The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-09-01
FASTENING 70 WASHINGTON.
The Turkish Minister Wishes to Confer With
Secretary Hay.
(By the Associated Press.)

Sayville, l.. L., Aug 29.-Alarmed at the
critical condition of American-Turkish re-
lations, Chekib Bey, the Turkish Minister
to the United States is Fastening to Wash
ington for a conference with Secretary
Hay. The minister hurriedly left his sum-
mer legation here tonight for Washington,
and because of the gravity of the situa-
tion, it is the minister's intention to ask
Secretary Hay to forego the customary
formalities and receive him Immediately.
The conference probably will occur at Mr..
Hays house tomorrow afternoon.
The dispatch of the American warships
to Turkish waters is source of the great
est anxiety to the minister. Although
confident himself that the Washington
governments intention in taking this ac-
ton was to protect American citizens, he
fears it may have the opposite effect and
render more difficult the efforts of the
Ottoman government to afford protection
to foreigners The appearance of the Eu-
ropean squadron off Beirut, it Is pointed
out, will be taken by the revolutionists
as evidence of the Washington govern
ments sympathy with their cause and
thus arouse them to renewed atrocities.
Until he receives instructions from Con-
stantinople Chekib Bey did not request
the Washington government to withdraw
3 the squadron, but he will call Secretary
Hays attention to the delicate situation
in Turkey hoping that the State Depart
ment may do something to relieve the en-
barrassment Of the port.
No word has reached the minister OF
the attack on the American deputy con-
ctrl nj ho has
official advices concerning events in Tur-
key for more than a week. He hopes to
find instructions in Washington, upon
which will depend largely the scope of his
conference with Secretary Hay. There is
ID possibility that the Washington govern
nent may be of service to the Sultan in
solving his international difficulties, and
it is this as well as the local troubles at
Beirut which is calling Chekib Bey to
Washington.
When the Associated Press representa-
tive called at the modest little cottage at
Sayville today where the minister has es
tablished summer headquarters, the dip
lomat had just read in the morning pa
pers of the mistake in Minister Leish
mans message and was evidently greatly
relieved He talked freely of the pres
ent situation and did not conceal the fact
that he thought the outlook bad.
''Have you any idea what motive inspir
ed the attack on Magelssen?" Chekib Bey
was asked.
"Despite the reports to the contrary,
he replied, "and the efforts of the Eu-
ropean powers to have it otherwise, be
lieye the affair was without political sig
nficance and that the attack was made
by a personal enemy of your vice consul
The unfortunate part of it is, however
that coming at this time, the revolution
lists will attempt to profit by the occur
renee, and it is this which renders the
situation grave.
do you think your government realizes
the seriousness of purpose with which the
squadron goes to Beirut?'
MY government would be unwilling to
believe that any but the best relations
exist between Turkey and the United
States. OF course. the worst may come
and relations be broken off. but 1 do moi
think so. am hoping all the other way
Chekib Bey said the Sultan had accedet
to the American demands and would carr,