The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-29
ABDUCTED BY ALLIES
Ransom Went to Cause
With Which She Sympa-
thiZed = Brigands Were
Christians and Foes Of
the Sultan.

Ellen NJ stones effort to enlist the
aid OF the Government in obtaining re-
dress from Turkey for the indignities
which she asserts were perpetrated
against her when taken captive by the
brigands in Bulgaria, may lead to in
teresting Developments
The correspondence between Miss
Stone and the State Department has
been quite unsatisfactory TO the Of
fcials. They have been unable to OBJ
tain from her anything tangible upon
which claim for damages could be
based. In long letter to the depart
ment, Miss Stone tells the story of her
capture. the abridgment of her liberty,
and her ransom. but her statements are
not substantiated by affdayits or other
proof upon which action could be taken.
She has been plainly requested to fur
nish Information upon which the depart
ment could prepare a claim, but she has
neglected to supply the facts desired.
and for what reason il is only possible
to surmise.
Information From Spencer Eddy.
II Is known that Miss Stone was in
full sympathy with the Macedonian
committee, which ultimately received
the $4,000 which was paid for her lib
Grafton, and that this money was used
IL the purchase of arms and ammunition
w:tk which to fight the Turks. This
fact was made plain to the State De-
partment by Spencer Eddy, the secre-
tary OF the American legation in Con
stantinople. when he vas here several
weeks ago. There haszbeen nothing to
show that Miss Stone was illtreated
Z Iy her captors They were Christians
like herself, and fighting against the
Turks, who are Mohammedans.
Miss Stone has made no direct claim for
indemnity. but she has asked that this
Government demand satisfaction" from
Turkey for the alleged outrage against
her.
Much doubt exists under the circum-
stances. and in view of the practices OF
International law, as to whether Miss
Stone could establish a valid claim
against Turkey, or Justly demand al
apology from the Sultan.
She was captured by the enemies ot
Turkey in rebellion against their gov
ernment.
When the Sultan offered to send his
troops TO deliver her from the brigands.
and did actually start them toward the
place of her confinement, a cry went
up from the friends of Miss Stone
against such action on the ground that
such course would cause Miss Stone
and her companion TO be murdered by
their caotors.
A TRADE, Not an Argument.
Miss Stones statement TO the depart
ment is long TRADE against Turkey and
the Turkish government rather than
against the brigands who carried her into
captivity. and she intimates strongly
that Turkey should at least be com
PEELED TO return the amount paid for her
ransom. despite the facts that Turkey
received none of il and that II was used
to the detriment of the Sultan. The
money was not paid by this Government,
but was raised by the mission societies
in this country, and the American repre-
sentatiyes IN Turkey were only made the
agents through whom IL was paid for her
liberation.
country. she announced that she would
go upon a lecturing tour, for the pur-
pose of raising a fund to repay those
who had contributed toward the $40. .00C
which was the price for her liberty
She lectured for q time, but il is said
that the amount which she has thus
far realized is far short of the sum nam
ed, and she now desires TO obtain It's
return from Turkey.
The State Department is seeking in
formation concerning the case, and 1t
is believed there are facts In the knowl-
edge of Miss Stone which she has not
yet impaired.