Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.

No. 479.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform yon that several weeks ago a man of German birth named Stupe was killed by a drunken or insane Turk. A few evenings previous my cavass, while unarmed, was robbed. Stupe [Page 1293] had a certificate of naturalization as a citizen of the United States, but had been in Europe continuously for twenty-live years.

While they were burying Stupe, I was at the Porte demanding a more efficient protection by the police for the Christian population here, and for the arrest and punishment of the Turk. Both were promised; the police force was increased, and the assailant of Stupe arrested. Being assured that Stupe retained the intention to return to the United States, I directed the consul-general to send his dragoman to attend the trial, and the man was sentenced to death.

All this was before any European diplomat took action regarding better security.

A knowledge of my demand soon reached the palace, and a messenger from the Sultan informed me that he had granted a life pension of 12 pounds (Turkish) monthly to be paid to Mrs. Stupe and her children. This was published next day as official.

The incident might well have been made the subject of a dispatch with full particulars, but was not.

After assurance from the Porte, confirmed by messenger from the palace, that Mrs. Stupe was pensioned, and that the police force would be increased, the Greek minister called on me (as the oldest in service) to inform me that the ambassadors would demand a more efficient police. I requested him to return to them my compliments, and inform them that I had made the same demand, which was promised. Such are the facts.

Inclosed I send a copy of a note from the Porte.

I have, etc.,

A. W. Terrell.
[Inclosure in No. 479.—Verbal note.]

A pension of 1,200 piastres a month having been granted by iradé of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan to the widow and to the three children of the late Mr. Stupe, American citizen, the ministry of foreign affairs begs of the legation of the United States of America to let the ministry have the name of each one of the children, and to inform it at the same time whether any one among the girls is married already.