New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-24
BACK FROM DISTRESSED ARMENI4
w W. HOWARD RETURNS FROM HIS THIRD
MISSION TO AID THE VICTIMS OF THE
TURK HE PREDICTS MORE
TROIrPIE AHEAD

The steamship ST. Louis. which arrived yester-
day. had among her passengers William Willard
Howard. who has just returned to his home. No
81 West Thirty-second-st. from his third trip to
Asia on behalf OF the prosecuted Armenians. Mr.
Towards purpose In visiting Asia this time
10 carry into practical effect the rescue scheme
which he persuaded the Armenian Relief Associa
ton TO undertake last spring. and he was able to
say to Tribune reporter yesterday that the work
had been most successfully begun
II did not get the rescue machinery into practi-
cal working order until late in the season" said
he. land by the time that work fairly begun
winter came down and compelled suspend
operations for the time being. While ac-
tually at work. however. the results sur
prisngly good. We were instrumental in rescuing
about twelve thousand prosecuted Christians from
the Turk. and these people are now in other
tries and in fair way make a fresh start in
life.
THE rescue scheme was not expected TO solve the
Armenian problem. but TO be mitigation OF its
horrors to many poor creatures as We could
reach. That the Armenans themselves had abou:
the same idea Of the situation / had IS shown
In the large number Of refugees who have fed from
Turkey to all parts of the world Fully 5000
have made their way into Asiatic Russia from
Eastern Turkey. and certain that many
others will follow in the spring The 1900 whoa
We were instrumental in getting OF Turkey
We're really small par, Of the general exodus
have sufficient funds TO work with
1T Is a great mistake TO suppose that the Ar
menian question has quieted down and that no
further trouble need be feared There IS plenty OF
trouble aheld. and only the Sultan of Turil., him
self has power 10 prevent 1t. There will serious
trouble In the city and province OF Van this year
and KIrds and Turks Will again stain their swords
with the blood OF innocent, unoffending Christians
There Is likely TO BE- more trouble IN Constantine
pie and f the entire city Is laid in ruins Shall not
be greatly surprised. As a matter Of fact the Ar
menian question Is just beginning TO be opened M
III is, one may say, just now only in It's infancy.
one VINO attempts TO pass Judgment upon the Ar
belief that he al that there is to be- seen
of II in Turkey. He rid himself of all rroiu-
dice and so outside Of Turkey to get the facts
As 10 action by the Powers OF Europe il Is
the Armenians least OF all. They have lost hone
and they ready TO flee to other countries
or TO remain and fight until the last man drops A
more desperate hopeless situation il would be i'm
what desperate man may do no one can toll
That there il trouble ahead Wcll-informed person
can doubt for a moment Cancellation OF the Turk
merely hsstens calamity. Believing in humane
poor creatures as can before utter chaos shall
have swept them out OF existence, and that | am
right IN this action have the most ample proof
from the refugees themselves"
Mr.. Howard thought that Il meeting Of III. Ar
menian Relief Association would be held this week
to discuss the situation He did not see any of Tho
members Yesterday. but he understood that The
annual meeting had been delayed await his re-
turn. He Will probably have a new phase of the
relief question 10 present al the meeting
Il had hard trip this time said ne in conclu-
sion. and there was not as much excitement abou,
II as experienced on my two preceding trips The
kurds shot at me only once. and then they missed
me The worst OF II was ! didn't get a chance TO
shoot back" -