Mr. Terrell to Mr. Gresham.
Constantinople, August 31, 1893. (Received Sept. 19.)
Sir: Since preparing the preceding dispatch, No. 49, and accompanying inclosures, I have visited the Porte and informed the grand vizier of the matters treated of in that dispatch. He was told firmly but respectfully that the torture of his own subjects to compel them to criminate American citizens could not be tolerated, and unless it ceased I would communicate the facts to my Government for instructions. I informed him also of the double dealings of his governor-general with the Armenian, who holds the title, and with the missionaries, and told him that I would, if necessary, expect him to compel the Armenian who holds the title to convey it.
I was assured that he would at once telegraph and establish proper relations between the officials and the missionaries, and on my informing him that the permit to rebuild must issue, and difficulties about transfer of title must cease, or I would ask instructions from home, he told me that he had telegraphed ordering permit and transfer of title.
I know Mr. Tracy, who has taken Dr. Herrick’s place, and Mr. Riggs, one of the professors, and told the grand vizier I stood personally pledged for their law-abiding conduct. More arrests have been made at Marsovan for sedition, and everything in the city is suspected.
I see no peaceful way to prevent the destruction of the usefulness of the college, which they are attempting by terrorizing the patrons, except by securing the confidence of the Porte in the professors.
I have, etc.,