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The bigoted American and Western
press naturally depicted "The Armenian Question" almost entirely
from the perspective of Armenian propaganda. But even with some of these
articles, the inconsistencies of the massacre tales slipped through; sometimes
the newspapers even released accounts of the Armenians' belligerence
(frequently couched in terms such as "self-defense," but in reality
exposing the lie that there was no Armenian rebellion).
This page will feature some of these accounts, as well as others of interest,
taking place during the late 1800s.
Many thanks to Gokalp.
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| TABLE
OF CONTENTS |
1) War Considered Imminent
2) Armenian Troubles
3) Hissed
by the Audience
4) Armenian Uprising
5) Most Diabolical
6) Americans
in Armenia
7) Is the Sultan Obstinate?
8) Outrages in Armenia
9) Armenians in Revolt
10) The Armenian Tangle
11) It was Despair
12) Wily Turks Claim Armenians are Responsible
for Disorders
13) Snubs Great Britain
14) Ready to Submit
15) Terrell Confirms the Massacres
16) 600 Armenians Arrested
17) Armenians
To Be Executed
18) Villages Burned
19) Armenian Outrages
20) Constantinople Riots
21) Armenian Rioters in Constantinople
Shed Much Blood
22) To Try Turkish Rioters
23) Turkish Banks Reopened
24) French Ambassador Warns Sultan / Armenian
Immigration
25) Threats of the Armenians
26) Armenian Banker May Lose Head / Alliance
vs. Turkey
27) Armenian Revolutionists
28) Crafty Greece Only Waiting for the
Right Moment
29) Germans Aiding Turks
30) Armed Movement Against the Sultan
31) Armenian Revolutionists Defend Recent
Bomb-Throwing
32) Sentenced to Death
33) The Turk No Religious Persecutor
34) Suspend... severe and harsh judgment
of the (Turks)
35) Turkish Light on Massacres
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War Considered Imminent
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Daily Kennebee Journal?, April [5], 1878
War Considered Imminent
Ignatieffs View of His Mission to Vienna
Gortachakoff Preparing a Reply to England
A CONGRESS NOT PROBABLE.
An Army Preparing to March Against British India.
The Russian Defiance Toward England.
THE STRENGTH OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY.
ST. PETERSBURG, April .In an interview with Gen Ignatieff yesterday, he stated he
was satisfied with the result of his mission to Vienna, inasmuch as it enables
Russia to see more clearly what is necessary to be done.
Gortachakoff is engaged preparing a diplomatic note in reply to Salisbury s
circular, which will have a two fold object. It will satisfy Andrassy and will
conclude an ultimatum for England. This reply is expected from hour to hour, and
much curiosity is manifested to ascertain its actual contents. It is expected it
will precipitate a genuine crisis, and force England to declare distinctly what she
wants.
Gen. Ignatieff is less hopeful than ever of Congress meeting, and even if it should
meet it will not settle anything satisfactorily. Considering everything. Ignatieff
thinks Congress would only lead to war.
There are conflicting interests at stake in this Eastern question, which can only be
settled by war, and no Congress could reconcile them.
Gortachakoff appeared to have made up his mind for war, and in fact to prefer it as
a means of arriving at a definite solution of the difference. He is therefore
shaping his diplomacy with a view to that end, and events will be influenced in such
way as to precipitate a struggle, under circumstances most favorable to Russia.
Everything here points to war, and the public mind is fully prepared for it.
Tchernaieff has been appointed to the command of a special corps of eclaireurs
destined to penetrate rapidly to the heart of Central Asia, in countries where the
Russian armies have already been on several expeditions. This special corps will be
composed of Cossacks und horse artillery, and be augmented on the march by such
recruits as the general commander may see fit to take.
Armenian volunteers for such work as the column would have to undertake, are to
be found among the tribes of Central Asia, and their general will have no difficulty
in enlisting their services.
General Tchernaieff is an old campaigner in Central Asia, and will act with the
greatest celerity of movement. He will adopt the tactics followed by Gourko after
the passage of the Danube. As he is familiar with the ground and has great
experience in dealing with the Asiatics, it is considered here that no better
selection could have been made. It is not known what the strength of his command
will be, but it is asserted the greatest care has been taken in selecting men and
subordinate chiefs.
There is now no doubt that the objective point of his expedition is British India.
So certain do the authorities at St. Petersburg feel of a war with England, that
preparations have been thus early begun, so that no time may be lost after
hostilities commence.
LONDON, April 5. A St. Petersburg despatch says the Journal De St. Petersburg,
official organ of the government, has adopted a defiant and war- like tone in its
article to-day respecting Salisbury's circular.
Officials of the English admiralty have gone to Belfast to superintend the equipment
of numerous private steamers, to be used as cruisers in case of war.
The military situation ia beginning to attract attention. The Servian occupation of
Bulgaria as far as Plevna, is believed to be intended to cover the Russian line of
communication and relieve the Russian troops, who will be concentrated south of the
Balkans.
The Russian troops lately at Sofia and north of Adrianople, are moving toward tbe
south-east, perhaps to strengthen the army of Grand Duke Nicholas, or it may be the
intention to abandon the lines of land communications and rely almost exclusively
for the conveyance of reserves and supplies on the marine transports over the Black
Sea, in consequence of the attacks of the Roumanians.
From the latter point of view it is very natural to infer the Russians will do
everything possible to keep the British fleet out of the Black Sea, though it is not
believed here that even occupation of the northern shore of the Bosphorus by tbe
Russians would prevent Admiral Hornby from forcing a passage.
On the peninsuIa of Gallipoli, or the neighboring mainland, in front of the position
of Bulair, are probably about 50,000 Russians, while at Salonica and on the lines of
communication there may be scattered some 50,000 more.
The war office at St. Petersburg is stated to be dissatisfied with the condition of
the muster rolls, and is making strenuous exertions to hurry up the reserves. All
regiments stationed in the capital were three days ago inspected by the Emperor,
probably previous to their departure to the front. Some Russian divisions are now on
the road to Buyukdere, and 30,000 troops are collected within easy striking
distance. Between these and Buyukdere are some Turkish brigades, which could
probably hold the place till assistance arrived, if energetically employed and
loyally commanded, in co operation with the [British], but they must in time be
overwhelmed, for the Russians, even allowing for all deductions, should still muster
at least 75,000 combatants in front of Constantinople.
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| Armenian Troubles |
Reno Evening Gazette, August 12, 1890; the same article was in The Galveston
Daily News, August 13, 1890, entitled ARMENIAN TROUBLES. The ending line was: "The
governor of Erzeroum has ordered the expulsion of fifty Armenians suspected of having
promoted the recent disturbances."
TROUBLE IN TURKEY IN ASIA
The Turks Alarmed.
(By Cable and Associated Press)
CONSTANTINOPLE, Aug. 12. Further conflicts have occurred between the Turks and
Armenians in Alashgerd district. It is reported that a band of young Russo-Armenian
volunteers, mounted and well armed, have appeared at Erzeroum and are recruiting adherents
fast. The report caused a panic among the Turkish authorities.
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Hissed
by the Audience
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Sandusky Register, Feb. 22, 1895
Hissed by the Audience.
CHICAGO, Feb. 21. Gen. Lew Wallace was openly hissed several times in Central
music hall tonight during his lecture on "Turkey and the Turks." A large
number of Armenians were in the audience, expecting Gen. Wallace would allude to the
Armenian atrocities. He did so. Gen. Wallace praised the personal peculiarities of
the Turks as a people, and asked the people of America to suspend judgment in the
stories of the massacre by the Turks and Kurds until the report of the international
commission is received. He also praised the Armenians as brave and peaceful people.
Later in the evening he spoke several times in praise of the Turks and every time
hisses came from the audience.
Holdwater: Did you also feel the need to double-check
the date, to see whether the year was not 1995? Incredible.
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| Armenian Uprising |
The Delphos Daily Herald, May 30, 1895
ARMENIAN UPRISING.
Turkey Endeavoring to Prevent It if Possible.
THE REVOLUTIONISTS CUT OFF.
Communication Stopped Between the Leaders in Persia and Their Agents in Armenia
Caravans Seized by Turkish Officials. The lives of the Christian People Are in
Greater Peril Now Than Ever.
DJULFA, Russia, May 80. Copyrighted, 1895,by the Associated Press.The special
correspondent of the Associated Press who is investigating the situation in Armenia
has furnished the following correspondence:
"The Turkish government is taking prompt measures to prevent the uprising of
the Armenian revolutionists next month. All roads leading from Persia to Van have
been closed by order of the Turkish government, the intention being to shut off
communication between the revolutionary leaders in Persia and their agents in
Armenia. The last caravan that tried to get through to Van was seized by Turkish
officials.
