The herald., 1896-04-08
IN PRISON At D|ARBEK|R
RUMORED EXPULSION OF MISSIONARIES
FROM ASIATIC TURKEY
The Stste Department Is Not Greatly
Alarmed, and . Cheering Report CONF
From Clara Barton of the Progress Of
Red Cross Relief Work
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
CONSTANTINOPLE, April 6 (via
Sofia, ia).-Advices received to-
day from Diarbekir indicate beyond a
reasonable doubt that Rev. George c.
Knapp, one of the American miSsiOnar-
les abilities, iscontined in Jail at Diar-
bekir, Turkish Armenia, and serious
international complications are more
than likely to follow.
The Imprisonment and proposed ex-
pulsion of Rev. Knapp is understood to
be but preliminary to the expulsion of
all Christian missionaries, from Asiatic
Turkey and possibly from European
Turkey as well. Besides, it is rumored
the agents of the American Red Cross
society, now distributing relief funds
at Asiatic Turkey, are also to be eX-
PEELED from that part of the empire.
The United States charge d affaires
has obtained from the porte the asur-
ance that the vail of Aleppo has been
instructed to protect the American mis-
sionaries in the Suedch district, but in
spite of the assurances of the Turkish
government. it is considered quite 1nl-
portant that the porte should be
promptly made aware that the United
States, acting Independently, is deter
mined to protect the rights and prop
erty of it's citizens in the sultan's do
MAINS
Mr.. Knapp was ordered to appear for
trial at Constantinople in February,
but ii appears that the roads were so
blocked with snow until the end of last
month that the missionary was unable
to travel to this city. Hence, it seems,
his arrest and imprisonment at Diar-
bekir, pending his expulsion from Ash
aticTurkcy, and also, it seems, the de-
termination of the sultan to eXpel all
Christian missionaries and agents of
the American Red Cross society from
Turkey.
1t is believed here that only prompt
and energetic action will prevent the
isuing Of the imperial trade providing
for hte expulsion of the missionaries
and Red Cross society agents.
Russia is seemingly the ally of France
and the strong supporter of Turkey un-
der any circumstances, but should
France determine to take action in this
case, it is difficult to see how she can
do SO without in some degree embroil-
ing herself with Russia. 1t is just upon
this point that rests the hope that
France, through Russia will prevail
upon the sultan not to issue the imperial
trade providing for the expulsion of the
missionaries and American Red Cross
agents and that this may avert any SER
ious trouble on the part of the United
States.
NO APPREHENSION FELT
WASHINGTON. April 1.-The Off
cials at the state department are fully
aware of the condition of the mission
aries in Turkey and of the develop
ments in the case of Missionary Knapp.
who is reported by cable to be in con-
finement at Diarbekir, but they refuse
to discuss the matter in any phase.
However, it is apparent that they do not
feel under ang great degree of appre-
henSion as to serious trouble in Turkey
and in addition to their advices from
Charge d. Affaires Riddle. they have the
benefit OF the advice of United States
Minister Terrell. wha was at the state
department this morning, their state of
mind would appear to be justified. 1t
is quite certain that no orders have
gone forward to Admiral Selfridge to
gather his fleet in the gulf of Lakan
derum to make any sort of demonstra-
ton. The case of Missionary Knapp
presents no feature of novelty, and the
only point involved or itA face is the old
question of extra territorial jurisdiction
by our legation in Turkey. The state
department has insisted upon the ex-
ercise of this right steadfastly and the
correspondence sent to the present con-
gress relative to the Armenian troubles
shows that although the Turkish gov
ernment always has interpoSed Obsta-
cles to the exercise of the right, it has
generally conceded the point. IT is pre-
sumed that this will be the outcome in
the case of Mr. Knapp. The more SER
ious aspect of the matter is brought to
light by the renewal of the report that
emanated from Constantinople some
weeks ago that there is to be general
expulsion of all foreign missionaries
from Turkish Armenia, and notwith-
standing the reticencc shown at the
state department in reference to this
subject it is believed there is some foun-
dation for this report.
AS a general principle we have con-
ceded the right of nation to expel OBJ
jectional foreigners from it's territory,
but it happens that in the case of Tur-
key treaty stipulations come to the
rescue Of the missionaries i'm a round
about fashion. The French govern
ment has treaty with Turkey explicit
ly comforting the right of their mission
aries to reside and work in Turkey,
and as the United states has treaty
with Turkey including the usual fav-
ored nation clause, the contention of
our government istbat we have as good
"a right as the French to maintain our
missionaries in that country and upon
the point the issue will be made if it
should finally come 10 the PRONUNCIATION
of the trade Of expulsion.
A CHEERING REPORT.
NEW YORK. April The following
cablegram was received by Spencer
Trask today from Miss Clara Barton,
president of the Red Cross society,
who is in charge of the relief in Ar
mcna:
CONSTANTINOPLE April ITO
Spencer Trask. New Kork Our corp,
of physicians and supplies left Beyroot
April Sd and will reach Marash the 10th
Scourge of typhoid and other diseases
from starvation and exposure are un-
abated. Red Cross reports just received
from our expeditions. which are meet
inGk with spiend iisuccess. No OBJ
structions nor Turkish supervision, as
has been wrongly reported. Every fa-
cility offered. Welcomed everywhere.
One party working between Marash, |
Ieitoun, Malatia and Harpool, the other
between Oorfa. Diarbekir and Harpool,
visiting towns and villages en route,
giving assistance where most needed.
(Signed) BARTON. |