New-York tribune., 1912-01-02
ON THE PERSIAN FRONTIER
Conditions as Seen by the Persian
American Educational Society.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Certain articles appearing in the
leading newspapers regarding the Persian
situation, emanating from interested sources,
contain statements which to the average
reader are not significant. but the members
Of the Persian American Educational So
ciety, who have carefully studied the stu-
alton, In some instances through personal
observation in Persia and In others by an
exhaustive research in authoritative chan
nels, can determine facts which 1t seems
should be brought to the attention OF the
American people in the present critical stu
alton.
With this thought in view, the directors
Of the society. at a meeting held In wash
ington, decided TO give the following state
ment, based upon authentic advices or most
recent date from the scene Of action:
The Russian government bases her con-
tinued oppression and the presence Of troops
in Tabriz and Resht particularly, which
have caused the most recent uprisings, to
the existence of a lawless mob, composed
Of Armenian anarchists. etc. Let 1t be
known that by these terms the people OF
Persia are meant, for It was the patriotic
citizens Of that country who called down
upon themselves the wrath Of the powerful
aggressor by defending their homes, govern
ment buildings and property. While a de-
termined attempt is being made to charac-
terze these loyal Persians as anarchists.
Armenians and In terms of like opprobrium,
the fact is that the people Of Persia are
particularly unanimous for constitutional
ISM When the government OF Persia de-
cided to accept the unjust utimatum OF
Russia as their only means OF salvation
It was understood that the Russian troops
would be at once withdrawn, for what could
Russia desire more than the acceptance OF
her humiliating terms in full? But despite
this assurance and after verbal accep-
tance Of the ultmatum had been delivered
TO the Russian Ambassador at Teheran the
Russian troops advanced upon the govern
ment buildings In TabriZ and also attempt
ed to occupy government property In Resht.
The people protested. and for their action
In this direction were fired upon by the Rus
sian troops. There was nothing left for
them 10 do but defend themselves from this
unwarranted attack, and this represents the
sum and substance Of the disorders re-
Gently reported, so far as Persian partici-
patton is concerned. 1t should be borne
in mind that in order 10 accomplish the
acceptance Of the Russian ultimatum the
national assembly had to be dissolved and
a new Cabinet formed. and the people OF
Persia, with their strong constitutional
tendencies, protested against the continued
presence and aggressions Of their powerful
neighbor afterward. Mr.. Shuster had been
employed by the constitutionalists, and.
therefore. his withdrawal should have been
arranged through them. instead OF in the
manner adopted.
Another point of great Importance Is
that in view Of the most recent develop
ments the two chief mollahs OF the Ma
hometan Church issued from the holy city
Of Nadtaf. near Bagdad. an order TO the
adherents Of Islam to take steps to drive
out from Persia the troops Of Russia on
the north and England on the south. whose
object was to destroy the independence or
Persia. This means a holy war. and was
ordered only upon condition that the as-
gressions Of the foreigners took the form OF
an attempt to destroy Persia's 'indepen-
dence.
point of view Of world peace will be ap-
parent from the foregoing. and the good
Offices OF tactful diplomacy should at once
be exercised 10 the end that the unjust oc-
cupation Of Persian territory by Russia, In
spite OF promises and protests made respec-
lively TO Persia and TO other countries, be
discontinued.
The secretary Of the Persian American
Educational Society has Just seen the order
Of the chief mollahs referred TO. Authentic
cable advices from Persia are TO the effect
that this unjust and unwarranted occupa-
ton of Persian territory and attacks by the
Russian troops continue. and the civilized
world Justly protests against such unwar-
ranted barbarity on the part Of a great
European power. All that Persia wants is
10 be allowed 10 continue her efforts toward
progress and prosperity. and, having humili-
ated herself 10 satisfy the demands of a
great and powerful neighbor. 10 be free to
conduct her own affairs. to say nothing OF
having the beneft OF the hitherto existing
agreement OF her two great border coun-
tries, Russia and England. that her inde-
pendence should be safeguarded, obviously
from themselves as we'll as from the rest OF
the world
Americans will realize that the problems
are by no means solved. and our best efforts
may well be directed toward influencing in
all possible ways human sympathy on be-
half Of this latest constitutional govern
ment.
An appeal has been made to the members
OF the Persian American Educational So
ciety for contributions to fund for the
widows and orphans Of the victims OF Rus
sia's aggression. whom most recent advices
indicate as probably thousands rather than
hundreds. The general public is urged to
subscribe to this fund.- and contributions or
communications may be sent to the secre-
tary. Joseph H. Hannen, No. 500 McLachlen
Building. Washington.