The seizure of the caravan to Van has caused no end of consternation to the Armenian
revolutionists in Persia, as this action seriously interferes with some of their
important arrangements. However, they assure me that other roads through tho
mountains will be found and that the work will go steadily forward.
"Within the past week the Turkish consul at Sautch-Balak, in Persia, tried to
cross over into Turkey with an armed escort of 12 men, but he was turned back by the
Kurds, who held possession of all the roads. At the same time the Turkish officials
in the towns near the border were chased out of the country by the Kurds. They took
refuge in Ravenduz, where they are now. The Kurds have warned them not to return.
The Armenians hope that the Kurds and Turks will get into a fight and exterminate
each other.
"A reasonable explanation for this activity of the Kurds may be found in a
letter from Sheik Abdel-Kadr, recently written to his brother in the mountains of
Kuristan.[sic] Abdel Kadr announces that the sultan had appointed him to command the
Hamidieh regiment of a regular Kurdish cavalry, together with a force of regular
Turkish troops, and that there was to be a great war, during which he and his troops
were to capture the Russian city of Kars.
"Many well informed persons in western Persia believe that Asia Minor is on the
verge of a great religious war which the Sultan of Turkey is fostering in order to
retain his prestige among the Mohammedans, many of whom have been for some time
grumbling at him for his lukewarmness in the cause of their religion, and
threatening to deprive him ot his caliphate.
"As eight months have passed since the Sassoun and Moosh massacres and nothing
has been done in consequence by the Turkish government, the moslems [sic] of Persia
are beginning to believe that nothing will be done, and that Europe's protests count
for nothing. As a result the Persians are beginning to talk... of having a massacre
of Christians on their account. I have been frankly told in Persia that if nothing
else is done to punish the Turks for the Sassoun affair, the zealous moslems [sic]
of Persia will seek to win the favor of their god by scourging and driving out the
Christians. Were it not for the strong hand of the Persian government and the good
will and protection of the shah, the Christian population would be murdered within a
week.
"My information is to the effect that Bitlis is on the brink of a massacre and
that trouble may be looked for at any moment. This news, from a different source, is
of the same character as the news which I received last week announcing that the
Christians at Van were within an inch of a massacre.
"The situation in Armenia has grown no better for the presence of the
commission of inquiry; as a matter of fact, it has grown worse, and the Christian
population in eastern Turkey is at the present moment in greater peril than it was
the week before the Sassoun massacre. Not only that, but the peril to Christian
people has spread eastward into Persia. Near Onronmia, a few days ago, the village
of Baloolan was attacked by 400 Kurds, and several men were killed.
"The village of Balooulan is now deserted by all its inhabitants except a few
armed men, who are guarding the empty houses. Another attack is looked for daily, as
the Kurds have sent word that they mean to remove Baloolan from the face of nature
in revenge for the death of one of their men. There is no doubt whatever that they
will carry out their threat."'
Holdwater: The uncommon article demonstrating the Kurds were at odds with the Turks, instead of
acting as a tag team and making life hell on earth for Armenians.
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| Most Diabolical |
Newark Daily Advocate, July 15, 1895
MOST DIABOLICAL
The Massacre of the Armenians at Sassoun by Kurds
WHAT THE ARMENIANS NOW WANT
Is Reform Which Has as Its Fundamental Principle the Giving to European Powers Absolute
Control of That Unfortunate Country Five Hundred Young Armenians Swear to Sacrifice
Themselves to Attract the Attention of England to the Desperateness of the Situation,
Which Was Never In a More Critical Condition.
From the Special Correspondent of the Associated Press.
VAN, Armenia, May 24.The Sassonn massacre, it would appear, was one of the most
carefully planned outrages in history. The evidence of this is circumstantial only, but it
is alleged to be none the less conclusive.
During the months of June, July and August preceding the Sassoun massacre the Kurdish
chiefs in the country surrounding the Sassoun region, and particularly the districts in
the southward and southwestward, were apparently unusually busy in gathering up the
scattered warriors of their tribes for an invasion of the Sassoun region.
In July and August enormous quantities of petroleum were shipped from Erzeroum to Moush.
This petroleum came originally from Russia to Erzeroum, and so great was the quantity
brought over the mountain roads that it was a subject of remark to very many persons. For
a time it looked as though nothing went over the roads between Erzeroum and Moush but
petroleum. It is a fact that Moush does not use a great quantity of petroleum herself, nor
do her merchants sell much of it to the surrounding country. In the villages candles of
sheep fat oil are used for lights.
No longer a Mystery.
The mystery was a mystery no longer after the Sassoun massacre, for that petroleum was
used to burn the houses of the Sassoun villages and to cremate the bodies of the wretched
villagers who fell victims to the awful butchery. ln burning the houses the petroleum was
thrown upon the woodwork in generous quantities and set on fire, with the result that
everything that could burn went up in smoke. In cremating the dead the bodies were, in
many cases, placed between layers of wood and built up into a sort of funeral pile. The
entire mass was then saturated with petroleum and set on fire. It is charged that living
men were cremated in the same way. But this was a merciful way of putting the unfortunate
creatures death in comparison with the torturing inflicted upon many others.
The Massing of Troops
near the Sassoun region, and particularly at Moush, was carried on for some time before
the beginning of the massacre in order that everything might be in readiness, according to
the program said to have been carefully made out at Constantinople. Several weeks after
the Sassoun massacre it is claimed orders were sent from the palace at Constantinople for
a massacre of the inhabitants of Modikan, a district lying to the south and southeast of
Sassoun, but when it was seen that an investigation of the massacre at Sassoun was
inevitable the order, it is said, was recalled and Modikan was not molested except in the
ordinary course of the persecution general in all parts of Armenia.
Willing to Be Sacrificed.
In the city of Van, at this moment, there are 500 young men sworn to give themselves as a
sacrifice to Turkish butchery in the hope that the attention of England may be more
strongly called to the desperate situation of their people.
The Armenians can not accept any scheme of reform which does not have for its fundamental
principles the absolute control of the European powers. Unless Europe controls the reforms
there will be a massacre of 20,000 Christians in the city of Van within three months. The
Armenians themselves will bring this about rather than be cast adrift by their fellow
Christians of the west.
Can Not Be Told.
There is no language quite adequate to a description of the real condition of Armenia at
present. Men are beaten robbed and murdered, and women are ravished by Kurds and Turkish
soldiers Woe and want and despair and death stalk abroad in this beautiful laud that was
once a part of the garden of Eden. The inhabitants of Van are living on the brink of a
massacre from day to day.
By the transfer from Van to Constantinople of the advance guard of the Armenian
revolutionary movement, captured in the village of Tchiboukla on May 19, the Turkish
government has taken a decisive step toward quieting public excitement in the eastern part
of the empire.
The governor of Van, Bahri Pasha, has, during the week, added several interesting facts to
the alleged confession of Harry Williams, the leader of the captured band. According to
the governor, Williams has confessed that the revolutionary party, which sent him to begin
the revolution, has 3,000 rifles in Trieste, Austria, which will be shipped lo Armenia for
the use of the patriots at the earliest opportunity.
Not a British Subject.
An interesting incident of Williams' confession, as made public by Bahri, is the fact that
he is not a British subject at all, but is a native of the Caucuses region of Russia, and,
strangely enough, of the very district in which Bahri himself was born.
Leaving out of consideration entirely the second revolutionary band across the Persia
border it is an undeniable facf that the Armenian situation was [LINE CUT SHORT]
Our correspondent yesterday met the representative of a fourth revolutionary party which
has agents in Russia, England and America. Their headquarters seem to be in America, where
a party newspaper is published and revolutionary funds collected. This agent is a
Russian-Armenian and he holds strong views on the situation. The fourth revolutionary
party has no guns in Armenia, nor does the agent say that h has any arms hidden in the
mountains. The party's principles, however, are of the most radical and advanced sort.
Holdwater: Is not the petroleum poppycock the biggest load of
sh...aving cream in the annals of Armenian inventiveness? At least the journalist was
responsible enough to include the sort of disclaimer, "The evidence of this is
circumstantial only, but it is alleged to be none the less conclusive. " (A more realistic look at Sasun.) Also, don't
you love the obligatory "Final Solution" claim, that the massacres were
committed "according to the program said to have been carefully made out at
Constantinople"? The Armenians don't lose a trick, secure in the knowledge that
journalists would publish whatever they would say.
