The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-28

the protection A4EorGsG uy Eue code o1 IN
tsrnational lsw was greater than lac ap-
piause from the galleries. and enables us
TO put cur arm anywhere amid massacre
and bloodshed and save American life
Such protection was guaranteed American
citizens in Turkey. and should not be
jeopar ar3ed. The Arrneniaas in this ceun-
try did not want anything said in the house
that would exasps-ate those who we're
numbering and outFaging their friends
and relatives in Turkey, but they wanted
an expression Of the sense OF the Christian
world that would force England ard Rus
sia 70 stop the horrors in Turkey by ful-
filing their treaty obligations He told
how al American citizen had stood in one
or the Armenian villages, guarded all
about with the protection OF the govern
ment. while the massacre of Armenian
Christians went on before his ewes
He was not an American citizen if he
stood UP and saw helpless victims siaugh-
tered shouted Hardy, Rep, Ind, indig-
nantly.
Hit explained that he was helpless 10 do
anything. He proceeded 10 explain the care
with which the resolutions had been drawn
and that it would not DO to be rash or
hasty. He expressed regret that the evil
was SO great and the remedy so feeble
Hits well-tempered remarks served TO
cool the ardor of many who had at first
seemed willing 10 go 10 the length Hep
burn proposed.
McCreary asked Hepburn IL his resoI,,-
tion would in any way amellorate the con-
Gition OF the Armeniaus. Hepburn said:
Il want this protest 10 mean something
when IL goes abroad. not to fall on deaf
ears What does England care with her
millions invested, for our protests? E.u-
rope might be startled by drastic and un-
usual STEP Turkey was scanning the bills
presented by the United States, and mean
time the murder and assault went on"
Hepburn endeavore- to formally offer the
amendment. but his time had expired and
he was unable 10 secure recognition for it.
Henderson, Rep. Ia, speaking of the
Berlin treaty, said the civilized world in
equity have become parties 10 that con-
tract A grave responsibility lay at the
door OF every civilized nation of Europe
that had power TO enforce the contract up
on Turkey. While he was opposed 10 war.
except as last resort, he said: Il would
be glad If every line OF that resolution was
shotted with lead for the murderers of the
Turkish government: not the Turkish min
lister, but the British bondholders should
bear the brunt of the blame" He wished
that another Peter the Hermit would arise
in Europe. The resolutions We're not as
strong as he desired but the last clause
gave promise that stronger measures
might be taken If the matter came nearer
to our doors.
Adams. Rep. Pa. Geplored the tendency
which he saw In both houses of congress
to encroach upon the prerogatives of the
executive In diplomatic matters. The
United States had such a reputation for
fair dealing among the nations that many
were asking her 10 settle their disputes.
bat If she proceeded SO rashiy she would
lose that reputation. When no American
citizen had been killed in the outrages in
-
that fact to give the Turkish minister his
passports.
Smith, Rep. Mich. told Of man of his
district. a graduate Of the University OF
Chicago, who, with an American pass
port, was seized and chained in Turkish
dungeon.
Bowers. Rep. Cal. said that he was not
in sympathy with the Christian people
who always wanted war averted and their
missionaries protected. So long as the
house was assured that the resolution
meant nothing whatever, there could be
no harm in passing 1t.
Hephurn's resolution was then offered
and MCCreary made a point OF order
against IL that il contemplated an act
which must be approved by the president.
The speaker overruled the point OF or
der. An amendment was offered by Taft,
Rep. o.. but was declared out of order
Hepburn's amendment failed by a vote OF
70 10 131.
Turner. Dem. Ca. then made a speech
in opposition TO the adoption of the reso-
lutions He said there was a Christian
cIanor against the Turkish government
which the bravest was scarcely brave
enough TO withstand Interference such
as was proposed was not only violation
Of our traditional policy. but an imperti-
nence. The signatory powers 10 the Berlin
treaty were Christian nations, and why
70 rafi
them what was their duty? The American
minister. whose vigilance was commended
throughout the world had seen TO IL that
no Americans were injured, and the Turk
ish government was eager 10 pay for Amer
ican property destroyed. Mahany. Rep,
y. Y. replied TO Mr.. Turner.
Taft. Rep. O. then offered his amend
rnent to the main resolution and II vas
entertained II placed the responsibility
for Turkish outrages on the European
Grosvenor. Rep. ohlo. declared that the
resolutions reported by the committee on
foreign aNairs lodged every point that
might offend the Turkish government, and
therefore placed the house. II adopted, in
a position Of shuaderIng shivering COW
arlice. They did not speak the sentiment
NJ the Christian people against the un-
soeakable crimes OF Turkey. When 1t was
prepcsed 10 sever diplomats relations
with Turkes the committee replied that it
would not do TO 90 that. lest Turkey
might retaliate By numbering some OF our
c,,,zens He characterized This argument
as not only cowardly bat ridiculous. When
sonac of our sailors were killed at Santiago
We dia not hesitate because some Ameri-
can property might De destroyed or citi-
gems killed We sent warships there.
Should We allow this banded set OF Grim
iuais" 10 Kill. murder and burn, and re-
--.-E~ .Fz- -F@-4 ~F~h -
saxares out of fear lest some % our own
citizens should suffer? Were we not cana
Me Of protecting ourselves and our citi-
geas2 He denounced the resolutions of
tb. committee as inefficient. iucomp-ete
and unworthy of utterance. lie asked
tha: they ne WitHdrawn and something cf
a mere vigorous character substituted
I3rlmm. Rep. Pa. thought no such
rasolufFon would have been necessary had
the executive been more American. II
James g. Blaine had been al the head %
The state Department congress would not
be called upon 70 act
Hardy. Rep. Ind. argued that the United
states should have become u party % the
ParlIu tretfv 20 protect the Armenians IN
Turkey 4 suggestion from him that the
east now a. Hampton Roads should pass
N. psr3snelles ami make demonstration
against Coustantiucple received a scatter
ing applause.
Tsft's amendment was lost without d.
vision Bailey. Dem. Tex. then moved
IN refer the resolution 70 the committee
on foreign affairs without instruction
This motiou was defeated. = % l02 lie
then moved 10 refer IL with instructions
"a .:ar.9rt hack the resolutions amended so
as 70 strike out All the references 10 tha
REQUEST 70 the powers 10 the treaty =
Rsr,in n enforce the provisions OF thar
trsaf,- This motion was lost 4 20 IL
The committee resolutions were then