The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-04-27
FRIDAY, APRIL %, 1900.
THE TURKISH lMBRoGL1o.

1. was teiegraphed 10 this country from
London and published in yesterdays
Times that the constantinople correspond
ent of the London Daily Telegraph had
1elegraphed that paper from CONSTANT
nopla that the Porte considers that its
offer 10 rebuild the American structures
burned at harpot VIII close the question.
II bases this belief, he says, on news that
Russia has intimated an intention to op-
pose any attempt on the part Of the
United States 10 enforce payment by this
government of an indemnity We can
not believe that there is any truth in this
statement 1t is customary amongst ma,
tons, and has always been customary
amongst nations since the dawn of civili-
cation, for one Power to make reprisals
upon another for injuries done the for
mer by The latter This sometimes re-
suits in war between the two powers and
sometimes goes no further than the single
act OF reprisal. But whatever its results,
that has always been the custom, and ii
is a custom sanctioned by every authority
upon international law. 1t is, therefore,
not only the law, but ii is the unbroken
practice Of centuries. II is true that
Russia seems to think that she has some
special interest in Turkey, though how
ever she may view it. ali the rest Of the
world views it as the interest which the
wolf has in the lamb. But leaving out
of view any question of her special inter-
est in Turkey, and considering Turkey.
Russia and the United States as three
separate and independent powers, she
would have been just as much justified
in interfering with Us in our war with
Spain in behalf of Spain as she would be
in interfering in this case TO resist our
demand upon Turkey. If we threatened
the existence OF Turkey as nation it
might be that Russia's proximity to Tur-
key and the interlacing Of their interests
might excuse her for joining teams with
Turkey against us But we threaten
nothing Of that sort. We are demanding
an indemnity for an injury inflicted upon
our citizens for which the Government
Of Turkey is responsible TO US, and when
we get oar money, which is, at last, but
a small sum, we are dcne with the bust
ness ana Turkey viii be allowed to so
on in her own chosen course. as she
rleases. so far as we are concerned, I'M
til she 1reads upon our toes again. when
we viii again hold her TO the strictest
account.
We know nothing of the merits of this
controversy, except as the newspapers
have stated the case. but we assume thas
our State Department thoroughly inves-
tigated the matter before ii took up its
present position, and that our citizens
have been made victims of wanton in
jury which required our government to
interfere in their behalf; that being SO,
the interference must be made and sus-
tanned whatever consequences follow.
AS we have said. we do not believe that
Russia VIII be so unwise or SO unjust as.
10 assume The position with which she
is credited; nevertheless, it may be true.
il may he fact that she intends 10 plant
herself upon this proposition. II she
does she must be met in linine. She must
be met quietly, but with absolute firm
dned years we have lived in theory
that we would have 20 entanglements of
my sort whatever with foreign affairs.
But our seizure Of the Philippines has
carried Us into foreign affairs whether
We would or would not. We occupy now
a position in international matters which
me must maintain at any and all cost.
and a sine qua non TO maintaining ina:
position is that we meet any eontem-
plated encroachmen: upon our rights
with front which tells that behind that
front ali of the gigantic powers of this
nation stand a,arshalled ready 10 support
and make good that front Russia must
be met in this instance with kid glove
wasch conceals a grip of steel That po-5
s.tior VIII 10 doubt end the incident with
nothing a,u, few ceremonions inter-
change of notes. whilst the slightest in
decision or weakness upon cur part may