Mr. Thompson to Mr.
Foster.
Legation of
the United States,
Constantinople, March 1, 1893.
(Received March 16.)
[No. 42.]
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting a copy of my
second letter of instructions to Consul Jewett at Marsovan, as I was
informed by him [Page 607] that my letter of
instructions to him, dated February 3, had not reached him, neither had his
letters which he sent me on February 4, 11, and 14 reached me, although the
mails were not interrupted by the severe weather to any considerable
extent.
As you will observe, I have instructed him to allow the gate-keeper of the
college to be examined by the Turkish authorities on the condition that he
shall not be imprisoned unless found guilty of some crime, and that he (the
consul) should be allowed to be present to cross-examine witnesses at the
examination.
It will be understood the college authorities have no disposition to shield
any criminal, but, on the contrary, wish the examination to be as thorough
as possible, but to be done in a legal and just manner.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 42.]
Mr. Thompson to Mr.
Jewett.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, February 28,
1893.
Sir: I am in receipt of yours of the 17th
instant to me, and of yours to the consul-general of the 14th and 15th,
of which he has given me copies and asked me for instructions.
In my instructions to you of February 3, sent to Marsovan in care of the
Anatolian College, you were instructed to make an investigation of the
causes of the destruction of the college building by fire; also to
examine into the attitude of the officials generally towards the
school.
I will now add, in addition to my said letter of February 3, that you
ascertain the causes which led to the imprisonment of two native
teachers of the college; the threats that have been made by the Turkish
officials of Marsovan, and their attitude generally towards the school,
and to obtain all the evidence you can as to the knowledge the said
Turkish officials had of the ownership of the ground on which the
building stood; if intimidation has been used towards witnesses by the
authorities during the, investigation.
The object of this investigation is for the purpose of ascertaining
whether the building was destroyed by an incendiary or by accident;
whether threats have been made by the officers of the Turkish Government
against the property and persons of the missionaries and schools, and to
take such evidence as will tend to determine, with as much certainty as
possible, whether the building was destroyed by accident or by an
incendiary, and, if the latter, the causes which led to it.
I hope you will take such evidence as will tend to show whether there are
any grounds for the assertion that is being made that the incendiary
proclamations which were distributed on the night of January 5, 1893,
originated and were manufactured in the college buildings, or were in
any manner the work of the teachers employed at the school, as is
claimed to be the case by the Turkish officials; and when so engaged, to
act with the Turkish officials in obtaining such evidence if they are
disposed to aid you in such investigations.
You will allow the gatekeeper to be taken before the proper officers on
condition that you are to be present at his examination and to demand
the right to cross-examine him, and that he must not be imprisoned
unless he shall have been found guilty of some criminal act by the
evidence produced. You will inform the Turkish officials of your earnest
protest against evidence taken by them in any way affecting the American
college or the college officials in any manner unless you are present
and be given permission to cross-examine the witnesses in all cases.
You will also protest against all attempts to intimidate witnesses. Keep
such a record of the proceedings as will enable you to make a correct
report to me, that I may transmit copies to the Department of State.
I have not received your letters of February 3 and 14.
I have, etc.,
David P. Thompson,
U. S. Minister.
