The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-07-25

New York. July 24.-That Bedrose Ham
partzoomian had accompllces in the MUIR
der Of Hovanhes 5. Tavshanjian Monday
! is known beyond the shadow OF doubt.
The statements of the assassin that he
acted alone in the murder are lies, and
show that he has been well coached in
the game of keeping secret the names
of those who were behind him in the
shooting.
There were taken to the Office OF the
district attorney yesterday six letters
that had been received by wealthy Ar
neniau~ merchants Tuesday morning. All
announce the death Of Tavshanjian and
threaten the same fate 70 others unless
they submit to blackmail. It is said
that, so far as is known by the authori-
ties, about ten Of these letters in all have
been received by as many INGREDIENTS
They are the same merchants that were
threatened more or less during the last
year and a half. and the same merchants
that held meeting. and. under the lead
ership Of Tavshanjian, decided not to
submit to the blackmail.
Receive Threatening Letters.
Ar. Karaghousian. Of 225 Fourth ave-
nue.. one OF the richest rug importers in
the country, and whose brothers have big
houses in Constantinople and Paris, re-
ceived a letter in Armenian, which lib
orally translated means:
we have just killed Tavshaniian, who
would not agree to our demands and who
advised you not to. You see what has
happened 10 him. So take warning, and
be prepared TO give Us the money we ask.
If you do not pay you viii only live two
weeks"
This letter is almost identical with
those received by the other merchants.
Little Hampartzoomian, however, persists
in declaring that he alone is responsible.
The men Ia the district attorneys Office
are beginning 70 think little Bedrose a
Fluch more intelligent murderer taan they
had At first figured Insanity, with the
blackmailers financing the trial. IS now
expected to be the defense.
Discuss Plan of ReprisaI.
Acting District Attorney Smith and his
assistant, Mr. Manley. are also greatly
worried over what they discovered as TO a
plan that IS on foot and gaining ground
among the respectable, industrious. and
prosperous Armenians.
This plan is to raise a large fund. hire
one OF the rival patriot gangs to do the
bloody work, and thus exterminate a Ger
tain educated scoundreI and the CLIQUE Of
cut-thr0ats that are at his beck and call.
This is no joke or matter Of idle gossip
among these rich Armenians. Three Of
them, well-tO-dO and sensible, talked in
the coolest sort Of manner about the plan
to-day.
Father Levont Martoogessian was
openly charged by a half dozen Armenian
merchants who have large interests in
New York. with being the head OF the
Hunchakist 10 whose door is laid the
murder of Tavshanjian. in Union
Square. Monday, and that OF Father
Caspar. Father Marto0gessian. they
claim, is the rector of the Armenian
Church III New York, and pastor Of the
congregation Of the Apostolic Armenian
Church.
Father MartOOgeSsian Accused.
THE district attorney is looking for
evidence in this matter Then let him
arrest Father Martoogessian. who, as sure
as / am standing on this spot, is the head
of the numbering gang Of blackmailers,"
said prominent Armenian to-day.
''On the very day that the newspapers
printed an account September, 1865 of
the killing Of a prominent merchant in
Constantinople because he would not pay
a bIackmailing tribute, Father Martoeges-
sian appeared at the offices Of the richest
Armenian merchants and presented a let
ter demanding payment Of money for the
patriots in Turkey. The beggar was smff-
ing and bowling, and after presenting the
letter pulled newspaper clipping from
his pocket and showed ii 10 the man to
whom the demand had been made"