Mr. Hirsch to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Constantinople, June 4, 1890.
(Received June 20.)
No. 134.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of
a note of the Sublime Porte in reply to my No. 27 of March 1, 1890, in the
matter of the illegal arrest of Moses Angel and Shalom Kanstoroom. It will
be seen that the Turkish version of the affair is in direct contradiction of
that of Consul Gillman. I have lately had two interviews with His Highness,
the Grand Vizier on the subject, but, in view of the wide difference in the
two statements, have not been able to arrive at any result.
In order to ascertain, however, if possible, the facts as they transpired, a
suggestion for another attempt to arrive at the truth was accepted by both
the Grand Vizier and myself, and in harmony with it I have requested
Consul-General Sweeney to instruct Consul Gillman to meet the governor of
Jerusalem, and the two in an amicable spirit proceed jointly to investigate
the case and report the findings, so as to enable the two Governments to
settle the matter satisfactory to both. The governor of Jerusalem has
received similar instructions from his Government, and I hope that our joint
effort to ascertain the real facts may prove successful.
[Page 767]
I inclose a copy of my dispatch to the consul-general and hope that my action
will meet with your approval.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 134.]
Said Pasha to Mr.
Hirsch.
Sublime
Porte, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 17, 1890.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive the note
Your Excellency kindly addressed to me on the 1st of March last, No. 27,
relating to the ill treatment received by Messrs. Moses Angel and Shalom
Kanstoroom, American citizens at Jerusalem.
The local authorities, questioned on the subject, declare that the
complaints of the above named are totally void of foundation. Here are
the facts just as they occurred: Moses Angel was in arrears for the
payment of the tax on real estate. In spite of all the steps and
summonses, he persisted in refusing, and not being satisfied to answer
with abusive language in one of the last attempts of the fiscal agent,
he threatened him some time later in the streets with a weapon he was
carrying about him. Taken to the siege of authority, out of a
conciliatory spirit, he was delivered to his consulate, and it was also
out of courtesy only that Rechad Pasha at once advanced the amount of
which Moses Angel was the debtor, and which has not yet been paid
back.
Shalom Kanstoroom also has not suffered any molestation, and it is
evidently in order to escape from the payment of his arrears of tax that
he puts forward his claim, but Your Excellency is too just to allow
these American citizens to use similar means in order to screen
themselves from their obligations. Thus I am persuaded that you will
issue orders in consequence to the consulate of the United States at
Jerusalem.
Please accept, etc.,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 134.]
Mr. Hirsch to Mr.
Sweeney.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, June 3,
1890.
Sir: In the matter of the illegal arrest of
Moses Angel in Jerusalem, it appears that the reports made by Consul
Gillman on the one side and the governor of Jerusalem on the other are
as wide apart as ever, so far as the same relate to the facts of the
case. It would appear from Angel’s affidavit attached to the consul’s
report that he at his own house told the Turkish official that “if he
would try to break his door down, he would shoot.” No admission is made
by him that he actually drew a revolver. On the other hand, the governor
reports to the Grand Vizier that Angel drew a revolver on the official
in the street near the bazaar without any provocation at the time.
It would seem that one or the other of these two high officials has been
misinformed, or it may be that both have been somewhat misled by the
respective interested parties.
The United States Government is desirous of ascertaining all the facts
before taking any positive steps in the premises, and it seems that it
should not be difficult to do so, provided both parties to the
controversy are equally desirous of arriving at the truth.
I have therefore deemed it prudent to suggest that Consul Gillman and His
Excellency the governor of Jerusalem should come together amicably and
together endeavor to ascertain the real facts in this matter.
I have good grounds for believing that the governor will receive a like
suggestion from the Central Government here, and it is to be hoped that
their combined effort for the ascertainment of the facts will result in
a report which will enable the two Governments to arrive at a speedy
settlement of this matter, as well as that of the alleged arrest of
Shalom Kanstoroom.
You will acquaint Consul Gillman with the contents of this and instruct
him to act in accordance with the spirit of the suggestion herein
contained.
I have, etc.,
