Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1896-12-11
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.

At the outset of reference to the more
important matters affecting our relations
with foreign powers, it would we'll afford
me satisfaction If could assure the COLI
rress that the disturbed condition in Ash
attic Turkey had during the past year as
sumed less hideous and bloody aspect,
and that either as u consequence or the
awakening of the Turkish government to
the demand of humane civilization, or as
the result of 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 fanaticism, the shocking features
Of the situation had been mitigated.
Instead, however, of welcoming soft
.eued disposition or protective intervention
we have been afflicted by continued and
not unfrequent reports Of the wanton de-
struction of homes and the bloody butch
ery of men, women and children, mado
martyrs to there profession Of Christian
filth.
While none of our citizens in Turkey
have thus far been killed or wounded
though often In the midst Of dreadful
scenes Of danger, their safety In the future
ia bv no means assured. Our government
mt home and our minister at CONSTANT
NOBLE have left nothing undone to protect
eur missionaries in Ottoman territory,
who constitute nearly all the individuals
residing there who have right to claim
orr projection on the score Of American
citizenship
Z Our efforts In this direction will not be
relaxed, but tho deep feeling and symps-
thy that have been aroused among our
neonle ouoht not to 80 far blind their reas-
on and Judgment as to lead them to de-
mand impossible things. The outbreaks
Of blind fury which lead to murder and
pillage in Turkey occur suddenly ana
without noise, and an attempt on our part
TO force such a hostile presence there as
might be effective for prevention OF pro-
lection would not only be resisted BY the
OTTOMAN government, but would be re-
s1arded az an interruption Of their plans
by the great nations who assert their ex-
elusive right to intervene in their own
time and method for the security OF lie
and property In Turkey.
- several naval vessels are stationed In
the Mediterranean asa measure OF caution
and to furnish all possible relief and REL
Z uee in case of emergency. We have mace
claims against the Turkish government
for the pillage and destruction of mission
Z .ary property at Harpoot and Marash dur
ing uprisings at those places. thus iar
thu validity Of these demands has not
been admitted, through our minister
prior to such outrages and in anticipation
of danger, demanded protection for the
persons and property of our missionary
7 eitizens in the localities mentioned, and
notwithstanding that strong evidence ex
ists of actual conspiracy of Turkish troops
IN the work of destruction and robbery
The facts as they now appear do not per
NIT to doubt the justice of these claims
and nothing will be omitted to bring
about their prompt settlement. :.
I do not believe that the present sombr'
prospect in Turkey will be long permitted
10 offend the sight Of Christendom. 1t 81
mars the human and enlightened clvlliza
Non that belongs to the close OF the nine
leenth century that it seems hardly posi-
he that the earnest demand of the goo
1xopls throughout the Christian world 10