The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1896-04-08

EStlhV bulEhEAGF APAlA NNNaS~s -
celved here to-day from Diarpekir tndi-
cate beyond any reasonable doubt that
the Rev. Mr.. George c. Knapp, one of
the Armenian missionaries at BiuIs, is
confined in the jail OF Diarbeltir, capi-
tol OF the vilayet OF that name, in
Turkish Armenia, and that serious In
ternational complications are more
than likely to follow.
The Imprisonment and proposed eS-
pulsion from the Turkish dominions OF
the Rev. Mr.. Knapp IT, however, under
stood to be but a preliminary TO the
expulsion OF oil the Christian mission
aries, mostly American, English and
French Catholics, from Aslatic Tur-
key, and, possibly from European Tur-
key as well. Besides It is runrored that
the agents OF the American Red Cross
Society now distributing relief funds
in Asiatic Turkey In the presence OF the
local Turkish officials, are also to be
expelled from that part of the empire.
In support Of this report, it is stated
that an imperial trade, providing for
the expulsion from Turkey Of the
Christian missionaries and agents OF
the Red Cross Society has already been
signed by the sultan, although II has
1t is believed here that only prompt
and energetic action will prevent the
issuing of the imperial Trade providing
for the expulsion Of the missionaries
and Red Cross Society agents.
1t Is not impossible, according to re-
port, that the British government may
take immediate steps to protest against
the proposed expulsion Of the mission
aries and that the Marquis Of Sails
bury, In this instance, Will be supported
by the French government.
ADelIcRte Question.
Here arises q delicate question. Rus
sla is seemingly the ally Of France, and
the strong supporter OF Turkey under
almost 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 i'm
perlal trade providing for the eXpul-
sion Of the missionaries and agents OF
the American Red Cross Society and
this may avert any serious trouble eZ-
cept, possibly, upon the part of the
United States. which may think it
proper to insist upon obtaining COM
plete satisfaction for the alleged per-
secution of Mr.. Knapp, who, by the
way, Is not the only American mis-
slonaly who is said to have strong
ground for complaint against the Turk
ish authorities.
At the first IntlmRtlon Of trouble the
United States charge d'affaires, after
communicating with the porte and re-
ceivlng the unsatisfactory reply cited,
cabled to Washington for further in
structIons, and 1t Is now said that the
United States squadron in the Mediter-
ranean, consisting Of the flagship Min
neapolls, commanded by Admiral Y. o.
SelfrIdge, and the cruiser Marblehead.
will shortly assemble in the gulf Of
Iskanderun and at the same time a
formal protest against the treatment OF
the American missionaries may be
made to the porte, coupled with the de-
mand for an adequate indemnity for
the damage recently done to the prop
erty OF Americans.
It Is known that n panic exists among
the Armenians Of the district OF Sued
ieh, owing, Il IS explained, TO the pres
ence there, for some unknown reason,
OF strong force Of Turkish troops.
The United States charge d'affaireB
ance that the vail Of Aleppo has been
instructed to protect the American
missionaries in the Suet1ich district.
In spite of the assurances OF the
Turkish government, In view Of past
experiences. 1t Is considered quite i'm
portant that the porte should promptly
be made aware that the United States,
acting Independently II necessary. is
determined to protect the rights and
property Of its citizens in the sultan's
dominlons.
Two Sides.
OF course, in the matter Of the arrest,
imprisonment and proposed expulsion
Of the Rev. Mr.. Knapp. as in all other
cases of u similar nature, there are two
sides to the question. The claim made
by the friends OF the American mis-
slonary Is that he Is being unjustly per-
secuted by the Turkish authorities. on
the other hand. the Turkish officials as
sert that the Rev. Mr.. Knapp has per-
sisteutiy encouraged seditious move
ments among the Armcn!ans In spite
OF several official warnings.
1t should be added, however, that
disinterested observer, Mr.. Hampson,
the British consul Mt Bitlls, has care
fully inquired into the charges brought
bbdlllAl AhAT INlhApD anu Has pIOuJulCGu
them to be absurd.
The American missionary, neverthC-
less, was informed that II had been de-
clded TO try him before the criminal
court on the charge Of conspirlns
against the Turkish government, and
he was notified TO appear for trial. This
was In February last. Mr.. Knapp
thereupon placed the matter before
United States Minister Terrill. and
asked Tor the latter's advice. Mr.. Ter
Till telegraphed the missionary TO obey
the orders, under protest, Of the Turk
ish authorities. pending action upon
the part os the United States minister
here Mr.. Terrlll then notified the
porte that he would not consent 10 ilav-
Ing Mr.. Knapp tried in the manner
proposed and suggested that the case
be brought before mixed commits
sion. IT was later decided to try the
missionary here. in the presence OF q
representative Of the United States
government. But It appears the roads
were so blocked with snow until the end
OK last month that the missionary was
unable 10 travel to this city. Hence. II
seemE. his arrest and imprisonment at
Dlarbek!r, pending his expulsion from
A6iatlc Turkey, and, also. II seems. the
determination OF the sultan 70 expel all
Christian missionaries and agents Of
the American Red Gross society from