What is much more believable are the "most diabolical" plans of the Armenian
terrorists, from planning to import massive quantities of arms into the Ottoman Empire, to
the propaganda machinery already established in the USA. (The ending line is steeped in
truth, "The party's principles, however, are of the most radical and advanced
sort.") And they had far from hit their stride, regarding their evil work, this being
only 1895.
ADDENDUM, 1-07: Insight on "Harry Williams," from The Armenian
Rebellion at Van, McCarthy, 2006, p. 62:
In 1887, Ottoman forces captured fourteen men carrying revolutionary propaganda as they
crossed the Iranian border one was a Russian subject, twelve were Ottoman subjects,
and one had a British passport under the name of "Harry Williams." [51]
"Williams" turned out to be a Hunchak party regular, Haroutun Ohandjian, who had
lived in London and obtained a passport using false credentials. [52].
[51]: FO 195/1887, Hallward Telegram to Currie, July 25, 1887. [52]: FO
424/183, Home Office to Foreign Office, London, July 6, 1895. Scotland Yard found that,
while in London, Ohandjian had been living with Avedis Nazarbekian, the editor of the
Hunchak newspaper, Huntchak.
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Americans
in Armenia
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The Syracuse Standard, Aug.16,1895
Americans in Armenia
Washington, Aug. 15. The state department has received a report from Minister
Terrell at Constantinople stating that a naturalized American citizen who was a
student at the American college at Marsovan, Armenia, had been arrested by the
Turkish officials for alleged complicity in the murder of an Armenian Christian. The
minister stated that he had instructed Mr. Jewell, the United Slates consul there,
to demand the release of Ihe prisoner, whose name was not given. If he had been
imprisoned on mere suspicion or because his acquirement of American citizenshlp was
construed as an offense, Mr. Terrell said In his dispatch that the present Marsovan
troubles arose from notices sent [16] persons there that they would be killed unless
they co-operated with the Armenian revolutionists. Two of these were President Tracy
and Prof. Riggs of Marsovan college, both Americans. Two of the [16] have been
assassinated. At Mr. Terrell's request a Turkish guard was furnished the Americans.
Holdwater: It's one thing for the morally bankrupt
Dashnaks and Hunchaks to have targeted fellow Armenians to do their bidding,
otherwise they would be killed. But it's almost sacrilegious for them to have used
such evil tactics on the Armenians' greatest friends, the missionaries.
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| Is the Sultan Obstinate? |
NY Times, Aug. 25, 1895
IS THE SULTAN OBSTINATE?
The refusal of the Sultan to accept general European superintendence of the reforms In
Asiatic Turkey may be obstinacy or merely another move on the chessboard of Eastern
European politics. His assertion that it will endanger the integrity and independence of
his empire Is plausible and has even more than a shadow of truth. The difficulty is that
refusal is more dangerous than acceptance. The longer actual reform Is delayed, the more
difficult it becomes. From every part of the empire comes news of increasing desperation
among the people. In the region of Moosh there Is already famine; on the plains of
Erzeroum the harvest is good, but the farmers dare not gather it for fear of the Kurds; In
Northern Mesopotamia the Christians are fleeing from their villages, and even the Kurdish
nomads have to ask for Government protection in going to their mountain pasturages; In
Central Asia Minor the Armenian revolutionists are again creating disturbances, having
murdered two prominent Armenians for no other reason than a desire to create a disturbance
and attract the notice of foreign powers* and Bulgarian brigands have attacked one of the
few remaining Turkish towns in the province of Adrianople. Everywhere, from Albania to
Bagdad, uncertainty, anxiety, and distress have resulted in such tension that there is
constant apprehension lest the people of all classes in sheer desperation arise en masse
and strike at anything within reach, even though the only and the immediate result be
their own destruction. In such circumstances to talk about the integrity and independence
of the empire is the sheerest folly, unless there be some unseen influence at work upon
which the Sublime Porte relies in the pursuance of a policy of constantly putting off any
decision of any kind. That there is some such influence at work is undoubtedly true. It
may be Russia who Is not quite ready to see the means on which she has so often relied to
quiet home troubles set aside. It may be that Austria, with her eye on the Aegean, feels
that the time is not yet ripe for her plans. It may be that France Is waiting to see how
the Madagascar experiment Is going to develop before she commits herself to a plan which
would mean the firmer establishment of England's hold on Egypt. It may be none of these,
but simply the Turk's invariable reliance on Kismet, the chance that something may turn up
to put off the evil day. The scarcely veiled threat In the Queen's speech, following so
soon Mr. Gladstone's fearful arraignment of Turkish falsehood and treachery, and the very
plain talk of Lord Salisbury on the reassembling of Parliament ought to mean something. At
no previous time in the history of Turkey has the internal condition been as bad as It is
to-day, and at no time has the consensus of the civilized world been so strong that the
Sultan must either improve or be put out of Europe, if not out of his throne. The quicker
he sees this and acts accordingly, the better it will be for him. He will find that the
policy of trusting to the selfish interests of the European powers to neutralize each
other and protect himself has its limitations, and will soon be a policy of
self-destruction.
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Outrages
in Armenia
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Marion Daily Star, Sept.10, 1895
OUTRAGES IN ARMENIA
Towns Sacked and the Inhabitants Foully Treated
LONDON, Sept 10 A dispatch to The Daily News from Kars Armenia says that the
entire district of [Kem?iks] is surrounded by Turkish troops dispatched by Zekki Pasha under the plea
of arresting Armenian revolutionaries. The villages of Carni Tortan Horopont and
Marign are reported to have been completely sacked and the population, ingregating
5000 people, were foully treated. The men were tortured and the women and children
were ravished. The excitement and alarm are universal.
Authentic information from [Monach] is to the effect that an anti Christian society
of Turkish officials has been formed there and at Bitha with the avowed intention to
slaughter the Christians in the event of the acceptance by the porte of the scheme
of reforms presented by the powers. It is declared that Consul Hampson is to be the
first victim.
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| Armenians in Revolt |
Centralia Enterprise and Tribune, Nov. 2, 1895
ARMENIANS IN REVOLT.
Twenty-six Thousand In the Zeitoun Mountains Defy the Sultan
Constantinople, Oct. 30. The most alarming news yet received from Armenia was
made public here today. It is said that the situation is so grave that in the
Zeitoun mountains and in that district there are 26,000 Armenians In revolt against
the rule of the Sultan. The Turkish government, in view of the gravity of this
outbreak, has decided to call out the army reserves.
Washington, D. C., Oct. 30 United States Minister Terrell has cabled to the
state department a practical confirmation of the press reports of the recent
Armenian massacres. He has given formal warning to the Porte, by direction of
Secretary Olney, that Turkey will be held responsible for the safety and security of
all American missionaries in that country.
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| The Armenian Tangle |
The Daily Transcript, November 4, 1895
THE ARMENIAN TANGLE
Much-Talked-of Reform Has Failed to Materialize as Yet.
Turkey's Move In the Matter Came Too Late.
Disturbances In Various Parts of the Empire Have In No Wise Abated.
LONDON, Nov. 4. A dispatch from Constantinople says that the sultan has summoned Tewflk
Pasha from Berlin to discuss the Armenian question.
The papers this morning are full of Turkish troubles, and have columns of special
correspondence from Constantinople. The Daily News (Liberal) in an editorial complains of
the want of agreement among the powers as encouraging the sultan to withhold the imperial
order enforcing the Armenian reforms. It is most regrettable, The Daily News considers,
that Sir Philip Currie (the British ambassador to Turkey) should have left Constantinople
at such a critical time.
The Chronicle (Liberal) argues that the question only really concerns England and Russia,
who can do virtually as they like if they will only agree. The Chronicle suggests the
constituting of Constantinople as a free city, with 50 miles of borderland on both sides
of the streets.
The Times says editorially: Turkish news is of a grave and disquieting character. Like
other things Turkish, the Armenian commission of control comes too late. The porte seems
to hope that the summoning of the reserves will restore order, but at best the process of
restoration is likely to be a rough one. The editorial then proceeds to argue that the
Armenians, by their revolutionary tactics, have forfeited the sympathy of the English
government, who has already, in their interest, gone as near provoking a disastrous
disagreement with the European powers as would be permissible to a prudent nation.
Therefore, concludes The Times, we are disinclined to risk reopening the whole Eastern
question for their sake.
Far From Settlement.
Official telegrams received here state that several persons were killed and wounded at
Direbirkar on Friday during some riots from an Armenian attack upon the mosques.
Some Zeitoun Armenians attacked Lieutenant Hassan Agha, who, with his wife and children,
were traveling through Marash, and killed the whole family and rifled the bodies of the
victims.
