Mr. Terrell to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, September 30,
1896. (Received Oct. 17.)
No. 1005.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter from President Tracy,
of Marsovan College, which shows that orders have been issued for the
security of the people there.
His anxiety for a more liberal iradé for his college is natural, but just
now such matters would receive no attention.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 1005.]
Mr. Tracy to
Mr. Terrell.
Marsovan, September 21,
1896.
Dear Judge Terrell: During the last days of
our stay in Constantinople the prospect seemed to improve to such a
degree that I felt justified in yielding to the earnest desire of
the members of our party to return altogether to Marsovan. We
therefore came on, and see no
[Page 869]
reason so far for regretting the step. I find
matters in a much better condition than I expected. There is general
quiet, and we believe that stringent orders have been given for its
maintenance. College was opened on the 15th instant with nearly 100
students; the girls’ department with about 70. We have a guard of
regular soldiers in every way polite, quiet, and respectful; indeed,
they are attached to us as friends. The officers of the Government
are deferential and cordial—never were more so. They manifest
confidence in us, and often depend on our judgment and testimony. I
feel that we have nothing to fear from the local authorities.
There is a question pressing for immediate decision. The matter of
the firman for the college is still in abeyance and they demand the
taxes for last year and this, amounting to about 40 liras. In a
former letter you stated your ground, namely, that while the irade
was delayed the taxes should not be paid. It appears that some sort
of unsatisfactory firman was issued which, as I suppose, you did not
accept. The acceptance of it lies with our legation, not with us. If
this paper lies, as Consul Jewett thinks, in the hands of the mearif
at Sivas, not accepted by our representative and the correction of
whatever is objectionable in it delayed, what shall we do about
paying the taxes demanded? I am going this hour to the emlak, and
shall tell him that we await an answer from you.
I am glad to report all well.
Yours, sincerely,
P. S.—September 24. There are now 120 in the college, and over
100 in the girls’ boarding school.
