The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-08

dispatch from Constantinople in rela-
tion to the Beirut affair as follows:
Some of the orthodox inhabitants of
Beirut attacked four MuSSulmanS who
were passing through the Mezera quar-
ter, fired upon them and rioting ensued.
The imperial authorities Immediately
sent troops to the scene of the disturb
ance, which put an end to the strife. One
soldier was killed and three were
wounded. One civilian was killed and
one was wounded Order and tram
guilty are perfectly maintained in all
parts of the villayet.''
A high Turkish official pointed out
that the Christians were the aggressors,
but he said it would not have been even
surprising had the Mussulmans precipi-
tated the riot for throughout Turkey
Indignation is felt at the conduct of the
revolutionists in Macedonia"
The official added:
THE Christians at Beirut have been
greatly encouraged by the appearance
of the American squadron, the presence
of which could not be regarded sympa-
thetically by the Mohammendan popu-
lation because it had come not to pay
friendly call, but to enforce demands"
1t is understood here that Turkey is
anxious to induce the United States to
withdraw the American warships from
Turkish waters believing that such ac-
ton would discourage the Christians,
who hope for American Intervention and
the porte is now expected to make con-
cessions in compliance with the Amer
lean representations.
All the reports received here continue
to record Turkish successes in Mace
donia. No confirmation has been re-
ceived of the report of the death of
Boris Sariffo. the revolutionary leader,
but should it be true the Macedonians
will admit that a great blow has been
struck at their cause.
FRANCE IS DOUBTFUL.
London, Sept. S-Great Britain's re-
fusal to assent to the Russian and Aus
trian proposal, outlined in the Asso-
cIated Press dispatches from Berlin yes
terday evening that the powers take
coercive diplomatic action at Sofia, with
the aim of severing the relations now
existing between Bulgaria and the
Macedonian insurgents is traced to her
unwillingness to take a step which
might have unforeseen consequences.
AT the same time the Associated Press
learns that Great Britains refusal is not
definite and if all the powers can see
their way to adopt the Russo-Austrian
proposal she will participate in the CO.
ercion of Bulgaria. 1t is semi officially
stated here that Italy is willing to agree
to the proposal mentioned in the dis
patches from Berlin. but that the con-
sent of France is doubtful. The foreign
office informs the Associated Press that
the British military attache at Con-
Stantinople has not gone to Monastir
as announced in news agency dispatch
yesterday. The British government is
not aware that any military attaches
are there, or that they intend going to
MOnaStir. The foreign office has re-
ceived notification of the Beirut affair,
but has not heard anything on the SUBJ
ject of the British consul there threat
ening to ask Rear Admiral Cotton to
land marines.
COTTON is READY.
Washington, Sept. S.-The navy de-
partment has received a cablegram
from Admiral Cotton at Beirut saying
| he is prepared to land a force for the
protection of property of American cit
izens, if the situation there demands it.
CHRISTIANS ASSASSINATED.
( Paris. Sept. S-A dispatch to the
Temps from Constantinople, giving ad-
ditional details of the outbreak at Bel
! rut says that when the soldiers and po-
lice sought to stop the encounter be-
, tween the Mussulmans and Christ
suited in 30 persons being killed or
wounded. The soldiers lost one man
killed and bad three men wounded.
| The trouble. the correspondent of the
Temps adds. began during the evening
Of September ). when three Christians
were assassinated in the streets and
continued Sunday night. when Christ
ian was stabbed by a Mussulman.
OFFICIAL REPORT.
! Washington Sept. S-The navy de-
partment has received the following
cablegram from Admiral Cotton, dated
Beirut, September z:
violence and bloodshed between Mo-
hammend and native Christians occur
red at Beirut Sunday. Six Greek Chris
tians, two Mohammendans and one
Turkish soldier killed; three Greek
| Christians, three Mohammendans and
three Turkish soldiers wounded serious
| ly. Flag lieutenant and United States
consul were present Sunday and Mon
day in the disturbed quarter and verify
details of statement. Turkish govern
ment willingly afforded facility for their
/ investigation and guard promise one
| thousand more Turkish soldiers.
Turkish soldiers present sufficient if
properly disposed of to handle situation
at Beirut. Well patroled, and all quiet
Sunday night and today, Monday
Turkish governor promises to do all in
! his power to restore authority. Many
| houses closed and business suspended.
1 have prepared to land forces for pro-
lection of property of American citizens
if situation damands. Will act with
caution. Present trouble due to ami
mostly between inimicable and native
Christians and failure to control
| crimes -
The last portion of Admiral Cotton's
| cablegram is unintelligible and the ci-
pher experts at the navy department
worked all the morning to translate it.
Copies of the report were at once sent
to the president and to the state de-
partment.