The American missionaries in Bitlis have again complained to United States Minister
Terrell that they are in imminent danger. Mr. Terrell and Michael Herbert, the British
charge d'affaires, have, therefore, again made a demand upon the porte to insure the
protection of the Americans.
The report which has been published of Turkish attacks upon the Bulanik, Kharput, Sivas,
Urfa and elsewhere are not fully confirmed, but both the grand vizier and the Armenian
patriarch have sent telegrams enjoining upon the people to put forth efforts to calm the
excitement.
It is rumored that the Turks are still pillaging the Armenian shops in Erzroom, where the
riots are found to have been more serious than was at first reported. It is now said that
200 corpses have already been counted.
The Armenian population of Anatolia are sending delegates to petition M. Nelidoff, the
Russian ambassador, to request Russia to temporarily occupy the Armenian provinces.
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It was Despair
|
The Lowell Daily Sun, Nov. 8, 1895
IT WAS DESPAIR
That Caused Armenians to Rise Against Turks.
THE USUAL TALE FROM THE SUBLIME PORTE.
Shifting the Blame From the Government.
LONDON, Nov. 8. The Daily News' Constantinople correspondent, whose sympathies
lean toward the Armenian side, admits that the Moslem attacks have aroused such a
spirit of opposition and despair among the Armenians that instead of allowing
themselves to be killed quietly, as at Trebizond and Akhissar, the Armenians
themselves commenced the attack at Zytoun, Erzroom and elsewhere, besides making
ill-advised and mischievous demonstrations In Constantinople.
It will take years, this correspondent continues, to revive confidence and trade and
commerce lost through the present condition of anarchy, due to the deplorable
weakness and inaction of the government.
As an instance of this, the correspondent cites the fact, that A. W. Terrell, United
States minister, has been trying for two months to obtain permission for United
States Consul Poche, at Aleppo, to see an American citizen of Armenian origin who
has been sent to prison there for life.
It is pointed out that Minister Terrell has secured orders from the two grand
viziers to the local authorities at Aleppo to grant this permission, which had
either been rescinded before the consul had an opportunity to act upon it, or has
been disobeyed by the local governor, the desired result being evaded rather than
refused.
Is Minister Terrell's Influence Waning?
This is the more remarkable, The Daily News' correspondent observes, because Mr.
Terrell has considerable personal influence at the porte. Yet, now, after demanding
the dismissal of the vali at Aleppo, or that the porte itself should assume
responsibility for refusal, he has only succeeded In getting an order for the
prisoner to be brought here.
Kiamil Pasha, the retiring grand vizier has been appointed vali of Aleppo, to
succeed the official who has held that place during Mr. Terrell's efforts to secure
an interview with the prisoner.
The only hopeful sign in tho outlook according to the opinion of The Daily News
correspondent, is the report that the troops at Erzroom, under Shakir Pasha. high
commissioner to enforce the Armenian reforms, have attacked a Moslem mob, which had
formed with a purpose of doing mischief to tho Armenians. If this is confirmed, the
correspondent thinks, it will show that Turkey desires that the massacres shall
cease.
A cipher letter, received from Erzincan, headquarters of the notorious Zekki Pasha,
commander of the troops at the time of the Sassoun massacres, states that 2000
Armenians have been killed during the late disturbances.
A Vienna dispatch to The Daily News from Its correspondent there, says that he hears
that unless there is an amelioration in the condition of affairs, Russia will occupy
Armenia simultaneously with the holding of the European conference.
Said Pasha'a Modesty.
The Constantinople correspondent of The Standard sends an interview with Said Pasha,
in which he says he could not claim that the Turkish administration was snow-white,
but it was certainly not as black as it was painted. The ministers, he said, were
working hard to carry out the scheme of reforms, and counted upon England's
generosity not to increase the difficulties by encouraging the revolutionary
Armenians, who, instead of being grateful for the concessions that have been made,
were in open revolt throughout Asia.
A dispatch to The Standard from Vienna says that it is believed that the changes in
the Turkish ministry are intended to appease Mohammedan disaffection, and are not a
demonstration against England, although Kiamil Pasha, the out-going grand vizier,
was the most pro-English of the pashas.
The new ministry was officially announced yesterday afternoon as follows: Said
Pasha, minister of the council; Abdurrahman Pasha, minister of justice; Muduh Pasha,
minister of the interior; Gareid Pasha, minister of worship; Zudhi Pasha, minister
of education; Mahmud Djelalledin Pasha, minister of commerce and works; Sabri Pasha,
minister of finance: Aarifl Pasha, minister without portfolio.
Neither Halil Rifat Pasha's name as grand, vizier, nor the name of the
Sheik-Ul-Islam, is included in the official list.
As Might Be Expected.
The following telegram from the sublime porte, under Nov. 6 date, has been sent to
Washington:
All news concerning plots, threatening letters and supposed dissatisfaction in the
ranks of the army and navy is intentionally propagated by well-known newspaper
correspondents affiliated with the Armenian committee to alarm public opinion. As
for the oft-repeated assertion of the intended extermination of the Armenians, it is
too absurd to be contradicted. The efforts of the Imperial government tend, on the
contrary, to quell the revolt of the Armenians and to resist their criminal and
bloody agitation.
The Armenian agitation at Diarbekir was on the point of subsiding when the Armenians
began again their attacks upon the Mussulmans by throwing bombs at them, and by
firing at the Muezzins at the very time when the latter were calling the faithful to
prayers. During the affray, 50 Mussulmans and 90 Armenians were killed and wounded.
Armenian rioters attacked the patrols at Sivrik, killing a few Mussulmans, and
setting fire to the bazaar. Two hundred Armenian revolutionists, having at their
head Kevrok, chief of the parish of Ferus (Marsh), attacked the village of Tchoukour
Hissar, and killed 12 Mussulmans. Some ot the agitators were arrested, including
part of the Armenian brigands who captured Hadji Hassau Oglou Husni.
All news published as to the occurrence of trouble at Adana, Tarsus and [Mcrsiue] is
absolutely without foundation.
Holdwater: The West would not give the Turks a fair
shake. When the Ottoman government tried to explain what was really happening, they
could count on being met with disbelief and sarcasm. After all, Armenians and
missionaries wouldn't lie.
|
| Wily Turks
Claim Armenians Responsible for Disorders |
The News (Maryland), Nov. 8, 1895
NEW TURKISH MINISTRY
The Sultan Reorganizes His Corps of Advisers.
"THOSE TURBULENT ARMENIANS."
A Telegram from the Porte to the Powers in Which the Wily Turks Claim That the Armenians
are Responsible for all Recent Disorders.
CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov.8 A new Turkish ministry has been formed, as follows: Hali Rifat
Pasha, grand vizier; Said Pasha, president of the council of state; Tewfik Pasha, minster
of foreign affairs; Hassan Pasha, minister of marine; Riza Pasha, minister of war; Metuduh
Pasha, minister of the interior; Abdur Raimar Pasha, minister of justice; Sabri Pasha,
minister of France; Arid Pasha, minister without portfolio.
Kiamil Pasha, the retiring grand vizier, has been appointed vali of Aleppo.
Riza Pasha was minister of war in the last cabinet; Hassan Pasha was minister of marine in
the last ministry; Hali Rifat Pasha is the e-minister of the Interior, and Tewfik Pasha
has just, come here from Berlin, where he was Turkish ambassador to Germany. Finally, Said
Pasha was minister of foreign affairs in the late cabinet and previously grand vizier.
Hali Rifat Pasha, the new grand vizier of Turkey, has the reputation of being an able
administrator. He has held numerous high posts and is a man of broad views, judged from a
Turkish standpoint.
The new grand vizier Is expected to have a moderating influence between the Mussulmans and
the Christians, but it Is not thought that he will be able to do anything of a remarkable
nature at the present serious juncture of affairs In the Turkish empire.
It is believed that the changes in the Turkish ministry are intended to appease Mahomedan
disaffection, and are not a demonstration against England, although Kiamil Pasha, the
outgoing grand vizier, was the most pro-English of the pashas.
In an interview Said Pasha said he could not claim that the Turkish administration was not
snow white, but it was certainly not as black as it was painted. The ministers, he said,
were working hard to carry out the scheme of reforms, and counted upon England's
generosity not to increase the difficulties by encouraging the revolutionary Armenians.
who, instead of being grateful for the concessions that had been made, were in open revolt
throughout Asia.
The sublime porte has sent the following telegram to the powers:
"All news concerning plots, threatening letters and a supposed dissatisfaction in the
ranks of the army and navy is intentionally propagated by well known newspaper
correspondents, affiliated with the Armenian committee, to alarm public opinion. As for
the often repeated assertion of the intended extermination of the Armenians, it is too
absurd to be contradicted. The efforts of the imperial government, on the contrary, to
quell the revolt of the Armenians and to resist their criminal and bloody agitation.
