Mr. Gresham to Mr. Terrell.

No. 340.]

Sir: Referring to your No. 386, of the 10th instant, I inclose herewith for your legation’s files copy of a letter from Rev. Judson Smith, expressing the appreciation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions of the effective action taken by you in reference to the police molestation suffered by Rev. L. O. Lee at Marash.

I am, etc.,

W. Q. Gresham.
[Page 1255]
[Inclosure in No. 340.]

Mr. Judson Smith to Mr. Gresham.

Sir: Recent letters from Constantinople have brought information of the immediate and effective action taken by Judge Terrell in reference to the police molestation suffered by Rev. L. O. Lee, one of our missionaries at Marash, Turkey. From these advices it appears that the communications which Judge Terrell made to the grand vizier, and also to his Imperial Majesty the Sultan, secured a reprimand of the officials who had violated the right of domicile, and the adoption by the Porte of immediate measures to prevent the further molestation of the Americans resident at Marash. Although no serious injury of any kind resulted from the illegal action of the Turkish officials in this case, yet it was so clear a violation of the rights of domicile as to make the action taken in regard to it of the utmost importance both for this case and for the precedent thus established.

It appears from the very full statement of the case which has come to my hand, and which was placed before the United States legation at Constantinople, that this act involved a violation of the right of domicile in at least four points: (1) The entrance of the police upon the premises of Mr. Lee without permission, they taking advantage of the outer gate being accidentally open; (2) the retention of the police in the premises for several hours and until after nightfall; (3) the act of the acting governor in response to Mr. Lee’s protest in sending other officers to enter the house and examine the box; (4) the seizure of the box in Mr. Lee’s house by these officers against Mr. Lee’s protest. No crime was charged, no word was sent to the nearest American consul, and in other ways the illegal and extraordinary nature of the performance is very marked.

We feel very grateful that Judge Terrell has dealt with this matter so energetically and successfully, and are assured that the security of our missionaries at Marash and in all that region will be the greater because of this efficient and satisfactory action.

With highest regard, etc.,

Judson Smith,
Foreign Secretary A. B. C. F. M.