War Considered Imminent

 

Daily Kennebee Journal?, April [5], 1878

War Considered Imminent

Ignatieff’s 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.

Hissed by the Audience

 

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.

 

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.

Americans in Armenia

 

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.

Outrages in Armenia

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

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. "

  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.

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.

 

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.

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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.

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.

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."

 

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.

It is stated that the sultan promised to convoke the assembly and to extend the promised reforms to the whole empire.

The porte has issued a statement rejoicing at the apparent reaction in some of the London newspapers against the excessive and anti-sultan agitation in Great Britain, which, it declares, is answerable for the terror in Constantinople, the foreign residents naturally fearing the wrath of the Mussulmans at the insults to the sultan uttered 'by the speakers at the public meetings and by the journals in England. The statement continues:

"Despite the organized agitation, vituperation and clamorous provocation emanating from London, the porte has succeeded by dint of energy and watchfulness in proving that the alarm, of its English insulters is unfounded.

"The porte does not associate the British nation, for which it has the highest regard, with the agitation of a few hot-brained politicians, who are led astray by their passions.

"The moderation of the. European nations will, far more than the vociferations of England, help the porte to protect foreigners and Turkish subjects in the capital against the plots ot Armenian revolutionists."

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( Front page )

American Immigration Laws will Not Permit the Entrance of Penniless Armenians.

PROVISIONS ARE RIGID.

Sympathy and Sentiment Can Not Interfere With Enforcement of Law.

Washington, Sept. 30 — The attention of Commissioner Stump of the immigration bureau has been called to the movement looking to the colonization in this country of Armenian refugees. Mr. Stump said that Secretary Carlisle and himself had been fully advised of such a movement, and various appeals had been made from Lady Henry Somerset and Miss Frances Willard, and English and American relief societies, asking for the co-operation of the government in furnishing these stricken people an asylum in the United States.

While the sympathies of all good people must be aroused in their behalf, the officers of the government must enforce the laws as they exist. The matter was being investigated, and if any lawful means could be found they would be exercised in behalf of the refugees. The law on the subject, however, strictly inhibits the landing in this country of all persons likely to become [?] a public charge, and also "any person whose ticket or 'passage is paid for with he money of another, or who is assisted by others to come."

Lady Henry Somerset, it is understood. has inquired .whether bonds would be accepted that these Armenians will not become public charges, and a reply has been sent stating that the Department cannot accept bonds, except under special circumstances, and after thorough investigation of each individual case. Mr. Stump said that he was in full sympathy with any movement looking to the relief of the American refugees, but "sympathies cannot be allowed to interfere with a strict enforcement of law."

Armenian Banker May Lose Head / Alliance vs. Turkey

Hawaiian Gazette, Oct. 20, 1896

ARMENIAN BANKER MAY LOSE HIS HEAD.

His Fortune of a Million to be Confiscated.

NEW YORK Oct 3 —The Sun's London cable says: A short time ago Apik Oundjian Effendi. the millionaire Armenian contractor in Constantinople, was arrested on a charge of bribing state functionaries and embezzling Government funds. Within a week he managed to secure his release, and it has since been learned that the operation of unlocking the prison doors cost him $100,000. Had he been wise, Apik would have realized as much on his property as he could without attracting attention and taken the first steamer for Marseilles. He chose to dally, with the result that he is once more in prison with less chance of getting out, for he is charged with high treason, and if this is proven as there is little difficulty in doing, for witnesses are unusually cheap in Stamboul, the traitor's property can be confiscated The moment is a mighty bad one for the wealthy subjects of the Sultan, particularly Armenians.

Grumpkow Pasha, a German who has done well in the Sultan's service, has been touring in Europe on a desperate mission of raising a loan for his imperial master, no matter what interest might be demanded, for the Sultan's body guard has been in a state of incipient mutiny owing to arrears of pay and if their fidelity failed, his much worried majesty knew that he would be lost. Grumpkow was treated almost with contumely in every European capital, but in Berlin, it Is understood, he managed to obtain $300,000 at 2 per cent, or more, according to one version of the story. With this money the troops around the Yildiz Kiosk were paid something on account and the rest of the cash was expended in new rifles and full supplies of ammunition for them, and then the Sultan felt that he needed pocket money.

