New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-10
POPULAR OBSERVATION.
TIME TO FORCE TURKEY.
HER DELAYS IN PAYING INDEMNITY FOR INJU-
RrEs TO AMERICANS SHOULD BE MET

WITH FLEET
To the Editor OF The Tribrre.
Sir: More than two years ago property or
Americans In Turkey to the extent OF over slvN-
900 was destroyed by mobs. assisted and even
led by uniformed officers Of the Turkish Army.
These charges for indemnity have been care
fully investigated by. our Government through
English consus and the reason ableness and JUS
tice OF the claims fully verified. hut nothing has
been paid in spite Of repeated demands, ana II
Is becoming evident that the Porte intends TO
pay nothing unless forced to do so.
In all the history Of Turkish diplomacy Tur-
key has never paid an indemnity charge without
the expressed determination of the power pre-
ferrng the claim to collect It at all hazards,
and 1t Is equally true that when such a display
has taken place she has always at the last mo-
ment paid. In other words Turkey never pays
Just bill until forced 10 do so. and never re-
slsts the collection of just indemnity when 1t
is presented with determination and force.
The delay on the part Of our Government in
collecting this claim Is interpreted by the Sui
tan and his officers a confession OF weakness.
and they regard it fairly safe to destroy
American property and put into Jeopardy Amer
lean life Unless our Government soon takes
vigorous action and collects these claims the
Hunureus OF thousands or dollars worth Oh
American property still left undestroyed in that
country Will have little value. and the lives OF
our own citizens who connected with It can
expect little consideration. In the mind OF the
Turk q government which has not acted under
previous provoca ton will overlook almost any
thing they may do in the future
The six great Powers OF Europe have now
prepared Identical note 10 the Sultan de-
manding immediate payment Of all losses in
Turkey sustained by the citizens Of these re-
spective governments. None Of the citizens OF
these countries have met with the indignittes
1t is of the utmost Importance that our Gov
crEment. now that the war indemnity to Turkey
Is decided upon. press her claims with new
vigor. backed by a fleet which will convince
Turkey that We are not afraid u her and that
we mean 70 protect American property and life
everywhere, even In the Turkish Empire.
our Minister at COnstantnople is wise and
safe man. in whom everybody in this country
has the utmost confidence. \ strong fleet at his
for payment, unless ali precedents fail, would
procure the money due and. what is more i'm
portant. secure for life and property in the
future protection and safety.
Austria has recently set us example OF the
way Turkey must be dealt with in order TO Sc
cure justice.
II Turkey is permitted 70 defy all treaties and
set at defiance every principle" OF International
law in her treatment Of our citizens and their
property. how can We expect that other half
civilized nations will do any better? our Gov
eminent cannot afford 10 daily with this ques-
ton longer. but ought AZ once TO press her
claims In such ma lner thai there can he no
doubt to he- intentions y.
New York. January J. 1897,