Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-28

San Francisco six and one-haH dayx at ter
knots. Under these circumstances it is
likely that the last two vessels have pro-
ceeded to Genoa, where they will meet the
Machias, and, after coaling, proceed to-
gether to Beirut. Or it may be that, the
Brooklyn being far the fastest Of the squad
ron. he will take that vessel on ahead and
await the other two at his destination.
Beirut Is a weeks sail from Vfllefranche,
where the squadron was at the time the
order was issued, and affairs In that land
are at such stage that prompt action is
considered necessary.
The President manifested anxious interest
In the announcement of the assassination
Shortly after hearing the news he received
from Acting Secretary of State Loomis a
telegram communicating to him Minister
Lelshmans cablegram concerning the MUIR
der and advising him of the steps already
taken by the State Department. The Presi-
dent is in close communication with the de-
partment, and will be kept fully advised of
the details of the incident as they are aScer-
tanned.
Has Been Following Situation Closely.
For several days he has been following
closely the developments of the situation in
Turkey. With the country In such tur-
moil as now prevails almost anything is
likely to happen. With view to consider
ing the subject the more carefully the Pres
ident and Secretary of State Hay had ar
Hill.
In the absence of definite information con-
corning the assassination the President will
take no decided action beyond that already
taken In ordering the European squadron to
Beirut. This action as viewed as precau-
tOnary measure. 1t is the determination of
the United States to support Its demands
upon Turkey for the punishment of the
sen, but until the circumstances surround
ing the murder are known officially and pre-
cisely the United States. 1t is stated, will
not take any drastic action.
A demand that officials of the United
States he afforded protection for their lives
and property will be made. and the Turkish
government will be held responsible for the
assassination of Consul -MagelsSer, what
ever may be the circumstances of the case.
President Roosevelt is concerned over the
situation because it indicates an intolerable
condition of affairs in Turkey.
Meantime the officials of the State De-
partment will be fully advised by Minister
Leishman of the details of the crime, and
the President will then be in position to
present to Turkey the demands of the
United States. with a naval force on the
spot of sufficient strength to enforce them
adequately.
Why No Time Was Lost.
The Presidents determination to lose no
time in getting the squadron to Beirut was
due in part to information received by Act
ing Secretary Loomis of the State Depart
ment last night from the president of the
American board of missions at Boston, in
dicating that an attempt had been made to
burn the Euphrates College buildings at
Harpoot. This dispatch said:
Information just received. that an at
tempt has been made to burn the5Euphrates
College buildings. Conditions increa sngly
alarming. Great anxiety felt fersthe safety
of American citizens there"
Acting Secretary Loomis last. night cabled
to Minister Leishman at Constartinople to
make immediate demands on the porte to
take adequate measures for the protection
of all Americans at Beirut 'and-to prevent
any attack on the college buildings.
Mr.. Magelssen was thirty year, old hay-
ing been born in 1873. He was Tducated in
the common schools of Minnesot&s and was
a student of the Lutheran College at De-
corah. Iowa. for three years. For a time
he was assistant city assessor of Efoux
Falls. S. D., and also was an associate edi-
tor of paper called the Echo, published
there.
No Suggestion as to Motive.
In the absence of particulars no motive
can be ascribed for the crime. and the State
Department officials have no means of sug-
gesting theory as to why the vice consul
should have been killed. There have been
no complaints about him or his work. and
the meager cablegram conveys not the
slightest suggestion of a cause for the
crime.
A London dispatch says:
In the absence of any news regarding
The murder of United States Vice Consul
Magelssen at Beirut, Syria except that
from Washington. few papers
comment on the incident, but all publish
dwelling on the growing danger
of the Macedonian problem
Inc Daily Telegraph says: IF there is
war in the Balkans the prizes will not fall
to the Turk or his allies, even though vic
tory should incline to their side. It is thor
oughly characteristic of eastern policies
That at the moment Turkey is doing pen
ance 1or the murder of the Russian consul
at Monastlr some irresponsible fanatic
shouid assassinate an American consul and
nrlng yet another angry power knocking at
the the gate of Yildiz Kiosk This time we
know what Will happen. The United States
with Turkey. and will not be reduced to
nerveiess 1ndecision by consideration of
austrian or russian susceptibilities