"The Armenian agitation at Diarbekir was on the point of subsiding when the Armenians
begun again their attacks upon the Mussulmans by throwing bombs at them, and by firing at
the muezzins when the latter were calling the faithful to prayers. During the affray fifty
Mussulmans and ninety Armenians were killed and wounded.
"Armenian rioters attacked the patrols at Sivrik, killing a few Mussulmans and
setting fire to the bazaar. Two hundred Armenian revolutionists, having at their head
Kevrok, chief of the parish of Ferus (Marash), attacked the village of Tchoukour Hissar
and killed twelve Mussulmans. Some of the agitators were arrested, including part of the
Armenian brigands who captured Hadji Hassan Oglous Husni.
"All news published as to the occurrence of trouble at Adana, Tarsus and Mersine, is
absolutely without foundation."
Armenians Have Acted Hastily.
LONDON, Nov.8.-The Daily News Constantinople correspondent, whose sympathies lean toward
the Armenian side, admits that the Moslem attacks have aroused such a spirit of opposition
and despair among the Armenians that instead of allowing themselves to be killed quietly,
as at Trebizond and Akhissar, the Armenians themselves commenced the attack at Zeiton,
Erzeroum and elsewhere, besides making ill advised and mischievous demonstrations in
Constantinople. "It will take years," this correspondent continues, "to
revive confidence and trade and commerce lost through the present condition of anarchy due
to the deplorable weakness and inaction of the government."
The Sultan Looking to His Own Safety.
LONDON, Nov. 8.-The Berlin correspondent of The Times says of Tewfik Pasha, tbe new
Turkish minister of foreign affairs: "While here Tewfik displayed no qualities
fitting him to be a good foreign minister. He has won the sultan's confidence by the
timely detection of palace plots, and he is likely to be a docile palace Instrument. It
looks, therefore, as if the sultan were thinking more of his own safety than of the
gravity of the political situation."
|
Snubs Great
Britain
|
The Decatur Review (Illinois), Nov. 10, 1895, P. 6
SNUBS GREAT BRITAIN
TURKEY CARES NOTHING FOR THE ISLAND EMPIRE.
Decoration of Bahri Pasha Is Looked Upon as an Approval of Armenian Outrages
More Christians Arrested Without Just Cause.
Constantinople, Nov. 9. The Official Gazette announces that Bahri Pasha, who was
dismissed from his official position in pursuance of the representations of the
British ambassador. Sir Philip Currie, owing to his ill-treatment of Armenians, has
been decorated with the grand cordon of the Osmanieh Order, "as a reward for
bis good services." This step upon the part of the sultan is considered most
significant. It is not only an open and distinct mark of approval of the
ill-treatment of Armenians, but it is a deliberate snub to Great Britain,
particularly as, in addition to the decoration bestowed upon Bahri Pasha, the
Official Gazette publishes a long list of the names of Turkish officials in Armenia
who have been decorated by the sultan for their "good services." In fact,
it almost seems as if the sultan is openly defying the powers.
It is understood that the Vali of Aleppo, who is to be succeeded by the ex-grand
vizier, Kiamil Pasha, was dismissed in consequence of the representations of the
United States minister to Turkey. Alexander W. Terrell, because the vali refused to
permit the United States consular agent at Aleppo to visit a naturalized American
citizen, Guendjiam. of Armenian origin, who had been imprisoned for life. Mr.
Terrell obtained permission from the grand viziers for the consular agent to visit
Guendjiam, but the vali persisted in his refusal to permit the prisoner to be seen.
The eventual result was that Mr. Terrell made the strongest representations to the
porte.
Over one hundred Armenians have been arrested at Stamboul, and all the inquiries
made as to the cause of their imprisonment have failed to obtain a satisfactory
answer.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
TO KILL ALL CHRISTIANS.
Massacre to Begin as Soon as Europeans Occupy the Turkish Empire.
Worcester. Mass., Nov.9.-The Huntchagists here, who are the leading Armenian
revolutionists in America, have received advices from Harpoot that plans have been
perfected by Raouf Pasha, the military commandant for the massacre of every
Christian in Harpoot and the villages of Moulta-Kany and [Hoghe].
The Turks and Kurds have been armed by the commandant, who will give the signal for
the slaughter to begin as soon as Europeans make a move to occupy the country. It
has caused great excitement among local Armenians and a mass-meeting is to be called
and an attempt made to arouse public sympathy in the United States.
Holdwater: Great Britain was acting abominably toward the Ottoman Turks in the
post Gladstone era, and this reporter expected the "island empire" to be
treated with reverence.
|
| Ready to Submit |
Oakland Tribune, November 20, 1895, front page
READY TO SUBMIT.
Turkey Is Showing the White Feather to the Powers.
THE WARSHIPS SCARED THEM.
Promises That the Reforms Will Bs Promptly Made.
THE MASSACRES MUST STOP.
Christianity Will Not Allow Mohammedanism to Triumph.
By Associated Press to the Tribune. BERLIN, Nov. 21 Nothing further has been
received from Sofia, Bulgaria, in any way tending to confirm the dispatch from
Constantinople that the Sultan of Turkey had been poisoned.
It is believed there is no foundation for the report. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 20?.
A dispatch from Tiflis, in Russian trans-Caucasia, says the Armenian Catholics have
received a reply to the communication recently sent to the Russian Ambassador here
[?. de Nehdoff], as follows:
"The Armenians of Constantinople are now reassured. They are threatened with no
danger.
"In the provinces, however, there are regrettable conflicts, which in most
cases were caused by Armenians instigated by their revolutionary committees.
"The result is a terrible revenge on the part of the Turks In the shape of
horrible massacres of Christians.
"The Sultan has mentioned the scheme for reforms submitted by the three great
powers and preparations are now proceeding to carry them out.
"To this end it is necessary that the leaders of the people should dissuade the
latter to desist from revolutionary attempts, abandon the hope of foreign
intervention, put a stop to all disturbances and co-operate in the re-establishment
of universal peace in improving the situation and in the introduction of a new order
of things."
A CHANGE OF HEART
As intimated In these dispatches, in the last few days, the attitude of the Porte or
of the Sultan, has undergone a decided change since other fleets began to join the
British fleet In a naval demonstration at Salonica Bay.
There is no doubt the pressure brought to bear upon the Sultan has been strong
enough to make him take personal charge of the work of reform In Armenia, and it is
hoped there will be no further bloodshed except in the case of putting down the
insurrections which have broken out against Turkish rule in different parts of Asia
Minor.
It is hoped the Armenian clergy will be able to induce their co-religionists to lay
down arms, especially as the sentiment of the whole of Europe Is now in favor of the
Sultan, whose evident desire to meet the views of the powers Is thoroughly
appreciated and has undoubtedly tided over the most difficult crisis In the east.
There Is no longer any talk of the armed intervention of the powers in the Turkish
empire, and if any display of force is necessary upon the part of Europe it might be
in the direction of supporting the authority of the Sultan, as Great Britain, Russia
and France are extremely desirous that order shall be promptly restored throughout
Asia Minor.
A MISSIONARY BEATEN.
LONDON, Nov. 20. A dispatch from Constantinople to the Globe this afternoon
confirms the report of the ill-treatment to which a Canadian missionary, Rev. Mr.
Martin has been subjected by the Turks. He was beaten and afterwards imprisoned
sixteen hours near Hadjin, Province of Adana.
RUSTEM PASHA IS DEAD.
Rustem Pasha, Turkish ambassador to London, died this morning.
He was an Italian by birth, and before entering the service of the Turkish
government bore the title of Count Malini.
He distinguished himself as governor of Lebanon, where he put an end to corruption
and prompted a healthy reform in all departments of the government.
A LETTER PROM CONSTANTINOPLE.
BOSTON, Nov. 20.-A letter received In this city by a reliable correspondent in
Constantinople contains the following on the situation there:
The Turks are more sensible than before, as they realize the action of the Armenians
is not against themselves, but against a system of government which all detest.
There Is a remarkable change from the feeling of three weeks ago, when any Turk
seemed to long to kill any Armenian.
At the same time the palace party is diligently circulating stories of Armenian
outrages in the lowest classes to keep up the feeling of anger against them.
The Turkish patriotic party is openly declaring that the Sultan is the cause of all
the troubles that afflict the country.
The Minister of Marine has been threatened by the Moslem patriotic committee and is
carefully guarded by troops in his palace.
In the region of Baghchejig and Adabazer, the efforts of the military commander of
Nicomedia to turn the Mohammedan population into violence against the Christian
villages have produced great terror.
