The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1896-12-12
TURKEY AND THE ARMENIANs.
United States Has Done Everything
POasihIe TO Prevent nIOOds ed.


At the outset of reference to the more
important matters affecting our rela-
tions with foreign powers, 1t would af
ford me satisfaction if l could assure
congress that the disturbances in Asiatic
Turkey had during the past year as
sumed a less hideous and bloody aspect.
and that either as a consequence of the
yielding 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 and mad bigOtry
and cruel fanaticism, the shocking feat
ures of the situation had been mitigated.
Instead however, of welcoming a soft
ened disposition or protective Intervention
we have been afflicted by continued and
not infrequent reports of the wanton de-
struction OF homes and the bloody butch
cry of men, women and children, made
martyrs to their profession of Christian
faith. While none of our citizens in Tur-
key have thus far been killed or wound
ed. though often in the midst of dread
full scenes Of danger, their safety in the
future is by no means assured. our gov
eminent at home ana our minister at Con-
stantinople have left nothing undone 20
protect our missionaries in Ottoman ter
ritory, who constitute nearly all the m
dividuals residing there who have right
to claim our protection on the score of
American citizenship.
Our efforts in this direction will not he
relaxed, but the deep feeling and sym
pathy that have been raised among our
people ought not to so far blind their
reason and judgment assto lead them 10
demand impossible things. The outbreaks
of blind fury which lead to murder and
pillage in Turkey occur suddenly and
without notice, and an attempt on our
part TO force such a hostile presence
there as might be effective for proven
Or l.a
sisted by the Ottoman government, but
would be regarded as an intrusion by the
great nations who assert their exclusive
right to intervene at their own time and
by their own method for the security Of
life and property in Turkey
Naval Force at Hand.
Several naval vessels are stationed in
the Mediterranean as a measure of eau
ton and to furnish all possible relief and
refuge in case of emergency. We have
made claims against the Turkish govern
ment for the pillage and destruction OF
missionary property at Harput and Ma
rash during the uprising at these places.
Thus far the validity of these demands
has not been admitted. though our min
lister prior to such outrages, and in an
ticipation of danger, demanded protection
for the persons and property of our mis-
sionary citizens in the localities men
toned, and, Notwithstanding that strong
evidence exists of the actual complicity
OF Turkish soldiers in the destruction ana
robbery, the facts as they now appear
do not permit US to doubt the justice Of
these claims, and nothing will be omitted
to bring about their prompt settlement.
A number Of the Armenians having ar.
rived at our ports an order has lately
been obtained from the Turkish govern
ment permitting the wives and children
of such refugees to bring them here. IL
is hoped that hereafter no obstacle will
be imposed to prevent those who seek TO
avoid the perils which threaten them IN
Turkish dominion.
Our recently appointed consul to Err
zeroum is at his post and discharging the
duties of his office, though for some I'M
accountable reason his formal exequator
from the sultan has not been issued l do
not believe that the present sombre pros
pect in Turkey will be long permitted 20
offend the sight of Christendom. 1t so
mars the humane and enlightened civiliz-
alton that belongs to the close OF the 18th
century that II seems hardly possible that
the earnest demand of good people
throughout the Christian world for its
corrective treatment will remain unan-
swered.