Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-15
REVOLT OF ARMEN|ANS
LOSES VAN TO TURKEY
Ottoman Reign Of 500 Years Brought
to End in Province Of 10000
Square Miles.
STORY OF DESPERATE FIGHT
In Furious Cannonade American Mis-
sion Becomes Target for Turkish
Guns-Wild Night of Rejoicing and
Incentiiarism Follows Victory.

VAN. TURKISH ARMENIA. Augus,
l4.-The s0o-yeAr reign OF the Turk
has been brought TO an end--for the
present. ut lcas,--in both the town
and the Nilsyet OF Van. 1t is no longer
strictly correct TO date this corrcspon
dence as coming from Turkish Ar
mcna. at the Same time il is Ques-
ton whether Van may yet be considered
an independent state or whether II Will
be annexed by Russia. a foundation
OF Armenian autonomy has been laid.
however. by the naming or one OF tho
Armenian leaders. Aram. who was a
former supervisor OF schools. as civil
governor and the establishment of n
provisional administration.
The vilayet of Van has an area OF
about 5000 square miles. with a popu-
lation of several hundred thousand.
The story OF the revolt, by which Tur-
key has lost control OF this ancient
region. has no, hitherto been told with
much fullncss. In the midst OF the
racial war. with It's innumcrablc mas
sacres and scattered disorders. II was
impossible to gather comprehensive
view of the situation. and even now the
story Of the burghcrs fight for free
dom must be discounted by the posi-
bi!ity OF the Turks return-althouch
that is regarded rs remote.
ORIGIN OF REVOLT LIES
IN IEREDITARY DISCORD
The origin Of the revolt, OF course, is
found in tho hereditary diScord between
tho races and religions OF Van. but the
uprising OF the Arncniaus was more
specifically due TO the conduct of jew
dett Rcy. the Turkish Governor General
Armenian recruits TO tho Turkish cause
of the vilayet Of Van. In demanding
Armenian recruits were not forth
coming.
During tho Turkish mobilization the
Armenians were singled out TO do
mental work. and were not we'll fed
pisarmcd. they were exposed to the
fury of their hereditary enemies. the
Turks and Kurds. and an uprising be-
came inevitable although II was neither
sought by the revolutionary leaders nor
by prudent Turks. Even Jevdctt Bey
who is hrother-in-law Of ENvcr
Fasha. the Minister OF War. seemed AT
first disposed to peace. He consulted
the Armenian leaders frequently and
they trusted his professcd sincerity. but
when he returned from the Turkish
front facing the Russians mt Sarai
early in the spring no suddenly de-
cruits. The men were promised. hu;
chaps not sincerely.
Trouble first arose between the sturdy
Armenian mountaineers Of Shadach and
their Kurdish neighhors jevdett BE,
then said that If tho Armenians Of Var
stirred he would make mn end of the
race throughout the empire. Their,
was shortly war between Armenian anc
Kurdish villagers in all parts of Turk
ish Armenia, mutual pilIage and mas
sacrc. though the Armcnians then SUI,
fercd incomparat!vely more than III,
kurds. The Armenian leaders coun
"eled patience and submission. and lev.
deit Bey persuaded Ishkan and thre,
other revo!utionists to undertake. .
peace mission to Shadach on the wny
they We're trcachorously murdered b,
order Of Jevdett Bey, as the Armenian.
assert
HE Is BUNDLED OFF
TO CONSTAS
On April lH Jevdett summone,
Nrcmyan. another Armenian leader. 70,
n conference, and bundled him off r.
Constantinople. Aram barely csca pet
seizure. The -Armcnians, now aware O.
Jcvdc;t's hostile intentions. declare,
their inability 70 supply 1000 recruits
but offered 400 and gradual pavmcn,
OF exemption charges tor the re.
:Ealnde-.
Or {. y. USHER and T. 4. Yarrow
OF The american mission, accepted the
futile Office OF intercessors. Jevde,,
was ocourate he would put down re-
he!l:on 2, all costs, first at Shadakh
and then a. Van. lie tried 10 force
me missionaries TO accept a Turkish