Mr. Terrell to Mr. Gresham.
Constantinople , May 5, 1895 . (Received May 16.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that one George Webber, a naturalized American citizen, 70 years old, who was arrested on suspicion and who recently died in prison at Brusa, was entitled to protection under passport issued December 3, 1894. There is strong ground for believing that he was virtually murdered by barbarous treatment while in custody. He was arrested at Konia, placed on a railway train that would have brought him to this city, but was taken from it, and was next seen by Christians, after a three days’ journey, at Brusa, where he was taken from a rough wagon, and was unable to stand. There he was placed in jail without medical aid, and was taken from it dead next morning, delivered to missionaries, and by them buried.
I strongly suspect a capricious arrest and brutal treatment on his journey. He was a German by birth, and I am having a cautious and quiet investigation made by the German embassy with the Germans along the railway, which is a German enterprise.
A call upon the Porte for a report of facts would result in nothing except the version afforded by the men whose conduct perhaps murdered the old man. Mr. Riddle has therefore been sent to Brusa underwritten instructions to report such facts as are known there. A full investigation elsewhere will require time, and will not, perhaps, be concluded before I return from visiting the consulates on the Mediterranean. It is reported by missionaries that Mr. Webber was compelled to walk until exhausted, when he was hauled in a wagon to Brusa.
Mr. Stupe, a naturalized American, was recently murdered here. The result of the trial of his murderer, which has been reported to you, is not satisfactory to me. Assuming that the facts will develop as above stated, please instruct me by telegram or dispatch as to the measure of redress.
I have, etc.,