It was at that critical juncture that a police report reached the palace that on one of the Armenian conspirators recently arrested had been found a document giving a list of subscriptions to the revolutionary treasury, and that the list contained the name of Apik Oundjian Effendi, with a very big sum placed opposite it. Within an hour Apik was once more under lock and key. He protested that he gave money to the revolutionists under threats of assassination, and the statement is no doubt true enough for the accused was never known to give anything previously, and there is pretty ample proof that the conspirators who seized the Ottoman Bank extorted large sums from rich Armenians, practically at the revolver's mouth, Banker Karagivesian among them. But this is not likely to save Apik.

A moderate estimate of his fortune puts it at $10,000,000, and the Sultan would be flying in the face of Providence to let such a chance go without replenishing his coffers. Whatever may be Abdul Hamid's weakness in the matter of blood-letting, his piety is undoubted, and he would not be likely to offend Allah by neglecting to thoroughly bleed this particular Christian.

Millionaire Apik's factories, shops and villas and his fine palace overlooking the Bosphorus are now in the hands of the Sultan's confidential treason smellers They have planted and subsequently discovered compromising documents galore, so that virtually all that remains to be done is to find Apik Oundjian guilty in what passes in Turkey for due process of law, and then confiscate his property.

If he manages to keep his head on his shoulders he will be an exceptionally fortunate Armenian.

---------------------------

NEW TRIPLE ALLIANCE MOOTED

Russia, England and France May Settle the Turkish Question.

LONDON, Oct 3 — American ridicule having killed the chimerical triple alliance of the United States, Great Britain and Italy in joint action against Turkey, the alliance mongers have devised a new combination--Russia England and France. The report goes that Lord Salisbury has offered to hand over Constantinople to Russia on condition that England's occupation of Egypt is regular.

This arrangement has aroused the sarcasm of the Vienna press, which asks England how she would like it if any foreign power offered to "hand over" any British possession without consulting her. This, the Austrian papers say, would be no more insolent a proposal than for outsiders to distribute the Turkish dominions among one another while they ignored the existence of the Porte.

Some comment has been caused by the long silence of Sir William Vernon Harcourt, the leader of the opposition in the House of Commons, on the Turkish question. The Liverpool Courier now announces that he is engaged in most carefully preparing a speech which he will deliver in Monmouth next week. Sir William represents West Monmouthshire in the Commons. The Courier says that he intends to declare a new and effective policy regarding Turkey which France is likely to follow.

The women of France are preparing a monster petition to be presented to the Czarina on the occasion of her visit to Paris next week asking her majesty to exert hei influence with her husband to the end of obtaining the assent of the powers to Russia's deliverance of Armenia from Turkish rule.


Holdwater: While Apik Effendi appears to have been caught between a rock and a hard place, what if he were a revolutionary sympathizer? Too bad he didn't think of reporting the fact that he was being blackmailed the first go-round, even if he had decided to comply... otherwise, he could not have expected the Ottoman government to have simply released him without investigating, if he happened to get caught. Exorbitant bail, by the way, was and is not a practice restricted to the Ottomans. It would be interesting to learn exactly how much money was appropriated from this Armenian multi-millionaire, as the journalist simply and meanly speculated. (What he should have been asking is, how could an Ottoman-Armenian have grown so prosperous in a nation where the Armenians were supposedly so persecuted.)

As far as the second article it was nice for Austria-Hungary to have exposed the hypocrisy of the Allies. A few years later, Austria-Hungary would be caught playing by similar rules:



New York Times, Oct. 31, 1903

MACEDONIAN PLAN RESENTED.

Austria and Russia Are Said Not to Have Consulted Other Powers Before Presenting the Note to Turkey.

LONDON TIMES—NEW YORK TIMES Special Cablegram. LONDON, Oct. 31.— Diplomatic circles in Constantinople, says The Times's correspondent in the Turkish capital, do not receive the Austro-Russian scheme enthusiastically on account both of the nature of the proposals and the manner in which the affair was managed.

The note was presented to the Porte on Oct. 22, but the text was not communicated by the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador to his colleagues' till last Tuesday.

It is stated by the Austrian press that the consent of all the powers had been obtained to the proposals before they were communicated to the Porte, but there is reason to believe that this is a mistake, and that the two powers only took the. rest of those concerned into their confidence two days after the note was presented. They seem, remarks the correspondent, to regard themselves as successeurs, not as mandataires of the European concert, thus ruffling many susceptibilities and arousing a certain amount of resentment.

The Sofia correspondent of The Times says Austria and Russia are thought to have shown an unfortunate want of tact in their method of procedure. Their conduct, as well as certain features of their scheme, undoubtedly exposes them to the charge of self-seeking.

