The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-04-20
WANTSNO CHURCHMAN.
Why Turkey May Dislike Min
lister Angel.
HE is TOO ACTIVE A CHRISTIAN.

HE is TOO ACTIVE A CHRISTIAN.
How the Porte eau Annoy Our Repre-
sentative-President Mckinley and SEN
ator Platt-Trying to Restore Harmony
| In Pennsylvania.
WASHINGTON, April 19.-[Spccial. -
There is good dcal of doubt in diplomatic
circles here rs to tho acceptability of Pres
| ident Angel of the University of Michigan
to the government of Turkey. He has been
appointed and confirmed as our minister
to Constantinople, but it remains to be
| seen if he be persona grata to the sultan.
gentleman who holds n high place in
the diplomatic world tells me he very
much doubts if President Angel will
| provo acceptable to the porto: This means
no reflection upon Mr.. Angels character,
for that is above rcproach. But he is IN
ardent churchman. Mrs. Angel is noted
oil over tho country for the interest which
She takes in the foreign missions of the
| Congregational church. The board of for
eign missions of that organization is said
to DO the largest and best equipped mis-
sionary concern in the world. 1t has many
agents in Asiatic Turkey 1t was the first
to send missionaries to that country, whero
it has considerable property. During the
recent troubles tho representatives of tho
board have found themselves injured by
the Turks, and many complaints arc now
pending with claims for damages 1t is
said here that tho influence of tho church
people was paramount in securing the APP
pointmcnt of President Angel, and SO far
us the American point of view is concerned
there could not have been u better selec-
ton.
Turkish Condemnation.
AS minister to Turkey President Angel
is expected to prove u most vigorous agent
In demanding settlement from the porte
for outragcs TO American missionaries and
injury to American property. Those who
know him predict that no will provo q
most efficient instrument of justice But
how will the sultan receive him2 1t is
we'll known, especially among those who
have had experience Mt Constantinoplc.
that the government Of Turkey is greatly
prejudiccd against Americans who are or
have been active in church work
An attache Of the state department who
has Ind experience in Turkey tells me it
Is n mistake to send churchman to Con-
stantinoplc. He is, il received, under a ban
from the first. The government is preju-
diced against him. Its officials contriyc
to throw obstacles in his way They set
UP u system of petty annoyance and delay.
Everything is postponed from time to time.
There is plenty of politencss but no &c
ton. Nothing is moro annoying than this
method of treating diplomatic agent. He
is powerless to help himself except by res
ignation. Unless his government is will
m mr. tr,n y{x
measures, which have war us their alterna-
tive, he may DO kept dancing attendance
month after month and year after year
without securing any satisfaction. The
beet sort of man to send to Turkey, said
this diplomat is not n churohman, or a
professor, but vigorous, fighting Ameri-
can, who will seek Mt the outset to estab-
fish frank and friendly relations, and then
follow them up with energetic action which
leads to results. To such man the porto
would be pleased to give attention. He Mt
lcnst is ablo TO start OH fair footing. A
recognized churchman and friend Of for
cign missions, on the other hand begins
his work at n terrible disadvantage Hc is
almost Suro to secure rank treatment MS
long as no remains there.
Senator PIatt's Position.
How arc Mckinley and Platt getting
along! This question was put to me by
one of my correspondents, II gentleman
who remembered that last year Mr. Platt
was one of Mr.. NIcliinlcys most bitter on
ponents. Arguing from this, he supposed
there was trouble or danger of trouble be-
tween the president and the senator from
New York, the rock on which tho Repub-
l1can party has split more than once in tho
past. But, really, Mckinley and Platt are
getting along very well. Tho president
took occasion to tell Mr.. Plat before in
huguntion that the new senator from New
York would he placed upon tho same foot
ing Mt the White House as all other Repub
lican senators. Nothing will be done in
your state unless you are first consulted"
said the president. ''You will he given
an opportunity to mako your representa-
lions concerning every appointment in
New York. do not mean by this that all
your recommendations will be followed.
There arc others and other things to think
about. Some of the things YOU ask for
will be done, and some may not be, but i'm
every case you will be treated as your DO
sition and your dignity require" More
| than this the president said, of IL personal
and friendly NATURE and Mr. Plat, who
IS an old war horse in politics and likes
plain, blunt men, who know what they
mean and mean what they say, was de-
lighted with the presidents plan 1t has
been followed out To the letter, and tho
! president and tho senator from New York
are getting along very nicely.
Situation In Pennsylvania.
| One of the most delicate political situa-
| tions confronting the president was in tho
state of Pennsylvania. In that state n
large faction OF the Republican party had
worked early and openly for the nomina-
ton of Mckinley. Mr.. Quay was at first
Won