The Washington times., 1903-08-28
i. s. WARSHIPS HURRY
ACROSS MEDITERRANEAN


Continued from Second Page.)
or late this Government has wrung
from the Sultan permission for the
wives and children of Syrians who had
come to this country and adopted it for
their own. TO Join them on this side, and
in this movement the consulate> at
Beirut has played its part-another rea-
son for native dislike.
Moral Effect of Warships.
At present this Government can only
send the European squadron TO Beirut
to cruise in that vicinity and prevent
further outrages, as well as 10 see that
the Turkish government adopts vigor
Gus measures. Much will be left to the
discretion of Admiral Cotton. who has
the full confidence of the Administra-
ton and whose experience in diplomatic
affairs makes him probably the most
valuable representative OF the executive
available in the navy.
1t is likely he has already started
from Villefranche in the Brooklyn for
the seat of trouble. leaving the San
Francisco to follow with the Machias.
According to his cable report to the
Navy Department last night, the Brook
Ign has seven days coal, Just about
enough to carry her Beirut. She is also
the fastest ship. and should reach her
destination by Thursday night. provided
she got away this morning
Will Disregard Statement of Doubt.
The assertion OF the Turkish foreign
Office at Constantinople that the murder
has not been committed Is discredited
here in official circles. and no attention
will be paid to it. Mr.. Leishman being
instructed to continue his demands upon
the Sultan for the detection and pun
ishment of the offenders.
In this the department has little hope
of reaching the right person. Oriental
justice is proverbially slow, and al
though the Turkish government will nm
doubtedly bow-string somebody for the
crime. the chances are decidedly against
the right person meeting with his dues.
1t is almost certain this Government will
demand heavy indemnity and insist
upon its immediate payment.
Possible Complications.
Much concern is naturally felt at the
State Department over the situation.
While Beirut is far removed geographic
cally from the Balkans. and the present
incident has no earthly connection with
} that trouble, II is felt here that the
greatest delieacy will be required in
handling the case to avoid indirect COM
plications.
|, 1t is remembered there was no inten-
! ton when the United States went to the
| rescue of her legation in Pekin of mix
ing up in the Oriental question. but the
outcome of that campaign was the plac-
ing of the United States in the lead of
the nations to dictate Chinese policies.
So in forcing Turkey to recognize
American rights II is not absurd to fear
that this country may become involved
in the Balkan imbroglio unless the ut
most caution is observed. Beirut is the
seat of the Syrian Protestant College.
an institution chartered in New York
and the headquarters of the Syrian mis-
sion Of the Presbyterian Church
Turkish Officials Irascible.
Some little disturbance arose through
these sources on July 4. last. when the
/ students of the college and the mem
bers of the mission. as well as the
American colony generally. united in an
observance of the day at the residence
OF Mr. Magelssen. The ceremonies were
as is usual upon such occasions. and a
feature was the presence OF a Turkish
. band playing such airs as America -
and 1.-The Star Spangled Banner
The Turkish governor at the time re-
ported to the Sultan that he had been
insulted by this, but no. attention was
paid to the report either by the Turkish