In Aintab the people have been brought to desperation by the ferocity with which
taxes are being collected.
The Governor-General of Aleppo is a rascal whose disregard of the treaties as to the
rights of Americans led Minister Terrel to demand his removal. Relief to the whole
mass of people will come if this scoundrel can be overthrown.
Bloodshed must follow if the Armenians are to be goaded on into open rebellion in
that region.
The Trebizond massacre seems to have been even more terrible than was at first
reported.
The Turkish loss was possibly two men killed in Armenians defending their own lives.
The Armenian loss is now carried up to 2,000 In the city and villages.
A PROPHETIC ADVENTIST.
ELWOOD, Ind., Nov. 20 In an interview concerning the Adventist belief
regarding the present Turkish troubles and their relation to prophecy, Elder W. H.
Ebert, of Frankton, Ind,, one of the leading exponents of that belief, said:
"We Seventh-day Adventists believe the present Turkish crisis foreshadows the
end of the world, the destruction of its kingdoms and the second coming of Jesus
Christ.
"We base our belief upon the fulfillment of prophecy, and see in it the present
movements of the nations, the gathering together of the nations to fight the last
great battle of the centuries the battle of the Armageddon.
"The Ottoman power, or Mohammedan power, Is the one meant in the ninth chapter
of revelations, to. which was to be given a power to torment men five months, or
[450] years In prophetic time, when It was to gain supremacy and be given power to
kill men [391] years and 15 days.
"The Ottoman empire fulfills all these conditions, for it was founded by Othman
July 27th, 1290, and for [450] years tormented men when it became supreme until
August [14th, 1840].
When the [391] years and 15 days ended, it killed the third part of men, as
prophecied, when its power was dried up to prepare the way of the Kings of the Lost,
which was fulfilled when France, Russia, Prussia and England forced their ultimatum
on the Mohammedan power August [11th, 1840.] Thus was fulfilled the first part of
the vision of the sixth [Vial.]
"The three unclean spirits wen then loosed and went forth to deceive the
nation, and they are spiritualism, nihilism and infidelity, and they are doing their
work well.
"They are gathering the nations together for the great battle of Armaggedon.
"The King of the South-possibly the English power-after overrunning Egypt Sudan
and Turkey. will encamp in the glorious Holy Mountain in the Holy Land, and the
nations will be compelled to bring their mighty armies and munitions of war against
this power and will encamp in the plains of Armaggedon.
"The nations are now moving toward that battlefield, and all their terrible
implements of modern warfare will be there when the seventh vial is poured, when the
battle of Armageddon, which is described in symbols in [Rev., G?hap, 17-21], will
result. The great cities of the nations will be that tented [hld] and it will be
divided into three parts-- the Roman power, the Mohammedan power and the other
powers represented.
"The hall spoken of means cannon balls, the earth on the explosion of the
batteries, and the lake of fire and brimstone will be the battlefield itself. It
will be a battle of annihilation and the kingdoms of the world will go down to rise
no more.
The United States will probably not be represented in this battle, but will be among
the remnant left to be destroyed afterward. When this battle occurs, as it shortly
must, its climax will be the second coming of Christ,
"The end of all things is even now at the door, and the nations cannot long
strangle ihc Turkish complications, as the unrest of nations Is urging them on to
bring about these things, for fear of which nations are trembling. The time is near;
watch."
Holdwater: Wonder who the
source might have been behind "The Turkish loss was possibly two men killed in
Armenians defending their own lives. The Armenian loss is now carried up to 2,000 In
the city and villages."
And isn't it amazing that the opinion of a hateful religious fanatic was sought?
Perhaps not so surprising, given one of the sub-headlines, which pretty much summed
these matters up: " Christianity Will Not Allow Mohammedanism to Triumph. "
|
| Terrell Confirms the Massacres |
Fort Wayne Weekly Gazette, Dec. 05, 1895
CONFIRMED.
Minister Terrell Has Reports on the Massacres in Turkey.
CONSTANTINOPLE, November 29. United States Minister Terrell has received details
confirming the reported massacre of Christians and the destruction of American mission
property at Marash on November 18. It is now established beyond doubt that the school of
science attached to the American mission and other buildings were pillaged and set on
fire, and that two other buildings belonging to Americans were ransacked. Mr. Terrell's
advices also confirm the statement that no protection was afforded the Americans or their
property. In spite of the promises of the porte, until eight hours before the rioting. The
American missionaries telegraphing under date of Tuesday last, November 26, from Marash,
say they are all safe under the protection of Turkish authorities. An estimate is being
made of the damage done and the Turkish officials say they are doing everything possible
to recover the property looted from American buildings.
But the Turk Claims All Is Lovely.
WASHINGTON, November 29. The Turkish legation received from the sublime porte the
following telegram under to-day's date: The Armenian revolutionists of Keban disregarding
the advice of the local authorities, and having fired on the soldiers, the latter had to
answer back. Then the rioters, after setting fire to their houses, escaped to [Ferns] and
Zeitoon. With the exception of this incident, tranquility prevails at the province of
Aleppo. On the 15th instant the Armenians of Erzerum seeing that some officials of Regie
were arresting some smugglers, closed their shops and during the panic that followed five
Armenians were killed and six wounded. No disorders whatever took place on the 24th and
25th instants to many of the provinces. An Armenian of Marash set fire to his house,
situated in the Mussulman part of the city, in order to start a fire. The authorities of
Diarik and Yildizli, have found and restored to their owners the greater part of the
stolen articles and cattle.
Holdwater: Once again, the dripping sarcasm, and the
determined disbelief greeting whatever the Turks said.
|
600 Armenians Arrested
|
Manitoba Morning Free Press, June 16, 1896
600 ARMENIANS ARRESTED.
Constantinople, June 5. It is stated on reliable authority that 600 Armenians
have been arrested in this city since June 9. A majority of the prisoners are from
Rodosto. The members of the Armenian revolutionary committee, who, on Monday last,
assassinated an Armenian spy in this city and who was shot and killed by the patrol
while trying to escape, was a native of Rodosto. Two hundred of the prisoners were
shipped to Anatolia. The government is using the occasion of the assassination to
expel possible agitators.
|
| Armenians To Be Executed |
The Weekly Gazette And Stockman, Nov. 7, 1895
Armenians To Be Executed.
By Cable and Associated Press.
CONSTANTINOPLE, October 31. A sensation has been caused by the report, generally
believed to be correct, that three Armenian notabilities of Trebizond, including prominent
ecclesiastics, are to be executed on the ground tbat they were responsible for the recent
rioting there. The Armenians report about 800 Armenians killed during the fighting at
Bitlis with the Turks. The loss to the latter was trifling.
Advices from Moosh say leading Armenians have been conferring with representatives of the
Turks regarding a means to prevent an outbreak in their borders similar to those in
different parts of Armenia, which resulted in so much bloodshed.
It is added that the Turks have stipulated that the American missionaries distributing
relief to the suffering people of Sassoun withdraw in three days; otherwise the Turkish
nobility fear their massacre, such as just occurred at Bitlis.
But here another complication arises. The Kurds of Sassoun are only held in check by the
missionaries and threaten the plunder of the Armenians on the departure of the
missionaries. The mere presence of Turkish troops is far from being a sufficient guarantee
against a repetition of the bloodshed which recently occurred in other parts of Armenia,
and nothing but the most energetic action, it is asserted, can avert serious disturbances.
The Armenian Patriarch has appealed to the different embassies here to intervene in time
to prevent another massacre. The Turkish officials, in reply, again assert that the
"Hinticht," the Armenian secret society, provoked all the riots.
CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 1. Advices from Marsovan, Asia Minor, show that the trouble
anticipated by United States Ambassador Terrill [sic] in his recent report, has
culminated in an attempt to burn the American college there. It is added that it would
have been in cinders unless it had been discovered. The agitation against the Americans at
Marsovan began a year ago, when some pupils of the American college were expelled because
their fathers were suspected of being implicated in the Armenian movement. This caused
suspicion to fall upon five professors, two of whom are Americans.
Terrill notified the authorities at Washington that Garabed, a naturalized American
citizen, had been assassinated at Marsovan, close to a church door, when going to attend
religious service.
Garabed was one of the students previously sent away from college at the request of the
Turkish authorities, on the ground that he was connected with the Armenian revolutionists.
He was the chief man of the Protestant committee at Marsovan and chairman of the council
of thirty held responsible for the peace of that city. Garabed, however, is said to have
been murdered by revolutionists because he had given the government information regarding
their plans.
At the same time Terrill notified the State Department at Washington that the
revolutionists had marked professors at Marsovan for slaughter long before the Sassoun
atrocities were committed.