 

Trenton Evening Times, Jan. 8, 1897

ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONISTS.

Their Hopeless Struggle Against the Turks the Cause of the Massacres.

Boston, Jan. 6. — A special meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions was held in the Park street church yesterday afternoon to listen to addresses by missionaries returned from Turkey Dr. Grace N. Kimball, formerly of the Van mission, in eastern Turkey, was the first speaker. She said she would speak plainly about the Armenian revolutionists. If they had been content to live as beasts of burden and slaves they would be safe from persecution. The young men, many of whom were educated in this country and Europe, formed clubs. They comprised but one per cent, of the Armenian population in Turkey. The great mass of Armenians are as much opposed to the revolutionary party as the Turks themselves, because they saw that the revolutionists' cause was a hopeless one, and tended only to bring destruction on themselves. Of the 100,000 Armenians who were butchered 99 per cent were people who knew nothing and cared nothing about revolution. Rev. W. A. Farnsworth, D.D., of Cesarea in western Turkey, gave the audience some conception of the extent of the Armenian massacres by comparing the loss in killed in some of the big battles of the civil war with the number killed in various places in Armenia by the Turks, showing that in many cases the Armenian loss was greater. Both speakers made appeals for aid for the Armenians.

Holdwater: Rev. Farnsworth. Sounds like an impartial source.

At least he did not go typically overboard with his estimate of the Armenian mortality of the mid-1890s, arriving at 100,000. Since the reverend received his information from Armenians and fellow missionaries, sources that regarded Muslim losses as invisible, of course the Armenian losses were going to appear greater. If they were greater, as they most likely were, the reasons had to do with the fact that when skirmishes were triggered in the "civil war" — pretty much always with the Armenians firing the first shot — the Armenians were simply outnumbered. Of course the Armenians would have gotten the worst of it. While certainly a good number of killed Armenians were innocent (99% has no basis in reality, however), much more of the same applied to the thousands of Muslim dead, the ones no one cared about.

Germans Aiding Turks

 

The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette (Iowa), Apr. 03, 1897 (Also same-dated Manitoba Morning Free Press)

GERMANS ARE PRACTICING.

Keeping Bright in the Act of War by Aiding the Turks.

Constantinople, April 3 — It is stated on undoubted authority that the efficient manner in which the Turkish forces were mobilized on the Greek frontier is due to German officers.and it is added that all the plans of campaign intrusted to them to carry out have been prepared by able strategists in Berlin. The greatest confidence, therefore, is felt in military circles here as to the outcome of any conflict between Turkey and Greece. In official circles it is decided that a direct agreement between Turkey and Greece- would be hailed with the greatest satisfaction, by the British government.

According to a telegram received by tlie Turkish government, the Armenian revolutionists abroad intend to cause the resumption of rioting in Anatolia, about the middle of April, when the snows are melted. This is an intimation, that further massacres may be looked forward to at about the same time.

==================

 Liverpool Courier, Jan. 14, 1897

ARMED MOVEMENT AGAINST THE SULTAN.

NEW CAMPAIGN BY YOUNG TURKS

THREAT TO BLOW UP YILDIZ KIOSK.

Reuter's correspondent At Philippopolis writes under date of the 9th instant as follows: "This morning, in the principal streets of the city, a great number of placards printed in red ink in Turkish were found, and quickly torn down by the police. Similar placards have keen found also in all Turkich coffee- houses, and have created a great stir among Turks. The Turkish Consul, Ibrahim Fetih Bey, has complained to the Prefect against the placards, and this explains the activity of Ine police in suppressing them. They are issued by the Turkey Party, which has of late been increased by fresh arrivals from Constantinople. The following is a translation of passages of the placard in question:

"To the Faithful : That Sultan Hamid is mad is known to all ol us. Our religion prescribes to all true Mussulmans that they shall kill every mad dog they come across. The Young Turkey Party, which hitherto has abstained from bloodshed, has now decided to assume the title of 'Revolutionary,' and will use arms in future against the Sultan and his followers. We are prepared to meet every resistance on their part. Our duty now is to kill, to burn to ashes, and to ruin everything connected with the Palace of the Yildiz Kiosk. We shall blow it up towards the atars, whence it derives its name. Those who do not wish to join us and desire to save their lives let them hasten to the Baba Ali (Sublime Porte), and to the Konaks in the provinces and demand justice, and if they are refused their just rights then let them also take up arms and fight for their rights. Be not fearful. Follow the example of our compatriots, the Armenian revolutionists. You who have been trying to put down the Armenian revolt take the lead of it, and revolt against the tyranny which oppresses you. Tremble, oh Turks ! Inactivity on your part means faithlessness, and is unworthy of a true Mussulman. Revenge, revenge, is the cry of so many fathers and mothers who are groaning under the yoke of this cruel Government. We ask you to do your duty ; we shall do ours. With this call on you to do your duty w« relieve ourselves of a great responsibility. The hour to strike has come ; let every true Moslem do his duty."

