The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-01
Turks Say They Have Made
That Number at Beirut
In Connection With Attempt on
Consul Magelssen's Life.
DENY WHOLE STORY.
Declare That There Was No At
tempt to Kill Him.
Shots We're Fired at a Wedding
Celebration.

Constantinople, Sept. 1.-The porte has
notified Minister Leischman that five ar
rests have been made at Beirut in con-
nection with the shooting which led to
the report that William c. Magelssen,
the United States vice and deputy con-
sui there, had been assassinated
The Turkish officials continue to insist
that no attempt was made on the vice
consuls life and they reassert that the
whole story originated in a feu-de- joie
fired on the occasion of a native mar
riage and in accordance with customs
Mr. Leischman. however refuses to ac-
cept such an explanation without con-
elusive proof that the judicial investiga-
ton continues.
The attempt to burn the American
college at Harpoot took place five
weeks ago, ard apparently was the work
of an individual who considered he had
a grievance against the colIege authori-
ties. When Mr.. Leischman was inform
ed of the attempt he demanded that the
porte protect the American institution
and in consequence of his representa-
tions instructions were sent to the auth
critics at Harpeot to try in the regular
courts the charges against so Armenia nS
accused of trafficl1ins in arms and en-
gaGing in other seditinus acts Among
the accused is Prof. Senekejran. of the
American college, whose treatment, pend
ing his trial, was also ordered to be i'm
proved.
PRESSING FOR SETTLEMENT
Constantinople. Sept 1.-Mr. Leisch-
man is pressing for a definite settlement
of a number of matters on which agree
mentS were reached with the Turkish
authorities last year. but which in spite
of frequent promises on the part of the
porte have never been executed. For
instance, a naturalized American is still
in prison at Tripoli Syria, although the
porte has frequently informed Mr..
Leischman that the authorities at Bel
rut who have jurisdiction over Tripoli,
had been ordered to hberate him.
Yesterday Mr.. Leischman received a
telegram from Rear Admiral Cotton,
ing announcing that the United States
warships Brooklyn and San Francisco
would arrive off Beirut at the end of
this week.
The American officials here attribute
the dispatch of the WarSh1pS to Turkish
water not solely to the Magelssen af-
fair but to the general dissatisfaction
of the authorities at Washington at the
nonfulfillment of the pOrte's promises
in regard to pending questions ana 10
the determination of President Roose-
Welt to show Turkey that she cannot
tTifie with American representa- tOns.
Diplomatic circles here generally APP
prove of the energetic action of the
is amply justified by the bad faith of
Turkey and il is felt here that the ap-
pearance of the United States warships
in Turkish waters will lead to the i'm
mediate settlement of the pending dis
putes
Nothing so impresses the porte as d
naval demonstration. and the diploma is
claim that this will be specially notice
able in the present case, as the Ameri-
cans are not fettered, like other powers
by agreements regulating the interna-
tional political affairs of Turkey.
CRUISERS PASS MESSINA.
Messina, Sicily. Sept. 1.-The United
States cruisers Brooklyn and San Fran
cisco passed through the straits of Mes
sina at 11:20 a. m. today bound south
The semaphone saluted the warships
wishing them good luck.
OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED.
Washington, Sept 1.-The first Off
ciaI dispatch coming directly from Bel
rut regarding the Magelssen affair has
been received by Secretary Hay. 1t is
dated August 81. and is signed by Con-
sui Ravendall- 1t says:
"The attempt on Magelssen's life
failed utterly. A narrow escape. but
the vice consul suffered no injury"