Mr. Gresham to Mr.
Terrell.
Department
of State,
Washington, July 7,
1893.
No. 18.]Sir: I inclose a copy of a letter from Mr. Judson
Smith with reference to the statement of Mr. Thompson’s No. 82 of 27th April
last, that an iradé would be given, guaranteeing
protection and immunities to the college at Marsovan. The Department would
be pleased to know what progress has been made in that regard.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 18.]
Mr. Smith to Mr.
Gresham.
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions,
Boston, June 29, 1893.
(Received July 1.)
Sir: Recalling the history of events connected
with our missionary work in Turkey, and noting with what slow steps
promises made by the Turkish Government often reach fulfillment, I am
led to refer to the pledges given by the Porte to Mr. Thompson in
connection with the Marsovan affair, to the effect that an iradé would he granted the college as soon as the
necessary formalities were concluded. Without attempting to determine
just what these formalities are or what time may be required for their
fulfillment, it is obviously of great consequence that our Government
[Page 642]
should press this point
upon the attention of the Turkish Government, and insist upon the early
fulfillment of this pledge. Nothing has been satisfactorily settled in
the Marsovan incident if this pledge fails of fulfillment, and I am sure
that our Government will not hesitate in the least to bring the
attention of the Turkish Government to this point and to secure an early
fulfillment of this pledge.
Advices from Marsovan and from Constantinople reveal plainly enough the
fact that our missionaries at Marsovan are to-day in great personal
peril, due in no small degree to the recent disturbances and the still
undefined position of the college in that community. Were the college
covered by an iradé this peril would at once
disappear and its future be well assured. In view of this situation and
the other considerations already alleged, you will appreciate the reason
for our feeling keenly the importance of having our minister at
Constantinople instructed to press this matter to an early definite
issue and to leave the Turkish Government in no doubt that the granting
of this iradé is deemed by our Government as an
essential element in the proposed settlement of the Marsovan incident.
With warm appreciation of the kindly and prompt consideration given to
matters brought to the attention of the State Department from these
rooms in the past, and assured of the steadfast purpose of our
Government to maintain both its own dignity and the welfare of its
subjects in every land,
I am, etc.,
