The sun., 1918-06-20
TURKSGRABU,S.
CONSULATE AND
SACK HOSPITAL
L. S. May Declare War as
Result of Outrages
ut Tabriz.
SPANISH FLAG FLOrTED
Ottoman Troops Also Seize
British Consulate Quarters
Protests Ignored.

SptCfU DspdkcN 10 lHE Sun.
WAsHISGroN. June 1s--What appears
like an act Of war by Turkey against
the United states was reported to the
state Department to-day by John l.
Caldwell. American Minister at Teheran
Persia. Mr.. Caldwell has cabled reports
that have reached him concerning the
sacking OF the American hospital a.
Tabriz. Persia. and the seizure OF the
American and British consulates there
by invading Turkish troops.
If these reports are confirmed the re-
lat!ons between Turkey and the United
States probably will be affected at once.
ration Of a state OF war will be made by
this Government against the Government:
OF Turkey.
Although Turkey is an ally OF Ger
many. no overt act against American
interests had been committed by the
Ottoman Government. and for that rea-
son alone there has been no war decla-
ration. 1t has been made clear. however,
that the United States Government,
would not permit American rights to be
infringed upon. so that the case reported
to-day speedily may bring matters TO a
climax
COMBINATION Expected.
Provided the reports are confirmed.
and officials here have little doubt that
they will be. the next move will be al.
investigation. Mr.. Caldwells despatch
says that according to reports reaching
him the Turks sacked the American hos
pital over the protest OF the Spanish
Consul and in defiance of the Spanish
flag flying over the building. The Span
ish Consul IS in charge of American in
terests at Tabriz.
II is explained here that the hospital
is a Presbyterian missionary institution
established several years ago. Ameri
can doctors and nurses have been sta
toned there. Recently. however. the Sit
uation became so serious that the force
was .reatly reduced and it was reported
to the State Department that the last
American had gone.
British Troops Near.
A clash between the British and Turk
ish forces near Tabriz has been ex-
pected. The Turkish force operating
there is understood to consist of only
a ic" tiouSdHu Hicil, anu bIitiSh ticop'
in sufficient number to cope with the
situation are said to be not far south
Of the place.
II Is regarded as probable that the
Turkish outrages will stimulate serti-
nent in Congress for a declaration OF
war by this Government against Turkey.
This sentiment has been smoulderins for
some time but has been held in cncck
because the Administration so far has
regarded the step as unnecessary in
view Of the absence OF any overt act on
the part of Turkey.
Another reason has been the disin-
clination to put the lives OF Americans
in peril. but this. it is understood. has
now been removed. as there are prac-
ticaliy no Amei.c left in Turkey.
Officials OF the Presbyterian Board OF
Foreign Missions yesterday identified
the American hospital sacked by Turk
ish troops at Tabriz. Persia. as the Col
ton Memorial Hospital. which was en-
dowed by 4 Philadelphia family by that
name and established several years ago
through the Presbyterian Board.
The hospitals staff normally consists
OF three medical members and eleven
boarding school teachers and evangelical
workers. DR.. Charles W. Lamme, for
merly Of Easton. Pa. the medical d.
rector Of the institution. is on his way
to this country on a leave. He left DR.
Edmund NJ Dodd. whose home is in
Montclair. ~ j., in charge, II was said