Office of the Historian

Mr. Hirsch to Mr. Blaine.

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, May 28, 1892. (Received June 13.)
No. 456.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy, in translation, of a circular to the provincial authorities issued by the Sublime Porte, which, while it does not in terms withdraw the “school order” of January, yet does so virtually.

While the question is not closed (and none are ever closed here), the incident may be considered as closed.

Since my recent dispatch on the school question, numerous notices from the interior governors to the American schools reached the legation from all directions, threatening to irrevocably close those schools which before the expiration of a stated time shall have failed to comply with the requirements of the January order.

In every instance I advised that beyond loyal observance of article 129 of the school law, nothing could be required of or should be conceded by the American schools.

During an interview with the grand vizier on other matters, immediately after the receipt of some of the above notices, his highness broached the subject and expressed the hope that some satisfactory adjustment of the question might be soon arrived at. On reiterating my disinclination to further discuss it until the obnoxious January order be withdrawn, he assured me that a circular to prevent execution of that order by provincial authorities, without express instructions from the central government, was then being prepared. The inclosed copy of it has since been handed to me.

I apprehend now no further danger to the existing American schools or places of worship in the Empire. Local authorities are prohibited from any interference, and the Sublime Porte will not likely soon again issue orders which will give them the power to do so. I thank the Department for the clear and explicit instructions which enabled me to successfully resist the attempted encroachments on American rights in Turkey.

I have, etc.,

Solomon Hirsch.
[Inclosure in No. 456.]

Circular of instructions sent from the department of interior May 3 (15), 1892.

To all the Vilayets and independent sanjaks:

The decision of the council of ministers, concerning the extension of three months of the term of one month and a half set for schools and places of worship opened without official permission by foreigners in the Ottoman Empire, has been communicated to every point in general orders identical in form; but it is reported that the times fixed have been different, some long and some short in proportion to others, and that in some places useless difficulties have been created by refusing permission for small and needful repairs, like those of roofs and walls of schools opened in this way, or that the owners are being threatened by declarations that the schools are to be closed. Certain embassies, also, are making continuous complaints to this effect. Hence vizierial orders have been issued directing that it be made known to the vilayets and independent sanjaks that, until the framing of a decision by the Government in explanation of the former instructions, the present condition of schools and places of worship is not to be interfered with. General orders have been promulgated to those provinces. You will do what is required.

May 3, 1308 (15, 1892).