Mr. Terrell to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, August 7, 1895.
(Received Aug. 22.)
No. 588.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose copy of a
telegram received yesterday from Consul Gibson, and also copy of my
telegram in response thereto. Whether the reported outrage was committed
by Moslems or Christians is uncertain. A copy of my dispatch to
Consul-General Short is also inclosed, and it is hoped that the
instruction for Consul Gibson to go in person if necessary to find out
facts will be approved.
Since writing the dispatch, I am informed that a cholera quarantine still
exists at Tarsus.
Tarsus is not in the jurisdiction of the vali of Beirut, who has been
instructed to investigate and prosecute the guilty. I met him while on
my tour of inspection, and was favorably impressed with his intelligence
and apparent impartiality. This gives me reason to hope that the
incident referred to in Mr. Gibson’s telegram may receive prompt
attention.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
588.—Telegram.]
Mr. Gibson to Mr.
Short.
Christie’s house, Tarsus, attacked 4th instant by natives; his
students and servants severely beaten; his life threatened. Please
secure protection and prosecution.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
588.]
Mr. Terrell to
Mr. Gibson.
Christie matter attended to. Porte sent instructions to vali at
Beirut to investigate and prosecute guilty parties. Investigate
yourself all the facts. Were the natives Moslems or Christians!
Report cause of the attack and whether the parties beaten were
Christians or Moslems.
[Page 1272]
[Inclosure 3 in No.
588.]
Mr. Terrell to
Mr. Short.
United States Legation,
Constantinople, August 6, 1895.
No. 112.]
Sir: Referring to the telegram just
received, which announces an attack on the premises of Mr. Christie
and the beating of his servants by natives, you are informed that
the Porte has instructed the vali of Beirut to investigate and
prosecute the guilty parties. Instruct Consul Gibson to investigate
at once and report upon the causes for the attack, its results as to
injury to anyone, and who was injured. Also, who were the natives
who made the attack—were they Moslems incited by fanaticism, or to
what religious sect do they belong? It is important that the exact
facts should be known, and Mr. Gibson will report Mr. Christie’s
statement of the entire affair, as also that of the local civil
functionary of the Turkish Government. If Mr. Gibson is not shut off
by quarantine he should go in person to the spot. His necessary
traveling expenses will be paid by the Government on his check on
the Department of State, accompanied by itemized account, approved
by me. The facts necessary to a perfect understanding of the
incident are needed, and not ex parte reports. If these can be known
without Mr. Gibson’s visit to the spot the visit should not be
made.
If the attack or the beating of the Rev. Mr. Christie’s servants was
wanton and unprovoked, it is important that I know the facts which
will enable me to say so.
* * * * * * *
I am, etc.,
