The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-21
ALI FERR0UH BEY AGAIN
SAYS MIR. sTRAUs WAS NOT JrsTI-
FLED IN HIS STATEMENTS.
Insists that He Had No Right To Say
Abdul Hamid Broke His Promise
Chance for Reprisa1.

WASHINGTON. April 2O-Secretary Hay
returned to Washington to-day from New
York. An accumulation OF departmental
business awaited him, but nothing in the
nature of ultimatum directed to the
Turkish government was included in the
mass of papers on his desk 1t is apparent
that though determined upon positive ac-
tion in the collection of it's just claims
against the Turkish government. the State
Department is proceeding decorously and
with due precautions against being led into
the assumption Of any position which IL
cannot maintain. 1t may be stated by
authority that the State Department is
entirely satisfied OF the accuracy OF Min
lister Strauss statement relative TO the
promises made to him by the Porte, not
withstanding the attempted explanations
and efforts 10 becloud the issue by declara-
tions that the Suitan's promises were con-
ditional The minister's dispatches. sent
while he was in Constantinople were
couched in exact terms, his written state
ments were fully confirmed by his oral
explanations to the department on his re-
turn to the United States and moreover
the pledges he secuted were similar to
States ministers to Turkey. In the opin-
ion OF the State Department officials. It Is
inconceivable that three United States
ministers should be successfully deceived
in the terms OF a promise or should have
reported similar misunderstanding.
The approval which the State Depart
ment's latest action seems to have received
in Europe was anticipated. it being real
lied here that several of the continental
powers having claims similar to our own
against Turkey being themselves pre-
vented from initiating any forcible demand
on the Turkish government, by reason OF
the jealousy of their neighbors, are entirely
willing that the United States government
shall act as a pioneer In this matter and
clear the way for a prosecution OF their
own just claims. 1t is also believed here
that the European powers are hopeful
that the attitude assumed by the United
States in the present instance may indi-
rectly serve TO deter the Turkish govern
ment from the proposed arbitrary increase
of per cent. in custom duties. which It
seeks to make in defiance of the joint pro-
test of the European powers. II appears
that our government is lending its moral
support to this project. for. while not
joining with the others In the combined
note. our charge. Mr.. Griscom. has been
instructed to make representations on our
own account in opposition TO the increase
of duties.
Ali Frlrrouh Bey. the Turkish minister.
said to-day that he probably would hear
from his government in a short time con-
cerning the American claims. He insists
that an amicable settlement can be ar
ranged and repeats his statement already
published that in view OF the high esteem
in which he was held by the Sultan, and
the fact of his acting I'm diplomatic ca
pacity, Minister Straus was not justified
in making the assertion that the Sultan
had broken his promise in regard TO the
settlement Of the claims.