Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-08
Mr.. DAVIS LEAVES FOR BEIRUT.
He Was Accompanying Naturalized
American to the Steamer
When Attacked.
TURKS TELL A DIFFERENT STORY,
They Say Police We're Struck State
Department Directs Minister Leish.
man to Make an investigation.

Constantinople, Dec S,-The United
states flag over the consulate at Alex
andretta, Asiatic Turkey, has been
hauled down and Consul Davis has left
his post for Beirut in consequence OF a
serious diplomatic incident during
which Mr. Davis was insulted and as-
saulted by the local police.
The AFFAIR grew out OF the arrest ~
an observation-disclosures Attarian, ma
turalized American citizen,
Attarlan had been In prison at Alep-
po during the last two months and had
just been liberated through the inter
vention Of the American consular
agents on condition OF his leaving the
country forthwith Mr.. Davis was ac-
Companying Attarian ON board a de-
parting steamer when the police IN
tercepted the party, assaulted and In
suited Mr. Davis, and despite the re-
sistance Of the consul and his attendant
guards, re-arrested Attarlnn and took
him back TO prison. MIR, Davis imme-
diately lowered the flag over the con-
sulate and formally broke off relations
with the Turkish authorities by quitting
AleNandretta, leaving the consulate IN
charge OF the vice consul. A mob of
Moslems seized on the occasion to make
hostile demonstration against the
consulate and against the Christians
generally. The local authorities assert
that Mr.. Davis struck the police with
cane and that after the re-arrest Of
Attarian the consular cavasses (mili-
tary couriers) attempted 10 rescue him
and that In the fracas which ensued
the cavasses broke the windows of the
prison.
WHAT TURKS CLAIM
The Turkish authorities further
claim that Attarian. who Is a
native OF Diarbekir Asiatic Turkey,
has been travelling about the country
with an Illegal passport They also
point out that the question Of Armenl-
ans naturalized IN America returning
10 Turkey has always been source
of trouble since the porte Invariably
refuses to recognize naturaligati ton,
When Attarian was arrested, $500
was found In his possession. This, II
Is believed may have contributed to his
arrest, the Turks suspecting him OF be-
ing revoutionist
The matter is engaging the energetic
attention OF the United States lega-
ton here. Mr.. Lelshman has made
urgent representations TO the porte AMI
Is now awaiting a full report before
taking further steps. The outrage II
is anticipated here, will lead to strong
action on the part OF the United
states to obtain fun reparation especi-
ally as full satisfaction for the Beirut
affair has not yet been given,
LEIsHMAN INSTRUCTED.
Washington, Dec. S-The state de-
partment has received a brief cable
gram from Consul Davis at Alexan-
dretta, Asatic Turkey saying that he
had had trouble with the local police
at Alexandretta and had left for Beirut
in consequence. The state department
promptly cabled Minister Leishman at
Copstantinoplc to institute a thorough
investigation OF the whole affair, 1t
Is expected that Minister Leishman Will
call at the foreign office today TO in
quire Of the Turkish officials regarding
the matter.