New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-16
to jury Of its own selection? Could not two
Of our Supreme Court Justices be trusted to
safeguard American interests and American
hOnor?-EdO
AMERICAN INFLUENCE IN TURKEY.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AN AMBASSADOR
INSTEAD or MINISTER AT con-

srANTINoPLE.
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Because Of the profound interest which the
people OF our country now have in Turkey and
the changes which will undoubtedly take place
there in the no distant future. may respectfully
call your attention TO the importance OF eevating
our diplomatic representative at Constantinople
to the rank OF an ambassador, and ask IL you VIII
kindly give the matter your editorial consideration?
l hope you will also advise all your readers VINO
are convinced Of the importance OF this change 10
write to their representatives in Congress ana IN
the Senate to this end
Undoubtedly. the next Administration Will make
no more important foreign appointment than the
appointment of minister or ambassador to Con-
stantinople That city will probably be the centre
of diplomatic discussion which will affect all
Europe and Asia. American interests In that coun-
try-apart from political questons-are second
therein to other country. These interests must
be protected in the changes that are contemplated.
American property has been destroyed during the
last fourteen months, and American rights have
been violated, and the flag insulted for when no
indemnity has beer paid or apology offered Ana
the violations continue. No other country has been
treated In this manner Our representative at Con-
stantnople. having only the rank OF minister. Is
not taken into the condolences Of the ambassadors
OF other Powers and occupies a position In prece-
dence AT the Porte below all the ambassadors as
well as the ministers who have had longer term
or service than ne.
American interests Of such Importance that
we need the best representation possible 10 OBTAIN,
unhampered by any limitations OF position we
need the best international diplomat our country
possesses with the largest possible liberty IN the
exercise Of his functions. Such a man might De
obtained as ambassador but there Is little nope
that he would be willing to go as minister.
BY act of Congress any country sendlng an am
bassador to the United States will receive one OF
equal rank from the United States. There Is no
probability that Turkey will raise her representa-
tive at Washington to an ambassador. because she
does not wish this country TO have more influence
power at Constantinople than II now possesses
for the same reasons that she did not grant exc
quaturs the consus sent out nearly twenty
months ago to occupy the new consuates at Har-
poot and Erzeroum, created by act OF Congress.
Turkey does not wish larger or better protection
for American interests in the Empire: hence
separate of Congress will be necessary TO bring
about the desired change.
American interests in Turkey are represented by
the residence there of over two hundred native
born American citizens. besides many naturaliz1d
citizens by vested funds representing several mill
ions OF dollars and by the annual expenditure IN
that country of more than 100000 This sum rep
resents a larger interest than the same amount
spent in trade for which equivalent Is obtained
in goods.
1t is important that early action be taken by
Congress- There Is reason to hope that as am
bassador no less n man than ]. w. Foster, Presi-
dent James b. Angel Andrew ]. White could
be induced to accept the place.