Mr. Gresham to Mr. Thompson.
Washington, April 1, 1893.
Mr. Gresham informs Mr. Thompson that in the President’s opinion the occurrence at Marsovan is one of a critical nature, for which the offending parties should be punished and reparation promptly made for the burning of the American buildings. The destruction of property was wanton and unlawful and the rights of the United States are not affected in any way by the allegation of prior acts of students in the college. He instructs him to let his demands exclusively bear on the main question and if necessary to keep open communication with the consul of the United States at Sivas by sending a special messenger, and to enter a protest and make an urgent demand that his official rights be respected, should his correspondence, which is inviolable, be suppressed or opened. He directs him to keep the Department advised by cable.