New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-10
VIGOROUS MEASURES URGED.
EVERETT p. WHEELER ON THE RIGHTS
OF AMERICANS IN TURKEY.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN THE INTEREST
OF THE SUFFERING ARMENIANs-DR.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN THE INTEREST
OF THE SUFFERING ARMENIANs-DR.
GRACE KIMBALLs ADDRESS.
The meeting to promote the Of the suneS'
ms Armenians. which was held last night In Cnick'
erng Hall. brought out host OF eager near
ers whose attitude wa ore OF warmest SYM
pathy with the cause. The meeting was ne'"
under the auspices Of the National Armenian Re
lief Committee The quartet OF Park sisters played
the cornet, and group Of genuine Armenians IN
native costume sat at one end OF the stage.
The Rev. Dr. Henry Van Dyke presided In the
absence OF the Rev. Dr. David II. Greer In open
ing the meeting DR.. Van Dyke said In part:
I'VE are met to find out what we think OF the
slow torture and bloody determination OF Chris-
tan people by the unspeakable Turk with the
silent consent of Christian nations Modern MS
tory holds such page Of shame and horror -
this that the Turk has written" Dr. Van Dyke
dwet on the view which. he said. r. Hopkinson
Smith takes Of the trivial nature of the Armenian
outrages." Mr. Smiths name was roundy Kissed
In speaking OF the treatment Of Americans IN Tur-
key DR. Van Dyke said that Of the things
which would force this country into war was a
failure to respect the American flag under treaty
rights"
Dr. Grace ~ Kimbal Of Van. Armenia, was
then introduced. and greeted with hearty APP
pause as she came forward. She also denounced
the reports which Mr. Smith had sent back 70
America and then went to give graphic ac-
count of the outrages and restitution which the
Armenians have suffered under Turkish oppression.
She described the Turk the most charming OF
when he had an object to attain. and the most
peridious and devoted to wanton cruelty when ne
had no to fear. In tracing the history OF the
Armenian revolt, she said that the thought OF or
ganizing a revolutionary party first found root IN
the hearts Of young Armenians who had seen the
contrast between other civilizations and their own.
They had banded together for the purpose Of help
ing and uplifting their country and many OF them
had suffered death or long imprisonment.
Everett F. Wheeler who spoke next, urged the
necessity of this Government taking active steps
to obtain redress from the Porte He declared that
no duty of the United States was more sacred
than to protect citizens wherever they right
fully CO." In referring to the rights Of American
citizens In Turkey, Mr.. Wheeler called attention to
the fact that Secretaries Bayard, Blaine and Fos-
ter had all in turn claimed for the American COL
onies in that country the right to manage their
own affairs unmolested. and that three successive
Turkish Sultans had pledged their faith to preserve
the religious and personal liberties Of all their sub
jects. He referred to the nsoent indifference OF
the Turkish Government. which had no fear OF pro-
tests from this country and could be frightened
only by action
I'VE have already sent three ships up the Medt-
terranean" he added II would send every avail
able ship TO the Mediterranean vigorous appause).
and II that would not suffice would send every
available soldier there. and give the Turks to I'M
derstand that these outrages must stop. There
would be no need Of We might simply make
reprisals take possession Of such port as Smyrna.
collect Its revenues and give 1t a government SUCH
it has not had for over 1000 years, and the
Turk would come to his senses. The one
thing that protection 10 our citizens is
the condign punishment OF the offenders. Nothing
less than this can satisfy the claims OF justice or
secure heroic citizens In Turkey that protec-
ton which our Government has obtained for them
by agreement <.-
Spencer Trask read a letter OF sympathy from
Miss Frances f.. Willard. who was TO have peen
present and spoken; and cable messages OF s rne
American Commonwealth; from the DUKE OF At
gyll and the Duke of Westminster; Inc rev:
Frederick ID. Greene. secretary or the fSxecusse
Committee. then spoke. He was followed by MISE
Margaret Leech OF Ceylon