Mr. Quincy to Mr.
Newberry.
Department
of State,
Washington, May 24,
1893.
No. 91.]Sir: I transmit a copy of a letter of 20th instant,
by which you will see that the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions appears to be satisfied with the settlement of the difficulties
which recently arose at Marsovan.
I am, etc.,
Josiah Quincy,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure in No. 91.]
Mr. Smith to Mr.
Gresham.
[Extract.]
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions,
Boston,
Mass., May 20, 1893.
(Received May 23.)
Sir: It is with exceeding gratification that
the substance of Mr. Thompson’s dispatch of April 27 is noted, regarding
the success of negotiations between our Government and the Porte, and
the concession substantially of every point which has been included in
these negotiations.
It is noted with especial gratification that in addition to the
punishment of the incendiaries and the payment of indemnity and the
authorization of the immediate erection of a building in place of the
one that has been burned, the settlement includes a definite promise of
a firman for the college at Marsovan. This we understand is delayed
simply for the purpose of attending to needful formalities; but the
pledge has been given and will be faithfully carried out. This
adjustment, when completed, will be most gratifying to all our
missionaries in Turkey, and especially to those in Marsovan, and equally
so to the officers of the board here at home.
For the prompt attention given to this matter by the Department of State
and the wise and effective instructions given to the minister at
Constantinople, I desire to express my hearty appreciation, and to
assure you of the special satisfaction which has been felt by all the
officers of the board in this renewed evidence of the purpose and
ability of our Government to protect its citizens in the Turkish Empire
in all their rights and to maintain with firmness and dignity its own
good name.
I am, etc.,
