The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-29

I 7
velt to afford American. citizens in the
disturbed provinces of Turkey all the
protection possible For that reason
and for others that may develop in a
short time the decision is reached that
no change win be made at this time in
the orders TO the European squadron.
Admiral Cotton will proceed with his
vessels to Turkish waters with the idea
of safeguarding fully Americans and
American interests.
THE MACHIAS SAILS
! Genoa. Italy, Aug. 29.-The United
States gunboat Machias left here today
bound for Beirut She was saluted by
the Italian warships, whose crews wish
ed her good luck.
COALING AT GENOA
Washington, Aug. 20.-The navy de-
| partment has received cable message
from Captain Henry McCrea in COM
mand of the gunboat Machias. saying
that he had finished coaling the ship
and that it would sail at once from Ge-
noa to Port Said.
A message also was received today
from Admiral Cotton announcing the
arrival of the Brooklyn ana San Fran
cisco at Genoa and saying that they
had been coaling.
Acting Secretary Darling has an
nounced that as soon as the Brooklyn
and the San Francisco finish taking on
coal they viii sail for Beirut under
present orders.
SULTAN IS WARNED.
w aug ZS--Ine state de-
partment today received a cblegram
from Minister Leischman in which he
stated that sdvices from the American
consulS at Harpoot and Beirut were to
the effect that while the Americans in
those places are in danger of suffering
from an uprising at any time, the sit
uation was not at the time of sending
the dispatches as grave as earlier re-
ports would indicate. Mr.. Leischman
has been instructed to notify the Turk
ish government that it must keep the
peace and that it will be held to "a
strict accountability for any lawless
act toward American citizens
LONDON CAN'T UNDERSTAND.
London Aug 29.-The officials of tine
foreign office here are greatly puzzled
over the error in its official cable mes
sage announcing the assassination of
William c. Magelssen, the American
vice and deputy consul at Beirut, Syria
They reiterated today that the messag
was transmitted through the British
ambassador at Constantinople from the
British consul at Beirut. No correc-
ton has been sent either by the am
Dassador or by the consul.
HAY AT THE CAPITAL.
Washington, Aug. 29.-Secretary of
State Hay returned to his desk in the
state department this morning. 1t was
said that his arrival in Washington at
this time was not due to the occurrences
in Turkey, but in accordance with ar
rangements made at the time of his
departure for Oyster Bay. Mr.. Hay
said that while uprisings in Turkish
dominion were more or less chronic,
the present state of affairs is an insur-
rection of considerable magnitude. He
would not disclose the contents of the
cablegrams received last night from
Minister Leischman, but said that the
minister's adviccs were that the erron-
eous report on the assassination of Mr..
Magelssen was due to the use of the
wrong code number and not to any
error in transmission. The information
given in the cablegram was that the
governor called at the consulate and Of
fered prompt action and would make
every effort to find out and punish the
assassin. Mr.. Leischman further ad-
vfsed the secretary that several of the
consulates have reported to the gov
ernment that the condition of the city
of Beirut at the present moment Is un-
safe.
With the view to furnishing Secretary
Hay with the fullest facts concerning
the reports which have come from the
missionaries in Turkey, a committee
representing the board of American
missions will call upon him tomorrow
or Monday. he having indicated a de
sire to meet such committee and obtain
from them all information in their pos
session.
TEXT OF CORRESPONDENCE.
Washington, Aug. 29.-The full text of
the dispatches of Minister Leischman
exception of the one received last night
saying that the vice consul had not
been killed is as follows: ,ooo
Secretary of State, Washington:
Just received telegram from consul OF
the United States at Beirut advising
me that our vice consul was assassinat-
ed last Sunday night, while driving in
carriage. Murderer unseen and un-
known. No explanation is given for de-
lay in reporting the case, but consul
adds that reply of government Is unsat-
isfactory. Have asked for further par
ticulars and will at once make vigorous
representations at the sublime porte.
''LEISCHMAN."
"Therapia, Aug. 27, 1908.
Secretary of State. Washington:
have made proper representations TO the
sublime porte with reference to the as
sassination of vice consul, but pending
reception of fuller details and also your
instructions / have made no demands
other than asking for investigation and
explanations which the minister for for
eign affairs assured me will be given
immediate attention.
THE troubles in Macedonia become
worse each day and outside of the ne
eessity which may present itself of send
ing a ship to Beirut to force proper
reparation. it seems to me advisable
to keep a ship within easy range of
Turkish waters in order to be in posi-
ton more fully to protect American cit
izens should the revolution assume more
alarming proportions.
1.-The instructions have become more
aggressive in eastern Rumelia since a
visit of Russian war vessels and the
passenger train from Europe was blown
up with dynamite about so miles from
Constantinople killing or wounding
most of the passengers.
"LEISCHMAN."
'Therapia, Aug. 27. 1903
Secretary Of State. Washington:
Minister for foreign affairs has just
sent me word stating that reported as
sassination of American vice consul en-
tirely false, adding that security of Bel
rut district is perfect Am without fur
ther advices from Consul Rayndal and
unable to account for such conflicting
statements. Will report further as soon
as / can obtain necessary information.
"LEISCHMAN."