Mr. Hirsch to Mr. Blaine.
Constantinople, October 22, 1890. (Received November 6.)
Sir: The efforts made during the past year by this legation for the punishment of the notorious Moussa Bey for his outrageous and murderous attack in 1883 upon the missionaries Knapp and Raynolds seem finally to have been crowned with success.
An imperial iradé for his exile to Medina was issued this summer, but he, in some mysterious way, got information in time to take to flight. Exaggerated reports were set afloat in the community as to his destination, and it seemed to be currently believed that he had escaped into Russia, from whence it was said he would return to his native hills and at the head of his followers resume his career of pillage and murder. Measures were promptly taken by the authorities for his capture, which was effected about 3 weeks later in the vilayet of Broussa, at no very great distance from this city.
He was brought to Constantinople under guard, where he was confined until last Sunday, October 19, when he was embarked on a Turkish steamer destined for Jeddah, from whence he will be taken overland to Medina.
It is said that no man exiled to Medina ever returned.
Bahei Pasha (cousin of Moussa), governor of Scutari, in whose keeping he was at the time of his escape, has been removed and sent to Monastir.
It is to be regretted that punishment was not visited upon Moussa Bey more promptly, but even now I feel very certain that the execution of the sentence will have a beneficial effect for the American missionaries in the Empire, in so far as those in the interior who might be disposed to annoy and harass them will have been effectually taught that the United States Government will not permit those of its citizens who are peaceably following their vocation in this Empire to be in any way molested with impunity.
I have, etc.,