The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-19
INDEMNITY FROM TURKEY.
The Firm Demands of This Country
Cause Somewhat of n Sensation
Among Diplomats.

WASHINGTON, April ls--The news q
the firm attitude assumed by the state de-
partrnent toward the Turkish government
in the prosecution of its claim for dam
ages 10 American missionary property
caused something of a sensation in dplo-
matte circles today. Three successive
Americans have prosecuted these claims.
Each received promise OF
prompt settlement and yet not
dollar has been paid. With European
diplomats that Is an old experience and
Ley have consequently been somewhat
surprised at the announcement that the
United States government is actually GO
ing to insist upon performance instead Ct
promise. Minister Angel after trying his
hand at collection for two years recon-
mended that United States warsnio be
sent TO seize Smyrna and collect revenues
at the custom house there sufficient to
meet cur claims This suggestion was not
seriously entertained nor is 1t now IN
the first place, according to the state de-
partment officials, the most important
business interests in Smyrna are in the
hands of foreigners, not Turks. and a
bombardment by a United States fleet
might result In pretty bill for DAMAGES
remnant OF a Turkish navy. the United
States would have to send squadron in
stead of a single ship. Such a movement
would without doubt be resented by the
remainder of Europe which could not con-
template with equanimity an action by
the United States that would perhaps de-
stroy the fruits of many years work of
tho greatest European statesmen by pre-
tote Anal iafS la,
Therefore the important step to be
taken by our government will not he war
like, but will still suggest in most disni-
fed manner the indignation felt by the
United States at the betrayal Of Turkish
promises. How this attitude will bear
upon the Turkish minister in Washington
cannot be foretoid at this moment. lie
has SO far absolutely been unentansled
in the negotiations OF the American claims
bur that fact might not save him from
being made the immediate victim OF MS
eountry's laohes
The minister. however. Is very popular
in Washington.
why Minister strauss Came Home.
NEW YORK. April is.-The Herald to-
morrow will say. oscar s. Strauss. min
lister from the United States to Turkey. is
at MS nome IN TINS city IL - hHh"iHAttA
that he will remain here until the claim
~ settled
When MIR. Strauss found that the sui
tan, In spite Of his personal pledge to pay
the claim, which had. ut his solicitation,
been reduced from more than 800, 90 to
sioo, 900, was bent on continuing his policy
of delay, ne sent dispatch to Washing
ton relating the facts OF the negotiations
and Offering his immediate resignation.
The resignation. n accepted. would have
been tantamount to a direct challenge TO
the sublime porte.
The administration was not prepared,
however. to take 80 positive step, and
asked Mr.. Strauss 70 permit his resigna-
ton to remain Enacted upon and 20 re-
tire from Coustantinople until thu affair
might be adjusted amicahly by firm press
ure upon the sultan. II - understood,
therefore, that the absence OF Minister
strauss from Coustantinoplc ID notice 10
the sultan OF the hispleasure Of this coun-
try.
Mr.. Strauss says; Il regard the situa-
ton as grave. unless the sultan promptly
makes good his promises,