Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-09-12
M0HAMMEDAhS AND
Christians Clash
Cablegram from Rear Admiral Cot
ton Tells of the Violence and
Bloodshed at Beirut

nine PERSONS ARE KILLED and
SEVERAL others ARE WOUNDED
Cause of the Trouble-American Oni-
GERS Are Prepared to Protect Coun-
\ trymen II the Situation Demands
Leishman Notifies State Depart
ment of the Riot.
, Washington, Sept. 9.-The navy de-
partment has received the following
cablegram from Rear Admiral Cotton
dated Beirut, September Z:
violence and bloodshed between Mo-
hammedans and native Christians oc-
Cured at Beirut Sunday. Six Greek
Christians, two Mohammedans and one
Turkish soldier killed; three Greek
Christians, three Mohammedans and
three Turkish soldiers wounded seri-
ously. Other murders reported. Flag
lieutenant and United States consul
were present Sunday and Monday in the
disturbed quarter and verify details
statement. Turkish government will
ingly afforded facility for their investi-
cation and guard; promise 1000 more
Turkish soldiers. Turkish soldiers pres
ent sufficient if properly disposed of to
handle situation at Beirut. Well pa
trolled and all quiet Sunday night and
to-day, Monday. Turkish governor
promises to do all in his power to restore
authority. Many houses closed and
business suspended. I have prepared to
land force for protection of property of
American citizens if situation demands.
Will act with caution. Present trouble
due to animosity between inimical and
native Christians and failure to control
Crimes
The last portion of Admiral Cotton's
cablegram is unintelligible and the
cipher experts at the navy department
worked all the morning to translate it.
Copies of the report we're sent at once to
the president and to the state depart
ment.
The News from Leishman.
Washington, Sept. 9.-The state de-
partment has received cablegram from
Minister Leishman at Constantinople, in
which he says that riot occurred Mon
day at Beirut in which seven Christians
were killed, and several wounded. Two
houses occupied by Christians were pill
LACED by the soldiery. The panic was
general An officer and a signal man
from Admiral Cotton's fleet are now in
the consulate and an investigation of
conditions at Beirut is being made by
flag lieutenant, Consul Ravndal and
other consular officers. Mr.. Leishman
says that the origin of the trouble is not
distinctly ste+"d by our consul. He fur
Their says that it is claimed by the SUBJ
lime porte that conditions at Beirut are
again quiet and that the forces now there
are sufficient to guarantee the safety of
the city, Additional instructions have
been sent Minister Leishman along the
lines of those already forwarded him
looking to the protection of American
citizens.
Shows Hostile Feeling.
London, Sept. 9-Oficial and diplo-
matte circles here regard the conflict
between Mussulmans and Christians at
Beirut as evidence of the development
of hostile feeling throughout Turkey as
result of the Macedonian revolt.
This is borne out by the threatened
uprising in Smyrna.
The Turkish embassy Tuesday re-
ceived dispatch from Constantinople,
in relation to the Beirut affair, as fol-
lows:
Some Of the orthodox inhabitants
of Beirut attacked four Mussulmans
who were passing through the Mezrea
quarter, fired upon them and rioting
ensued.
Troops Put Down Disturbance.
''The imperial authorities immedi-
ately sent troops to the scene of the
disturbance, whcih put an end to the
strife. One soldier was killed and
three were wounded. One civilian was
killed and one was wounded. Order
and tranquility are perfectly main
tanned in all parts of the vilayet."
A high Turkish official pointed out
that the Christians were the aggress-
ors, but, he said, it would not have
been even surprising had the Mussul-
mans precipitated the row, "for
throughout Turkey indignation is felt
at the conduct of the revolutionists in
Macedonia
The official added:
"The Christians at Beirut have been
greatly encouraged by the appearance
of the American squadron, the pres
ence of which could not be regarded
alphabetically by the Mohammedan
population, because it had come, not to
pay friendly call, but to enforce de-.
mands."
1t is understood here that Turkey is
anxious to induce the United States to
withdraw the American warships from
Turkish waters, believing that such &C.
ton would discourage the Christians.
who hope for American Intervention.
and the porte is now expected to make
concessions in compliance with the
American representations.