The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-04-19
That He Is Liable to Receive
His Walking Papers.
OTHERS INTERESTED.
Says He Doesn't Believe the
Sultan Promised to Pay
For the Destruction of the Mis-
siOnaries' Property.


Herald from Washington, says:
Ali Ferrouh Bey, the Turkish minis
ter to the United States. will call at the
state department to ascertain what
foundation there is for the reports that
the administration is preparing to hand
him his passports in the event that the
Sublime Porte declines to pay the mis-
sionary claims pending against it.
Similar queries will be made by repre-
sentativeS of European governments IN
Washington The state department Is
maintaining a. discreet silence, although
it is known that when Secretary Hay
returns from New York he will sign
peremptory note to the Sublime Porte
demanding prompt action upon AmeT1-
can claims.
Ali Ferrouh Bey, in discussing the
matter today, declared that Turkey is
not responsible for the claims, as it had
given adequate protection to foreigners
residing within it's boundaries during
the revolution of some years ago.
Il can hardly believe he said, that
any foundation exists for the reports
that there is grave danger of a rupture
in the diplomatic 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 missionaries in
Turkey. The relation 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 paltry sum,
think, upon which to base such a re-
grettable and injurious act.
While 1 have not conducted negotia-
tionS on the subject, and am, therefore,
not familiar with all the facts, [ am
sure that had the sultan given his
promise to pay an immediate settlement
would have been made. I am of the
opinion that in the translation of his
rennarkes the dragoman misinterpreted
his language, conveying to the minister
the promise of which he speaks, instead
of declaration that an inquiry would
be made OF the proper executive depart
| ment.
My government is desirous Of full
| filling its just obligation, and if the
| claims of the missionaries can be es-
tablished they will undoubtedly be set
| tied. But 1t seems ridiculous for the
| press to speak of a rupture of diplo-
matte relations in view of the unim-
portance of the matter and of the small
amount involved.
4 may add that my government is
| responsible in the eyes of internationa
law for damages done the property Of
| foreigners during a revolution. At tbs
| time of the revolt, however, the Sublime
Porte provided ample protection fol
| Americans and their interests. This i:
| all that could have been expected of it
| Not a single foreigner was killed or in
jured.
My relations with the state depart
| Ineul are SO COfu1dl Jf1aJ L ca1 nel1ulN
| believe there is any foundation for th'
report that a rupture is impending, ant
| besides the officials are too far-secins
and possess too much judgment to as
sumo the responsibility of such 4 grave
policy"
Those close to the Turkish ministe,
declare that the United States woulS
be a greater sufferer than Turkey il
the event that diplomatic relation
were suspended. 1t was pointed Ou
hot rnfA
into Turkey is much larger and NOR
valuable than the Importation of Turk
ish goods into the United States. Tier
are several hundred American mission
aries with their families, besides oths
American citizens in Turkey, and the.
would be left without the protection 0
the United States and would have t
depend upon that which could be af
forded by a neutral power.
So far as Turkey is concerned, ther
are comparatively few of her subject
in the United States, and the ministe
does not believe that they would lie Il
any danger even should his legation b
Withdrawn.
EUROPE IS INTERESTED.
London, April 19.-Keen interest
| manifested here in the threatened ac
tion of the United States against Tur
key, particularly in view of the sultan
recalcitrancy in connection with the in
crease of the customs duties The fourtI
| collective note of the embassies object
| ing to an increase of per cent in tn
| duties, on account of the bad condition
| of Turkish finances, without a previou
understanding with the powers, wa
| handed to the Turkish government yes
| terday but Turkey maintains such
firm attitude that the suspicion
growing that some covert intrigue 4
frustrating the effect of the notes.
The St. James Gazette says:
1T will be interesting to watch tn
game of procrastination. to which Eur
ope is accustomed, being played wit
the United States. America has erftere
the European arena. and apparently ha
no intention of standing any humbu
from the Turks. Why should she? Tn
eastern question has no terrors for
power with whole ocean between her
self ard the Balkans. The presiden
: thinks the sultan has had grace enough
But if America sets foot in Asia Minol
perhaps she will find that neither Rus
! sia nor Germany will be unintereste
/ spectators. From ourselves, she will &c
: nothing but sympathy and good will"
l The Pail Mall Gazette says:
! abdul and the steam roller are quit
used to lodging around each othe
without damage to anybody, but til
brusque hurry of the American govern
| ment must be rather disconcertin.
These Americans so far from playing
game. are positively talking of seizin
Smyrna"
The papers generally think ADD
/ Hamid will pay up.