure OF truth In the story from
Constantinople to the effect that MI Knapp is be-
ing brought 10 the coast the result OF an agree
ment between the Turkish Government and Mr.
Terrell; that the Minister has secured what might
he regarded a valuable concession from the au-
thOr.ties In having the trial of the missionary taken
out of the hands Of the Turkish authorities and left
his own court and that this involved the appear
of Mr.. Knapp at COnstantlnope. Minister
Terrell is Still in this city In consultation with the
aut horites. but declines to say anything Tor publ
cation regarding the situation in Turkey.
London. April 9--The object Of the meeting OF the
Armenian Relief Committee. which he'd yes
terday under the Craftsmanship OF the Duke OF
Argyll to protest against the proposed action OF the
Turkish authorities expe,ling the protestant ana
Roman Catholic missionaries from Asia Minor IS
generally indOrsed ny the London newspapers.
resolution advocated by {. f. Sch"ann
member of Parliament for North Manchester re-
ouesting the Government to take immediate meas
rres 10 secure the release OF the Rev. George /
Knapp the American missionary recently expelled
from Bills ana whose expulsion from Turkey alto
cether is sought by the Turks who accuse him OF
having melted Armenlans 10 revolt.