New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-25
ARMENIAN AFFAIRS.

It is decidedly unpleasant to learn the re-
suit Of Consul General Dickinson's investigation
into the cases of the two Armenians, Nartanlan
and Afarian, who were recently arrested by
the Turkish authorities, and who made appeal
for American protection on the ground Of Amer
lean citizenship. We are told that Nartanian
admitted to Mr. Dickinson that he had been
commissioned by revolutionary committee to
murder the prominent Armenian who was shot
to death in Galata q month ago. and that
Afarian was his accomplice That is to say
he was a criminal offending against the COM
mon law, and he was a revolutonist, conspir-
ing against the government to which he for
merlv owed allegiance, and seeking to do so
under the shield of the government to which
he had professed to transfer his citizenship. If
that reported confession is true, the fellow is
a scoundrel deserving Of the severest punish
ment and worthy Of no shelter under the Amer
lean flag.
The incident is the more unwelcome because
of the great interest which Americans have
taken, and with good effect, in the welfare OF
Armenia Nowhere in the world has fndIgna-
ton been more outspoken than here at the out
RACES committed upon that people by Turks
and Russians Nowhere has relief been mors
generously given, and nowhere have more eff
fective circumstances been uttered Two years
ago. it will be recalled, the Russian government
arbitrarily confscated the property Of the Ar
menian Church In Russian Armenia A con-
yention Of protest was held in this country, and
from 1t memorial was sent to the Car
through the Russian Embassy at Washington.
It was only few weeks ago that the crafty
ing intelligence was received here that the pro
tests and memorials had been effective, and
that the Car had ordered the property to be
restored. In that news Americans heartily re-
joiced.
But what a sequel to It IS this news concern
ing Vartanian and Afarian! It will be recalled
that the Russian government confscated the
Armenian Church and school property on the
ground that it was being used for the promo
tion of revolutionary schemes This the Ar
menians earnestly and, we are glad to assume
truthfully denied. But now here is Armenian
testimony to the effect, not only that reToIu-
tionary conspiracies exist in Turkish Armenia
but even that Armenian revolutionists come to
America to get a color of putatfve American
citizenship, and then, on the strength of that
RELYING upon It for protection go back to Iur-
key to continue their revolutionary plottlngS
and rnurderings That is an abominable thing
America has never failed in sympathy with the
oppressed. 1t has afforded them asylum, and
has protected them under its flag in all parts
Of the world But it does not propose to make
ifs flag q screen for murder and its citizen
ship a conformation Of crime If Armenians
want to come hither for relief from TURKISH
oppression, they may do so, and they will be
safe SO long as they stay here; or if they want
TO travel abroad again, and even revisit their
old home, they will still have American pro-
lection as long as they behave themselves, But
they must not expect the American flag to cover
them in plotting revolution in a country with
which we are at peace and they must not re
gard American citizenship as a charter to do
| murder.