No. 447.
Mr. Morris to Mr. Fish.
Constantinople, June 8, 1870. (Received June 28.)
Sir: * * * * *
On the 7th instant I received the following telegram, which I deciphered to read thus: [Page 651]
MORRIS, American Minister, Constantinople:
It is reported by telegraph that extensive murders of Jews have taken place in Rournania. Ascertain facts, and, if true, mi officially urge Turkish government to put a stop to bloodshed. Answer by cable.
FISH, Secretary.
To this telegram I gave the following answer in cipher:
Secretary Fish, Washington:
Porte cannot act. Will address Roumanian authority, Great exaggeration.
MORRIS.
With reference to the latter telegram, I beg leave to observe that Roumania having exclusive legislative authority in the local affairs of that province, the Porte cannot interfere with the same. It will be necessary for me, therefore, to confer with the secretary of the Roumanian political agency on this subject. Prince Stourdza, the agent, is absent on leave. From what I can learn, I am led to believe that the telegraph has greatly exaggerated the occurrences in Roumania, although deplorable acts of violence have been perpetrated. The constant influx of Jews into Roumania from Austria and Russia, competing as they do with the native population in industrial pursuits, gives rise to much popular exasperation. It is complained that they increase the difficulties of living, as the demand for labor and the field of industry is comparatively limited, thus rendering the poor poorer. As this class of Jews find it difficult to gain an existence in Austria, they resort to Roumania in pursuit of employment. Many, for various reasons expelled from Russia, also repair to Roumania, the nearest country, where they hope to find a home.
The so-called persecution of the Jews in Roumania is not a religious question; it is one of labor. The Roumanian government finds it a difficult task to so act on this question as to preserve the public tranquillity, and at the same time satisfy outside public opinion. The Roumanian people call upon their government to take measures to prevent the country being overrun by Jews, and the authorities fear to take the required action, through fear of offending the tolerant spirit of Europe. Owing to this state of things, the country is kept in a constant state of agitation, which, prejudicial as it is to the interests of the province, serves the aims of those who desire to render stable government impossible in Roumania, and thus to facilitate its absorption by neighboring powerful states. I fear there is much political intrigue connected with the quasi forced emigration of Jews into Roumania. I have heretofore discussed this matter with the Roumanian political agent at this capital, and I am satisfied the Roumanian government condemns the outrages committed on the Jews, and endeavors to prevent them, but its efforts are counteracted by local interests and public opinion. I shall represent to the acting agent the views of the President of the United States, and I hope they will have a tendency to check the inhuman brutalities complained of. No effort will be spared on my part to second the humane interposition of the President.
I am, &c.,