The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-20
ALI FERR0UH BEY TALKS
TURKISH MINISTER DOES NOT EN-
PECT SERIOUS TROUBLE.
He Calls at the State Department.
However, and Is Told the
Situation Is Grave.

WASHINGTON. April 10. - Among the
callers on Acting Secretary Hill to-day
was Ali Ferrouh Bey, the Turkish minister
to Washington. Though this was diplo-
matte day. and the minister has been a
rather frequent visitor to the department
on such days, ii was pretty well under
stood that the occasion for this particular
call was the publication of the intention
of the United States government to bring
to an immediate issue the negotiations with
Turkey relative to the payment of the
American missionary and other claims. 1t
is understood that the purpose of the min
lister was primarily to gather Information
on this subject, of which he was ignorant,
from the fact that the negotiations have
been conducted exclusively in CONSTANT
nople. Following the invariable rule of
diplomatic intercourse, neither of the prin-
cipals was at liberty to disclose the de-
tails of the interview. 1t Is understood,
however, that while aware that there has
been nothing so far i'm the nature of an
ultimatum, the minister was impressed
with the fact that the situation is actually
one of great gravity, and ii is presumed
he will so inform his government. He ex-
presses himself as confident that the pres
ent crisis will be safely passed without
permanent disturbance of the traditional
good relations between the United States
and Turkey.
In an interview yesterday with the cor
respondent of the New York Herald Ali
Ferrouh Bey is quoted as declaring that
Turkey is not responsible for the claims,
as it had given adequate protection to for
eigners residing within its boundaries dur
ing the revolution of some years ago az
can hardly believe" he said, that any
foundation exists for the reports that there
is grave danger Of rupture I'm the diplo-
matte relations between the United States
and the Sublime Porte on account of the
latter's failure to pay claims arising out of
alleged outrages suffered by American mis-
sionaries in Turkey. The relations between
the two governments have always been OF
a friendly character and are too sacred to
be so lightly broken off. The claims
amount in all to $4,000, a patry sum, |
think. on which to base such a regrettable
and injurious act While L have not con-
Quoted negotiations on the subject, and
am therefore not familiar with all the
facts. L am sure that had the Sultan given
his promise TO pay an immediate settle
ment would have been made. L am OF
opinion that I'm the translation of his re-
marks the dragoman misinterpreted his
language, conveying to the minister the
promise of which he speaks. instead of a
declaration that an inquiry would be made
of the proper executive department. Ny
government is DESTROYS of fulfilling its just
obligations, and If the claims of the mis-
sionaries can be established they will un-
doubtedly be settled. But il seems ridIcu-
lous for the press to speak of a rupture Of
diplomatic relations, In view of the unim-
portance of the matter and OF the small
amount involved. / may add that my gov
eminent is responsible in the eyes of in
ternational law for damages done the prop
erty of foreigners during a revolution. At
the time of the revolt. however. the Sub
lime Porte provided ample protection for
Americans and their interests. This is all
that could have been expected of IL. Not
single foreigner was killed or injured"