The San Francisco call., 1896-09-25
Turkeys Underhand Policy
Should Not Be Countenanced
by the Powers.
EUROPEAN WAR NOT WANTED,
But England Is Urged to Act Inde.
pandently in the Interests
of Humanity.

the rule of the Sultan of Turkey and the
massacres of Armenians in the Turkish
empire. The gathering included we'll
known men of all political parties, and
the audience which greeted Mr.. Glad
stone, who was the principal speaker, was
a most enthusiastic one. The meeting
was presided over by the Earl of Derby
Mr.. Gladstone was in excellent health and
voice and was noticeably active in his
movements.
Prefacing his address, Mr.. Gladstone
proposed a resolution setting forth that
the meeting trusted that the Government
realized the terrible condition in which
their fellow Christians in Turkey were
placed and that they would do everything
possible to obtain for them full measure
of security and protection.
The resolution also declared that the
Government would have the fullest public
support in whatever steps it might take
to put stop to the atrocities which were
being mitted in Turkey.
Mr.. Gladstone, as he stepped forward to
begin his remarks, was cheered for many
minutes. Mr.. Gladstone said:
1.-The resolution which have proposed
observes the rules of prudence, and does
not require, even for the sake of great
C41us bLdb NC pldCC OuISClNcS III q Sbdt6 OI
war with united Europe"
Continuing, he ridiculed the idea that
state of war would be the result or conse-
quence of Englsnd's acting alone in Civ
ing an ultimatum to the Porte. He would
not be the one to plunge England into
war, but England would not make of her
self slave to be dragged by the chariot
wheels of the other powers of Europe.
[Cheers.
England, he said, had a Just right to
coerce Turkey, and the first step must be
the recall of our ambassador from Con-
stantinopIe and the consequent dismissal
of the Turkish En- bassador in London.
Loud and prolonged cheers. That
would not cause European war. 1Cheers
and laughter England could then tell
the Porte that she meant to consider
means of enforcing her own just demands.
I'VE should declare" he continued,
that we would not turn any ensuing war
to our own advantage. The concert of
Europe is an august and useful instru-
ment, but it has not usually succeeded in
dealing with the Eastern question, which
has arrived at period when it is neces-
sary to strengthen the hands of the Gov
ernment by an expression of National
opinion. 1 believe that the con-
tinued presence of the ambassadors at
Constantinople has operated as a distinct
countenance to the Sultan, who is thus
their recoc cnized ally. But while urging
the Government to act, it does not follow
that even for the sake of the great object
in view Great Britain should transplant
Europe into a state of war On the other
hand, however. deny that England must
abandon her right to independent judg-
ment and allow herself to be domineered
by the other powers. [Cheers.
Mr.. Gladstone said the Turkish Govern
ment in 1876 denied the massacres had
occurred but that these massacres had
since passed into history as facts. The
same system of denials is practiced now
and will be practiced so long as the pow
ers OF Europe shall tolerate il.
1t is to be hoped, Mr.. Gladstone de-
clared, that the weakness of diplomacy
would be strengthened by this strong ma
tion's voice. Diplomatic representatives
in Constantinople of six great powers
after the massacre in the Turkish capital
brought their courage to the sticking point
and addressed note to the Sultan, in
forming his Majesty that the atrocities
should cease, or that otherwise prejudice
would be created against the Turkish Gov
eminent.
~" continued Mr. Gladstone, task what
would the guilty author of these massacres
want more than to confine the matter to a
paper war;" LOUD cheers.
Mr.. Gladstone said that six great powers
Of Europe represented at Constantinople
had failed to make the Sultan fulfill his
treaty obligations. The continuation of
diplomatic relations with the Sultan had
fad ho
Constantinople, but it had permitted
the Sultan to remain the recognized ally
of Great Britain. Gladstone in the course
OF his peroration SAID:
Let US extract ourseH from our present
ambiguous post. Let us renounoe our
neutrality. Let us, by loyalty promising
her Maiesty's Ministers our ungrudging
and enthusiastic support, induce them by
word and deed to show their detestation
Of acts which may even yet come to such
q depth OF atrocity as has never vet been
recorded in the deplorable history of
human crime" Loud and prolonged
cheers.
Mr.. Gladstone's voice remained strong
and clear to the end. The resolutions Of
fered by the ex-Premier were adopted
unanimously.
BERLIN, GERMANY, Sept. PA Con-
stantlnopIe dispatch to the Lokal Anzieger
says that the diplomats in the Turkish
capital bave been instructed to suspend
their conferences on the Armenian ques-
ton, as direct negotiations are pending
between the Porte and the powers.
ST. PETERSBURG. RUSSIA, Sept. "a
In restrained and dignifed article on the
Armenian question, the Russia Gazette
urges, in the interests of European peace
and uoon principles of humanity, a reap
proachment between Russia and Great
Britain.
1t declines to indorse the suggestion that
Great Britain arranged the massacres in