The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-07
U. S. .WarShipS Will Assem-
bic at ISuanderun.
FOrmalPrOteSt Against Treat
ment of Americans.
And a Demand for Adequate Indem-
nifty to Be Made On Porte.

CoNsTANrrNoPLE, April Q, via. sofia,
Bulgaria, April 7.-Advices received here
today from Diarbekir indicate beyond
any reasonable doubt that the Rev.
George q. Knapp, one OF the American
missionaries at Bitlis, Is confined in
the Jail ut iarbekr, capital OF the Villa
yet OF that name in Turkish Armenia,
and that serious international complica-
tions are more than likely TO follow. The
Turkish government, replying to The re-
presentations OF the United States charge
tiaffaires, Mr.. John W. Riddle, las an
nounced, through the grand vizier and
through the minister for foreign affairs,
that no news has been received by the
Porte regarding the reported expulsion of
the Rev. Mr.. Knapp from Bitlis and it was
estiir ated that ii 1t was true be had ar
rived at Diarbekir, it would appear that
the local authorities were desirous of
secretly expelling the American mis-
But the latest news from Diarbekir
shows that this cannot possibly be the
case, as it is further announced that the
Rev. Mr. Knapp Is TO be sent from
Diarbekir to Sandrotta, seaport on the
bay Of I'kadrun, opening into the eastern
portion OF the Mediterranean, there TO be
either shipped out of the country or de-
iivered TO the representatives, OF the
United States.
At the first intimation OF trouble the
United States charge d affairs, after COM
munlcating with the Porte and receiving
the unsatisfactory reply referred to,
cabled TO Washington tor further instruc-
tions, ard 1t IS now said that the United
States squadron in the Mediterranean,
consisting of the flagship MINNEAPOLIS,
con manded by Admiral L. .. Selfridge,
and the cruiser Marblehead, will shortly
assemble in the Gulf OF Isuanderun and
al the same time formal protest against
the treatment OF tho American mission
aries may he made TO the Porte coupled
with the demaod Ger an adequate in
demnity for the damage recently done to
tho property of the Americans.
The imprisonment and proposed expul-
sion from the Turkish dominions OF the
Rev. DR.. Knapp Is, however. understood
TO be but a preliminary to the expulsion
of all the Christian missionaries.
The United States charge d. afiaires has
obtained from the Porte, the assurance
that the vail of Alippo has been instruct
ed to protect the American missionaries
in the Ruedich district.
In spite OF the assurancem OF the Turk
ish government in view of past work and
experience, il is considered quite impor-
tant that the Porte should promptly he
made aware that the United States, nct-
ing independently If nee sssry, g deter
mined to protect the rights and property
OF all its citizens in the Sultan's domin-
ions.
OF course, the matter Of arrest, impris-
onment and prog osed expulsion of the
Rev Mr.. Knapp, as in all other oasss OF a
similar nature. there are two sides TO the
question. The claim made by the friends
of the American missionaries that he 10
being unustijy prosecuted by the Turkish
authorities. On the other hand, the Turk
ish officials assert that the Rev. Mir.
Knapp has rerslsten*ly encouraged sedi-
tious movements among the Armenians,
especially in spite of seyearl official warn
ings, and 1t is claimed that the authori-
ties have in their possession proof that
he has incited and assisted the Armeni-
ans TO revolt against the Turkish govern
meDt.
1t should be added, however, that n
disinterested observer, Mr.. Hampson, the
British consul at BitIis. has carefully en-
quired into the charges brought against
the Rev. Mr.. Knapp and has pronounced
them TO be absurd. Ii is believed here
that only prompt and energetic action
viii prevent the issuing of the imperial
tirade, providing for the expulsion of the
missionaries and Red Cross society agents.