Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-04-07


the case by these assertions.
The debate ran on in this way for two
hours and Morgan said he would take
the matter up again today. but the ar
rival Of 2 o'clock shut off Cuban
affairs and the bankruptcy bill came up
and was debated by Stewart, who
couldn't keep of the silver track and
when the debate got on that line 1t
stayed there to the close. An executive
session was held.
TURK TO BE CALLED TO TIME.
John W. Foster Selected ~ the Exponent
ofs ''vigorous Policy"
Washington, April THE adoption
Of a vigorous policy to secure from the
Turkish government the settlement of
the claims preferred by the United
States on account Of the destruction of
American missionary property and out
RACES to American missionaries COM
mitted during the uprising against the
Armenians in the fall Of 1895 is being
considered by the new administration,
and probably will be put into operation
soon. President McKinley's programme
contemplates the sending to Constanti-
nople of Hon. John w. Foster, former
secretary Of state, as a special envoy
with the rank of ambassador to secure
from the sultan the payment of the
claims which have been filed and the
speedy trial OF those American citi-
Gems against whom charges have been
made by Turkish officials. The presi-
dent probably will send to congress a
message recommending that authority
n ~ 30
ambassador to Turkey for this purpose.
Several questions are at issue between
the United States and Turkey as a re-
suit of the Armenian troubles, the salts
factory adjustment of which the sultan
has refused or postponed from time to
time. and which the administration de-
sires to settle. Claims amounting to
$50. have been presented by Minister
Terrill on account Of the damages done
to the Euphrates college at Harpoot,
which is the property Of the American
Board of Foreign Missions; to the Marash
Theological seminary and the residence
OF an American missionary at Hasquey,
a suburb Of Constantinople.
The sultan has refused to recognize
Messrs. Bergholz and Hunter, who two
years ago were sent by the United
States as consuls to Erzeroum and Har-
poot. They reached their posts after
some trouble, but being unable to secure
recognition or perform their duties as
consuls withdrew, and a few months
afterward occurred the disturbances at
Harpoot in which the American college
was looted and property worth 800, 900
destroyed. Bergholz has since retired
to Erzeroum, but has not been recog-
nized. No apology or explanation has
been offered nor any redress given for
any Of these acts. President Cleveland
and Secretary Olney at one time con-
sidered the advisability Of blockading
the port Of Smyrna to secure redress,
but abandoned the idea partly because
the revenues Of the custom house were
mortgaged to European governments.
The new administration desires to Sc
cure the payment of the claims for dam
ages preferred by Minister Terrill; to Sc
cure trials for Mr.. Knapp and other
Americans against whom charges have
been made; to gain permission for
Knapp to return to his post, and to have
the consuls who have been accredited to
Turkish cities recognized. The churches
OF the country have made strong re-
quests that these things be DONE Since
the Turkish question has been under
consideration Fosters has been the only
name suggested as the one best quali-
fled to secure for the United States the
same rights accorded to other powers
for their citizens in Turkey.
Bryan Attracts a Big Crowd.
Washington, April THE supreme
court room and the corridors without
were crowded yesterday with spectators
a ttvro, tod hvy %ha
William ]. Bryan as counsel in a case.
Two lines Of people. many Of them
ladies, waited outside Of the door after
the court room had been filled. and
when Bryan appeared they applauded
him. The case on hearing involved the
constitutionality of a law of the state
Of Nebraska, passed to regulate railway
rates and Bryan spoke for the law.
As to Help for Flood Sufferers
washington. April 7.-President Nc
kinley may abandon his idea of send
Ing special message to congress to-
day asking for legislation for the re-
lief OF the Mississippi flood sufferers,
Such action 1t is thought is rendered
| unnecessary by the passage by the SEN
ate OF the Bate resolution diverting for
the relief Of the flood sufferers the unex.
pended balance OF the appropriations
made from time to time to meet con.
tengencies in connection with cholera
| and other epidemics.
Says His Pension IL All Right,
Washington. April 7.-Ex-Deputy
| Commissioner Of Pensions H. C. Bell
| speaking Of the restoration Of his name
| to the pension rolls said: II do not de.
sire to discuss the matter at this time
further than to say that the matter will
be carefully considered by Commissions,
| Evans. whom I regard as a Just man
and when this Is done feel satisfied
that he will find that the claim for re.
| storaticn was properly filed. properly
adjudicated, and properly allowed"
No Action On Forest Reserves.