THE CONDITION OF THE ARMENIAN PROVINCES.

(CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.)
Constantinople (via Philippopolis).Tuesday.
Advices from the Armenian, provinces describe the situation of the Armenian population as most precarious. Many families, having lost their chiefs; consist almost entirely of defenceless women and children, who live in daily expectation of being massacred by men encouraged by the example of outrages committed with impunity. Four thousand vilayete are said to be in this condition.

40,000 EMIGRANTS TO TRANS-CAUCASIA.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAM.)
St. Petersburg, Wednesday. The "Novosti" to-day reports that 40,000 Armenians have emigrated from Turkey to Trans-Caucasia, where fresh parties are still expected from the vilayet of Van, and that the emigrants are in a terrible state of destitution.

THE SULTAN AND SIR ASHMEAD BARTLETT.

(CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.)
Constantinople, Tuesday. The audience which Sir Ellis Ashmead Bartlett had of his Majesty the Sultan yesterday was a private one, aud lasted two hours. The Sultan expressed the most friendly sentiments towards England and the English people. His Majesty explained with much care the reforms which have been carried oat in the Eastern vilayets of Asia Minor, and which were being extended to the other provinces. He especially dwelt upon the appointment of Christian sub-Governors, the admission of Christians into the gendarmerie, and the careful inspection of the court of justice that is being made. The Sultan informed Sir Ellis that practical measures had also been taken for the re-building of the houses and churches in the villages, and for the distribution of relief to the suffering, which will he continued throughout the winter. His Majesty stated the most direct and positive orders had bsen given to all tho officials that the first attempts at violence should be immediately checked and the offenders punished. In spite of the enormous expense to which Turkey has been put of late in keeping over 400,000 men under arms, the Turkish Budget showed a surplus. His Majesty said the Government had no intention of interfering in any way with the service of the debt, or with the revenues assigned to the bondholders. The Sultan said that tranquillity now prevailed everywhere, and would be maintained and that prosperity would soon be completely restored to ail sections of hie people. A special commission, composed of very capable men, had just been appointed to supervise the choice and appointments of all officials, so that only the most worthy might be promoted ; and a special commission, consisting of two Europeans and two Turkish subjects, had likewise been appointed for the supervision and improvement of the finances. His Majesty trusted that his intentions would bo rightly judged by the English people from these practical acts of reform. After hia audience with the Sultan, Sir Ashmead Bartlett, who is accompanied by his private secretary, Mr. Wm. H. Bennnett, had a very interesting interview with Ghazi Daman Pasha, the hero of Plevna.

Sentenced to Death

 

Sandusky Star, Aug. 28, 1898

SENTENCED TO DEATH.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Aug. 25.— A dispatch from Van, Asia Minor, says eleven Armenian revolutionists have been condemned at that place. Two were sentenced to death and the others to imprisonment.

Suspend... severe and harsh judgment of the (Turks)

The Jewish Criterion, November 6, 1896, No. 14

Latest advices from the scene of the Turkish-Armenian troubles bring to us the information that matters are not as black as they are painted by the press reports. The "New York Herald" recently devoted several columns to the subject. From this treatment of the question it would appear that the muchly sympathized with Armenians were giving themselves up to agitations of a strongly revolutionary character. The natural result, therefore, was that the whole tribe was made to suffer. We have no means of knowing whether this latest report be true in every particular. The fact that it is made by authoritative sources, however, points to the additional fact that it may very likely be the truth. A religious body, as such, has no business to interfere with the political conditions of the country which provides it with shelter and refuge. The outrages, furthermore, were conveyed by anything but a reliable bureau to the outside world. So we must suspend our severe and harsh judgment of the Turkish government until we come into possession of all the necessary information. The majority of the persecuted may be unfortunate victims. But the original plotters are to blame for the exasperating condition of affairs. Racial prejudice and religions need but a little fanning to be converted from a spark into a blazing flame.


Emphasis Holdwater's: