Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-06-20
PRESIDENT ASKS
FACTSO TABRIZ
No Action Until Turkish
Attack OH Hospital Is
Officially Reported
CONGRESS WANTS WAR
German Officers Knew Spap.
ish Flag Represented
L. S. Interests
Washington. June 20.

| Washington. June 20.
President Wilson has asked for rom,
pis'e adNices on the sacking by the
ufks OF the American missionary hos
pItal at Tabriz, Persia, it was learned
To-Day from source close TO the White
House The President is said to have
SHOWN a keen interest in the report ed
seizure of the American consulate and
the sacking of the hospital, and Ameri
can Minister Caldwell, at Teheran, has
been requested 10 send all the additional
details that he may have at his COM
mand
II was made plain tha, the President
would take no action until every phase
OF the occurrence had been communi-
cated TO him. The report Of the occupa-
tlon of the consulate and the sackins of
the hospital has created deep concern
IN the capital and the belief was freely
expressed that Turkey had committed the
overt act that eventually would lead to
a declaration Of war by the United
States.
watches Russia Closely
The President also was closely watch
ing the Russian situation today. and
there were reports this would be
made the subject of a Fourth of July
address. Reports were insistent that he
would make an address on that day. and
that at that time he would take he
people into his confidence as to what
Americas policy toward Russia is to be.
Where the speech will he delivered could
not he learned, but an announcement
was expected before the end of the
present week.
Congress Outrage
Congress is ready to declare war on
Turkey the moment official verification
is obtained OF The Tabrz outrage
The majority sentiment in both Houses
fsvors immediate declaration of hos
ulities. but will await word from the
President.
Leaders said today they expect Tur-
key VIII excuse the attack on the ground
that. a g the Spanish flag was flying over
the American hospital. her soldiers did
not know il was an American building.
The csnturies-old hostility Of Turk for
Spa niard will be the reason given for
the attack. they believe
But It was pointed out Turkish troops
are nearly all Differed by Germans. who
knew full well that Spain is looking
after American interests in hostile coun-
tries.
senators Seek Action
There never has been any reason |
could see for delay" said Senator Hard
ing. Of Ohio. This may bring the re-
suit so many of US have desired so
long.f
Senator King, of Utah. author of
resolution for declaration Of war on
Turkey and Bulgaria. will probably see
Vii TO
incident and inquire il any reason now
exists for not pressing his resolution be-
fore the Foreign Relations Committee.
turkish atrocities against Armenians
and the reported use OF Bulsarians in
some capacity on the western front by
Germany. lead most members OF Com
gress 10 believe that this Government
should no longer maintain peace with
either nation.
Greek Serbian and Russian statesmen
here manifested uneasiness over the
safety Of Americans in Turkey. Many
Americans. however, withdrew months
ago, and State Depa ctment men explain
others stayed voluntarily. as in the case
Of missionaries.
May War Only on Turks
With Turkey and Bulgaria at odds
over territorial ambitions the President
may seize the opportunity to further
estrange the two countries by withhold
ing action against the Bulgars and
placing the Ottoman Empire beyond the
pale.
Despite insistent rumors and reports
to the contrary, American officials are
convinced that there is a chance to win
over Bulgaria from the Teutors.
No Bulgarian troops have fought
against Americans, nor even against
French and British. except on the Mace
DOMAIN front. The State Department has
had information to this effect, but il has
never been tablished whether Rulsars
we're aiding on communica ton lines,