New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-19
THE CLAIM AGAINST TURKEY.


1t must be with sincere satisfaction that the
public has learned, through The Tribunes
Washington dispatches, that this countrys
righteous claim against Turkey is forthwith to
be pressed to a settlement. 1t is high time.
The claim is for indemnity for wanton and
abominabe outrages and destruction of prop
erty, committed with the acquiescence If not
the actual participation, Of officers Of the Turk
ish Government. Its entire justice was conceded
by the Turkish Government years ago On the
almost pitiful plea of that Government. and in
consideration of a promise Of immediate settle
ment, the United States Government with ex-
traordinary generosity agreed TO a reduction Of
the claim to less than one-third of what might
rightfully have been eXacted But not single
piastre of it has yet been paid. or it is evident,
ever will be paid unless pressure of the most
determined and memorable character Is applied.
The time seems to have come for the
application of such pressure. That does not
necessarily mean that naval force will be en-
ployed. There are probably some resources of
diplomacy remaining which may be available
and effective We sincerely hope So for we do
not believe in war. not against the Tribe
of Othman if it possibly be avoided. Not
long ago of those who have been foremost
in denouncng the .'bloodguiltness" of this Gov
eminent in suppressng rebellion and brigand-
age in Luzon were shriekng for the instant
sending of warships to the Bosporus to bonn
bard COnstantinople and blow multitudes Of
men, women and children into fragments. Such
was the phrenetic jingoism of those who pose
upon their pillars as anti-Jingoes. The sane
general Judgment of the Nation has, however,
approved the policy of patience to the utter
most extent Just as in the case of Cuba. But
such patience means no diminution of energy
nor restraint of force when the time for patience
ends and the time for action comes.
There can be no legitimate ground for COM
plant or remonstrance by Turkey or any other
Power at any measures, However summary,
which the United States may now adopt for the
collection of the debt on which Judgment was
so long ago confessed. Turkey has a yearly
revenue of more than $S0,0O0.000. If out Of
that she cannot once pay beggarly 100000, 1t
is time for her to resign her sovereignty TO
some one who can do So Nor could other Euro
pean Powers consistently object; no, not even
though it should prove necessary to collect the
debt under the guns of an American feet The
United States has a more valid claim against
Turkey than some of those Powers have had
against minor American States, and it has
shown far more patience and forbearance than
they have shown The United States did not
prevent nor interfere with the collection of
British claims in Nicaragua, and Italian claims
in Colombia. and French claims in Hayt,
though it was done at the lannon's mouth.
Neither we may be sure. would any European
Power protest against a like proceeding by this
country at Smyrna or in the Dardaneiles. 1t is
earnestly to be hoped-and there Is ground for
hope and for eXpectation-that such eX-
IRENE recourse will not be necessary. But the
danger of it is best to be obviated by Turkeys
prompt realization of the fact that the United
States is in earnest in this matter, and that Its
demand for settlement is capable of being
enforced.