The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-12-10

uehahuS VI humane clVlllZatl0n OIL
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 the mad
bigotry and cruel fanaticism the shock.
ing features of the situation had been
mitigated.
Instead, however, of welcoming IL soft.
ened disposition or protective interven-
tion we have been afflicted by continued
! and not infrcquent reports of the wanton
destruction of 'homes and the bloody
who are made martyrs to their profession
of faith. 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 is by no means assured. Our
government at home and our minister at
Constantinople have left nothing undone
to protect our missionaries in Ottoman
territory who constitute nearly all indi-
viduals residing there who have right
to claim our protection on the score of
American citizenship. Our efforts in this
direction will not be relaxed, but the
deep feeling and sympathy that have
been aroused among our people ought
not to SO far blind their reason and iudg-
ment as to lead them to demand impos-
sible things. The outbreaks of blind
fury which led to the murder and pillage
in Turkey occur suddenly and without
notice and IN attempt on our part to
force such a hostile presence there as
or protection, would not only be
resisted by the Ottoman gov
ernment, but would be regarded as an in
terruption of their plans by the great ma
tions who assert their exclusive rights
to intervene in their own time and meth
cd for the security Of life and property
in Turkey.
Several naval forces are stationed in
the Mediterranean as a measure of eau
tion and to furnish all possible relief and
refuge in case of emergency. We have
made claims against the Turkish gov
ernment for the pillage and destruction
OF missionary property at HaEpool and
Marash during the uprising at those
places. Thus far the validity of these
demands has not been admitted, though
our minister. prior to such outrages and
in anticipation of danger demanded pro-
lection, fer the persons and property of
our missionary citizens in the localities
mentioned and notwithstanding that
strong evidence exists of actual
completely of Turkish soldiers in
the work Of destruction and rob-
berry, the facts as they now appear
do not permit us to doubt the justice of
their claim, and nothing will be omitted
to bring about their prompt settlement.
A number of Armenian refugees have ar
rived at our ports and an order has lately
been obtained from the Turkish govern
ment permitting the wives and children
of such refugees to join them here. 1t
is hoped that hereafter no obstacle will
be interposed to prevent the escape of
all those who seek to avoid the perils
which threaten in Turkish dominions.
Our recently appointed consul to Err
zroum is at his post and discharging the
duties of his Office, though for some un-
accountable reason his formal exequator
from the sultan has not been issued. |
do not believe that the present situation
in Turkey will be long permitted to of
fend the sight of Christendom. 1t so
mars the humane and enlightened civilian
ton that belongs to the close of the nine
teenth century, it seems hardly possible
pie throughout the Christian world for
its corrective treatment will remain un-
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
The insurrection in Cuba still continues
with all its perplexity. 1t is difficult
to perceive how any progress mas thus far
been made toward the pacifcation of the
island or that the situation of affairs rs
depicted in my last annual message has
in the least improved. If Spain still holds
Havana and the seapOrts and all the con-
towns, the insurgents still roam
at will over at least two-thirds of the
island country. AS the determination of
Spain to put down the insurrection seems
but to strengthen with the lapse of time
as is evidenced by her devotion and large
y increased military and naval forces
there is much reason to believe that the
have gained in point of num-
bers and character and resources. and
we're never less infexble in their re-
solve not to succumb without practically
securing the great objects for which they |
look up arms. If Spain has not yet re-
asta blished her authority, neither have |
the insurgents yet made good their title
20 be regarded as an independent state.
Indeed, as the contest has gone on. the |
that civil government exists on
he island, except so far as Spain is able |
to maintain it, has been practically aban-
1oned. Spain does keep on foot such a |
government more or less imperfect in |
arge cities and immediate suburbs, but |
hat exception being made, the entire |
country is either given over to anarchy |
,r is subject to the military occupation
# one or the other party. 1t is reported |
indeed on reliable authority that at the
lemand of the commander-in-chief of the
army the Cuban government |
las now given up all attempt to exercise
is functions, leaving that government con-
essedly (what there is the best reason