President Tracey and Professor Riggs of Marsovan College were especially disliked by the
revolutionists, and their lives threatened for having consented to the expulsion of the
Armenian students suspected of being in sympathy with the revolutionary movement.
Eventually a Turkish guard was furnished the college at the request of Terrill, and all
danger seemed to be passed, especially as the United States authorities previously
compelled the Turkish government to pay indemnity for the destruction of school buildings
at Marsovan.
|
Villages
Burned
|
The Marion Daily Star, Nov. 16, 1895 (Also in same-dated Newark Daily
Advocate)
VILLAGES BURNED
And Many Persons Reported Killed.
BURDEN OF OFFICIAL REPORTS.
According to Turkish Dispatches Armenians Are Charged With All Manner of Lawlessness
Palace of the Governor Attacked Revolutionists Preparings For an Aggressive
Campaign.
CONSTANTINOPLE. Nov. 16. Official dispatches received here contain additional
accounts of Armenian lawlessness. It is reported that the Armenians have attacked
the villages of Forsakh, Bitchli and Behransis. near Zeitoun, firing 57 houses in
all. They also burned the village of Kurbel and one Mohammetan was burned alive.
Eighteen Mussulmans of both sexes were killed and 15 wounded by the rioters at
Tchoukour Hissar. The town of Tchoukour Hissar was totally destroyed. Several
Mussulman villages have been attacked in the Azirlon and Tchokmerzemenk districts.
The sultan has sent fresh peremtory [sic] instructions to the valis of different
districts where the disorders have occured [sic], as well as to the military
commanders, telling them that they must promptly restore order by the just and
equitable treatment of both Christians and Mohammetans.
Bloody Conflicts Reported.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10.-The Turkish legation at Washington has received the following
communication from the sublime porte:
"The Armenian revolutionists of Sivas after taking out of their shops all the
merchandise attacked the Mussulmans, they fired from the windows of their houses and
wounded severely one soldier. A pistol shot broke the window of the rooms occupied
by the governor general. They also attacked the village of Mardjilik, killed many
Mussulmans and committed many offenses against law and order. The authorities of
Arabgnir discovered 40 bombs which the Armenian agitators had buried in order to
blow up public buildings, such as the barracks, the palace of the governor, the
military storehouse and the like. The fire that broke out in the city originated
from bombs prepared for that purpose. The Turkish population of Arabguir being
attacked by 1,500 rioters, perfectly armed and equipped, telegraphed to the imperial
government for protection. The provincial authorities neglected absolutely nothing
to preserve peace.
"The Armenian revolutionists of Erzindjan fired upon the Mussulmans and
attacked the palace of the governor, the military station and other buildings. They
were repulsed, however, by the military.
"The Armenian revolutionists of Arabguir, having attacked the Mussulman quarter
of Kuejinar, a bloody conflict occurred between Mussulmans and Armenians. Another
conflict took place near the Saroy (Van) between Armenian brigands and gendarmes.
The brigands fled to the village of Bogazkean, but they were dispersed. Many
gendarmes were killed aud wounded
"The agitators, Kircer and Kevork, of the village of Kemer (Sivas) who fired
shots, and in whose houses ammunition and cartridges were discovered, have been
arrested.
"More than 5,000 Armenian revolutionists are at Tchoukmerzen (Adana) and it is
reported they are preparing for active aggressions."
Holdwater: Strangely, the accounts by the Ottoman
government were treated seriously this go-round. Perhaps some honorable journalists
were beginning to get the skinny on the immoral Armenians. Word was filtering in by
this time not only through U.S. officials, but even a few missionaries themselves.
See following report.
|
| Armenian Outrages |
Middletown Daily Argus, Aug.16,1895
ARMENIAN OUTRAGES.
Cruel Treatment of American Citizens in Marsovan.
OUR MINISTER ACTS PROMPTLY.
Demands the Release of Americans Unjustly Accused and Prompt Trial of Those Who Are
Revolutionists The Latter Threans Objectionable Persons.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16. The department of state has just received from Minister
Terrell a report which throws some light on the report telegraphed from
Constantinople a few days ago, saying that American citizens had been injured at
Marsovan. From Minister Terrell's report it appears that on July 1 an Armenian named
Garabed was assassinated at Marsovan, close to the church door, as he was going to
attend early service. He was the chief man of the Protestant community and chairman
of the council of thirty, who are responsible for the peace of the city. It was
alleged that he had given the government information in regard to the
revolutionists.
Consul Jewett. in reporting this case July 13 to Consul General Short, at
Constantinople, says that numerous Armenians were arrested, as it was said there was
little doubt Garabed was murdered by them. Among those arrested was a naturalized
American citizen, who had been a student at the American college at Marsovan, but
who. as Mr. Jewett was informed, had been dropped from the roll some months ago.
Minister Terrell was promptly informed concerning the assassination and the
imprisonments which followed it, and took immediate steps to insure fair treatment
of the naturalized citizens, and called upon Mr. Jewett for any trustworthy
information he might have regarding the danger to the missionary teachers at
Marsovan from Armenian revolutionists. He informed Mr. Jewett that though Turkey has
a right to expel undesirable classes of people from her territory, she has no right
to treat the acquired American citizenship of any of them as an offense, and to
imprison them for that cause, nor to imprison them on mere suspicion. He instructed
him in such cases promptly to demand their release, and that if any of them are
arrested while engaged in armed resistance to the government to demand a fair trial.
Mr. Terrell's report of the troubles at Marsovan is based upon a verbal statement of
Mr. Dwight, a leading American missionary at Constantinople, and is as follows:
"More than a year ago sixteen persons at Marsovan received written notices that
they would be killed unless they co-operated with the Armenian revolutionists.
President Tracy and Professor Briggs [Riggs?], of Marsovan college, were two of
these. They had incurred the ill will of the revolutionists by refusing to receive
in the college the sons of certain men suspected of being revolutionists. Garabed.
who was assassinated, was another of the sixteen, who received notice, and Mr.
Dwight has been informed that still another has been assassinated. A Turkish guard
was furnished at the request of Mr. Terril [sic; Terrell] to protect the American
families from the assassins. Mr. Dwight considers that guard sufficient to protect
the missionaries at the college, and Mr. Terrell has not applied for an additional
force.
"The local governor informed the Armenians, after the killing, that he intended
to arrest all suspected persons and imprison them until they revealed the names of
the guilty ones; that their object was to provoke Turkish vengeance in order to
secure the sympathy and intervention of Christian Europe, but that they would not
succeed, as he had caused to be preached in the mosques for months that such was
their object, and that any Turk who killed a Christian would be the worst enemy of
Islam."
Mr. Terrell adds that the revolutionists of Mursovan had organized, and marked the
American professors long before the Sassoun atrocities.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - -
Also on same front page:
Irishmen Want War with England.
PITTSBURG. Aug. 16. Five thousand Irishmen, representing the United Irish
societies of western Pennsylvania. met at Phoenix Park last night and passed
resolutions advocating physical force in Ireland's cause. Mayor Bernard McKenna, of
Pittsburg, presided. Dr. Paul M. Sheddy introduced the resolutions. They advocated
the formation of a secret service corps in the form of organized revolutionists. The
convention called for Sept. 24. in Chicago, was condemned on the ground that it was
only intended to advance the political interests of its originators.
Holdwater: It appears the
Irish were learning from the Armenians.
Minister Terrell was evidently beginning to see the light. A big bravo to the
missionary, Dwight.
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| Constantinople Riots |
Dubuque Daily Herald, Aug. 28, 1896
CONSTANTINOPLE RIOTS.
Leaders of the Mob Haven Surrendered and Will Be Punished.
Constantinople, Aug. 27. The riots which yesterday caused so much excitement throughout
the city are apparently at an end. The leaders of the mob which attacked the Ottoman bank
have surrendered, and will be expelled from Turkey. An official account of the troubles
attributes the riots to an organized effort of the central committee of the Armenian
revolutionists to stir up a revolution. The rioters from the window of the bank and hotel
rained bombs, shot and missiles upon the heads of passersby, wounding many persons. Many
similar events reported from various portions of the city. It is known a great many
persons were killed, but it impossible to ascertain the exact number owing to prevalent
excitement and desire on the part of armenians [sic] as well as Turkish authorities to
keep the identity of the killed and wounded secret.
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Armenian
Rioters in Constantinople Shed Much Blood
|
Evening Bulletin, Aug. 28, 1896
MANY SLAIN
Armenian Rioters in Constantinople Shed Much Blood
EXACT NUMBER OF VICTIMS UNKNOWN
The Ottoman Bank Looted Bombs Are Exploded Gendarmes Beheaded Four
Ladies Among the Killed Mob Leaders Surrender.
