No. 1084.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Straus.
Washington, May 24, 1888.
Sir: I have received your No. 09 of the 24th ultimo, announcing your return to your post and the re opening of the American schools in Syria.
That portion of your dispatch treating of this latter subject has been printed in a special issue, No. 13, of the Consular Reports (two copies of which I inclose), and distributed among the secretaries of the several missionary societies who have lately addressed the Department respecting the closing of such schools by the Ottoman governments.
The ability, tact, and energy displayed by you in the prosecution of this delicate and important question is deserving of the greatest credit, while the success which has finally crowned your efforts is exceedingly gratifying and entitles you to the Department’s special acknowledgment.
Awaiting such further report as you may think necessary upon receipt of the official statement from the consul, I am, etc.,