Mr. Blaine to Mr. Hirsch.
Washington, May 8, 1890.
Sir: I have received your No. 113 of the 18th ultimo, and the note therewith, communicating the conclusions of the Ottoman department of justice in the matter of the charge brought against Moussa Bey of an assault on Rev. Mr. Knapp and Dr. Raynolds in May, 1883, which are that Moussa is not guilty.
The whole conduct of this question on the part of the Turkish Government has been most disheartening, and not calculated to quicken a perception of the guaranties of justice and protection to American citizens which the Ottoman administration of law is asserted to afford.
Respect for the administration of law can not be maintained unless its verdicts flow clearly from the principles of justice and are thus commended [Page 765] to acceptance; unfortunately, the course of the judicial branch in this case has been so perverted and the efforts of its ministers have been so conspicuously put forth to screen native criminals as to inspire little confidence in the ability of the Turkish Government to do full right to American citizens who have been wronged by the lawless acts of native authorities.
Your promised reply to the note of the Sublime Porte is awaited.
I am, etc.,