Constantinople, Aug. 28.The riots which Wednesday caused so much excitement
throughout Constantinople are apparently at an end. The leaders of the mob which
attacked the officers of the Ottoman bank surrendered and will be expelled from
Turkey.
It is known that a great many persons have been killed, but it is impossible to
ascertain the exact number owing to the prevalent excitement and the desire on the
part of the Armenians, as well as the Turkish authorities to keep the identity of
the killed and wounded secret. The Armenian patriarch has excommunicated all
Armenians concerned in this latest uprising.
The official account of the troubles attributes the riots to an organized effort on
the part of the central committee of the Armenian revolutionists to stir up a
revolution.
The invaders, as if by a preconcerted arrangement. suddenly entered the great hall
of the Ottoman bank armed with revolvers. daggers and dynamite bombs. Forming in
small groups, they were accosted by the officer of the guards who demanded from them
a statement of their business with the bank.
Without stopping to reply they blew out his brains and then killed and beheaded the
gendarmes, throwing heads of the dead men out into the streets. During the resultant
confusion, they closed the doors of the bank and hurled a number of bombs into the
street.
Four Turkish women who were driving along in a carriage were blown to pieces by the
explosion of one of the dynamite bombs. Two of the French employes of the bank,
while descending from a window by means of a rope were wounded by one of the
explosions. They narrowly escaped with their lives by reason of the timely
intervention of the imperial troops. The rioters captured a hotel in the city of
Constantinople and bombs and shots and missiles fairly rained upon the heads of the
passersby, wounding many persons. Many similar events are reported from various
portions of the city.
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| To Try Turkish Rioters |
New York Times, Sept. 1, 1896
TO TRY TURKISH RIOTERS
A SPECIAL COURT NOW SITTING IN CONSTANTINOPLE.
A Turkish Mob Attacking Armenians Clubbed Away by British Marines The Sultan Protests,
and Receives a Sharp Answer from the English Charge d'Affaires American Houses Sacked
and the Armenian Servants All Killed.
CONSTANTINOPLE. Aug. 31 A special judicial committee began sessions in this city to-day
for the purpose of trying 400 Moslems and Armenians who are accused of having participated
in the recent rioting in and around Constantinople.
Chaker Pasha and [Vehdy] Pasha have been appointed to the command of the military in
Constantinople and Galata, respectively, with orders summarily to suppress any signs of
disorder.
The Italian dispatch boat Galilee has been ordered to Constantinople as a second
guardship.
A detachment of British marines who were marching from the British guardship to the
English Embassy yesterday clubbed and beat back a Turkish mob which was maltreating a
number of Armenians in the street. The Porte made a complaint to the conduct of the troops
to Mr. Michael Herbert, British Charge d'Affaires, who replied that the marines had a
perfect right to protect the Armenians if the Turkish troops did not [?] to do so.
The police to-day discovered an Armenian bomb factory in full operation. The work of
making bombs was carried on in an underground vault near the northern walls of the city.
The British Embassy here will oblige all of the English families who have taken refuge
upon the chartered steamer Hungaria to return to their homes.
At Hasskein yesterday the houses of a number of Armenians living in that place were
attacked by Turks, the male heads of these domestic establishments being absent. All of
the Armenians servants In the dwellings were killed und the houses sacked. The ladies
escaped to Yenikol for protection. having lost all their personal effects.
The estimates of the number of persons killed in the recent disturbances here are
increasing.
The city has remained quiet to-day, except for the throwing of a bomb and the firing of a
number of shots from revolvers by Armenians who were concealed in a flour store in Galata.
No one was Injured by the bomb or bullets, and no damage to property resulted.
An imperial rescript has been issued, requesting the inhabitants not to make any
excursions, either by land or water, this evening, upon the occasion of the twentieth
anniversary of the accession to the Sultanate of Abdul Hamid II.
The foreign diplomats have sent a second note to the Tone calling attention to the
conclusive evidence obtained that the Moslem mob which massacred the Armenians was
organized with the connivance of certain officials. It is known also that hundreds of
ruffians were brought from the Asiatic side of the Bosphorus to take part in the work of
murder and rapine, and were sent back to their homes after the bloody work had been
finished.
LONDON, Aug. 31 Sir Philip Currie. British Ambassador to Turkey, left London to-day on
his return to Constantinople, his leave of absence having expired.
THE PORTE'S STORY OF THE RIOTS.
He Describes the Horrors of the Armenian Revolution In Turkey.
WASHINGTON, AUG. 31. The Turkish Legation has received from the Sublime Porte the
following telegram:
" The Central Committee of the Armenian revolutionists of Constantinople organized on
a vast scale a programme of disorder and criminal acts. Separate groups of the
revolutionists began their misdeeds at the same hour, but at different points of the
capital. Besides revolvers and daggers, they used bombs of dynamite. About fifty of these
men, entering separately into the Imperial Ottoman Bank, began by killing the guards and
policemen, and throwing their heads in the street. Availing themselves of the general
confusion that resulted, they shut the doors of the bank and fired and threw bombs from
the windows on the passers-by. Four Turkish ladles were cut to pieces by one explosion,
and two French clerks of the bank were wounded and would have been killed if Turkish
soldiers had not come to their rescue.
At the same moment the [?am] of Djelal Bey, situated at Stamboul, was taken possession of
by other revolutionists. who threw a run of bombs on those who happened to be in the
streets near by. At the [Paowatia?] quarter, another band of Armenian Anarchists took
possession of the public school and began there, too, to throw bombs in all directions,
killing many innocent victims. In many parts of the capital, and even in the Armenians
church of Pera? a great number of dynamite bombs were discovered.
"The Armenians faithful to the Imperial throne are indignant. and their Patriarch
excommunicated in the name of Jesus Christ all the criminals who put in jeopardy the lives
of innocent men and women. The Patriarch begged the Sublime Porte to communicate to the
press his decision against the revolutionists, in order to stigmatize before the civilized
world their crimes and horrors.
" A special commission has been instituted to judge the revolutionists caught in
arms, as well as all Mussulmans who have been arrested under the charge of retaliation.
The commission is composed of eight Christians and Mussulmans under the Presidency of
Djelal Bey, member of the High Court of Turkey."
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Turkish
Banks Reopened
|
The New York Times, Sept. 3, 1896
TURKISH BANKS REOPENED.
But Practically No Business Done in Constantinople
CONSTANTINOPLE, Sept. 2. All of the banks In Constantinople and Galutu, except
the Credit Lyonnais. reopened their doors for business yesterday. Practically no
business was transacted, but It is, nevertheless, a fact that commercial confidence
is returning.
LONDON, Sept. 2. It Is learned In the Foreign Office circle that Sir Philip
Currie. the British Ambassador to Turkey, who started on his return to
Constantinople on Monday. left England with instructions in dealing with the Sultan
to act Independently of the other Ambassadors to the Porte if the occasion should
require it.
Sir Philip, according to this source of Information, is also to have free command of
British naval aid to enforce such demands as he may make. The Sultan will be advised
of the change In England's policy in Turkey Immediately after the arrival of Sir
Philip Currie In Constantinople.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 The Turkish Legation has received from the Sublime Porte the
following telegram: " When the troops were passing through Pera, on their
return from the Selamlik, a bomb was thrown at them from a house, but although the
bomb exploded, no harm was done. Three Armenians were arrested in connection with
this attempt.
In the rooms of the ministers of the school for girls at Psomatia thirty-six bombs,
dynamite, and firearms were discovered. The number of soldiers and agents of the
authorities killed or wounded by the Armenian revolutionists during the troubles was
considerable."
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| French
Ambassador Warns Sultan / Armenian Immigration |
Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Sept. 30, 1896, Front page
CAMBON IN EARNEST
French Ambassador Minced no Words in Warning the Sultan
Paris, Sept. 30 A dispatch to the Temps from Constantinople says it is stated
that "M. Cambon, the French. ambassador, has informed his colleagues that
during his audience with the sultan on Friday last he acquainted his majesty with
the uneasiness that the recent unchecked anarchy in Constantinople caused in Europe.
He declared that a repetition of the disorder would lead Europe to intervene, in
consequence of the danger to which foreigners would be exposed.
He advised the sultan to exercise clemency to bring about the pacification of the
Armenians and to differentiate the peaceful masses from the revolutionary element.
M. Cambon further stated that he had demanded the release of the thousands of
innocent persons who were in prison;, the convoking of the Armenian assembly for the
election of a patriarch and the execution of the reforms that had been promised by
his majesty.
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