Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President, Transmitted to Congress December 2, 1895, Part II
Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.
Constantinople, November 3, 1895. (Received Nov. 25.)
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the report of Consul Gibson of November 1 on the satisfactory termination of trial of certain Turkish subjects on charges made by the Rev. Mr. Christie. * * *
I have, etc.,
Mr. Gibson to Mr. Short.
Beirut, Syria, November 1, 1895.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I left Beirut on the 18th of October by the Khedevial steamer Daluthlieh for Mersine and Tarsus, and that I have to-day returned to my post in Beirut by the French steamer Suidh. I arrived in Mersine the morning of the 20th of October in time to meet Capt. Charles O’Neil, of the U. S. frigate Marblehead, which anchored off the coast the same day.
On the 21st of October Captain O’Neil and I called on the moutessarif or governor of Mersine, who had charge of the investigation for the Turkish officials into the Tarsus trouble on the attack on Dr. Christie’s domicile and pupils at Namroun. We received assurance of a speedy trial of the case, and the next day, the 22d, Ave proceeded to Tarsus, where we were received inmost friendly manner and publicly entertained by order of the governor of Mersine. We conferred with Dr. Christie, and found him ready and anxious for the trial. The following day Captain O’Neil and I visited Adana and called on the governor-general of the vilayet having general control of affairs in Mersine, Tarsus, and Namroun. In the absence of his excellency we were met by his substitute official, who assured us of a speedy trial under the supervision of the governor of Mersine and the courts in Tarsus. On the return to Mersine on the 24th of October the court summonses were sent to Dr. Christie, through the United States consular agency, but the charge stated was a simple misdemeanor—the beating of the pupils. I returned these papers, and called on the 25th to explain to the governor that under the court summonses the United States would have no standing in the court, as I would not feel justified in official interference if the case was simply a fight between Turkish subjects. I demanded a trial on the charge made in Dr. Christie’s original coinplaint, viz, violation of domicile, threats against himself, cursing him and his religion, a prearranged attack, and finally, and least important of all, the beating of his cook and pupils.
After considerable discussion, the authorities allowed us the opportunity of setting up the original charges, and on the 28th day of October, in Tarsus, I appeared in the court myself, accompanied by United States Consular Agent Coidon, his dragoman, and Dr. Christie. The trial proceeded and Dr. Christie and his witnesses established his case to the satisfaction of the judges, and finally, after previous denials, the eight prisoners arose and confessed in open court to the truth of every [Page 1289] charge made by Dr. Christie. Dr. Christie then arose and expressed his gratification on thus doubly establishing his case and begged the judges’ clemency for the prisoners, as he had no thought of vengeance in the matter and no desire to be harsh with the people among whom he had lived for eighteen years and among whom he hoped always to live in the most friendly relations. I applauded Dr. Christie’s sentiments, but insisted that some example must be given to the people and also some warning against a repetition of attack against American homes and citizens. I therefore begged the judges to defer their sentence until 1 could confer with Captain O’Neil and the governor of Mersine. Returning to Mersine for this purpose I found that both officials agreed with me. The governor declared that he had already ordered the dismissal of the mustantick or Tarsus judge, who had conducted the preliminary investigation and reported the affair as a simple misdemeanor, and he expressed his willingness to guarantee the dismissal of the mudir of Namroun by the governor-general of the vilayet. This had been originally asked by Dr. Christie as the mudir’s conduct had not only encouraged the attacking party but he had aided them greatly by releasing them after the outrage had been reported and was being investigated by officials from Tarsus and Mersine. I agreed that these dismissals would serve as conspicuous examples, and consented there, fore to any clemency which the court might desire to show.
I returned with United States Consular Agent Coidon to the court in Tarsus the following day to hear the sentences pronounced. Dr. Christie again repeated his satisfaction, and urged in friendly spirit the lightest sentence possible, arguing that the confession of the prisoners and the establishment of his case was ample vindication of himself and the efforts made in his behalf. The judges thereupon sentenced the eight offenders with terms varying from sixty to [blank] days in prison; and also pronounced sentence of ten to fifteen days’ imprisonment upon four other parties implicated in the attack, and who had been released upon the preliminary investigation. I thereupon expressed to the court the satisfaction I felt in the conclusion of the case in a manner gratifying to the complainant and the representatives of my Government. Captain O’Neil and I both agreed that the ends of justice had been served, and we all felt that Americans and American interests were fixed upon a firmer and more friendly basis in that section. We both stated as much to the authorities, and trust that our superior officers will agree in this conclusion.
In concluding this report I must first acknowledge the obligation I owe to Commander Charles O’Neil of the U. S. S. Marblehead for his firm but courteous course in dealing with the Turkish officials, and for the aid extended by him to the United States consular officials in the happy conclusion of this incident. Such a man is not only an honor to the United States Navy, but he makes friends for himself and his country wherever he goes.
I must also report with pleasure the capable and courteous assistance rendered by United States Consular Agent Coidon, of Mersine. Taking charge of his post in the middle of this investigation, I felt that my presence was necessary at this critical time in Mersine and Tarsus, but I can congratulate the Department on at least securing for this important post an agent of previous experience, of varied linguistic accomplishments, and of such courteous bearing as will insure respect from Turkish officials and the full confidence of our follow-countrymen.
I beg that you will bring this report to the attention of His Excellency Minister Terrell, and request him please, in reporting to his highness [Page 1290] the Grand Vizier or the proper officials the satisfactory conclusion of this incident, to join the United States consular officials concerned in their expression of thanks to Mehmed Nazim Bey, governor of Mersine, for his courtesy and energy in this case, and for his official and personal attentions to American officials and citizens. A word of thanks or approval for the Tarsus judges, Hussein Husin Effendi, Abdul Gharfir Effendi, and Hffuz Effendi, for their prompt and just disposal of the case would be appreciated; and special commendation to the proper authorities of Helmi Effendi, chief of zabtiehs in Tarsus, would aid him in promotion and also our interests in Tarsus. He has aided us all along, and has been most vigilant in this case, and most courteous in his attentions to Dr. Christie and all Americans. In the absence of a consular agent he has been a special protector to Dr. Christie and St. Paul’s Institute, and his friendly efforts are well worth this commendation.
I am, etc.,
United States Consul.