Mr. Olney to Mr. Terrell.
November 26, 1895.
Sir: I have received your No. 664, of the 8th instant, reporting the trial, in the presence of Consul Gibson, and conviction of the Turkish subjects who committed a violent trespass upon the premises of Dr. Christie, president of the St. Paul’s Institute at Tarsus, and maltreated his servant and pupils.
The signal rebuke administered to the local authorities who have heretofore been concerned in the apparent miscarriage of justice, as shown in the dismissal of the Tarsus judge who conducted the preliminary investigation, and the offer to dismiss the mudir of Namroun, is of more exemplary significance than any merely prolonged imprisonment of the individual aggressors; and Dr. Christie’s moderation in asking that the lightest possible sentences be imposed after the confession and conviction of the culprits may be regarded as appropriate as well as generous.
Consul Gibson’s action in this matter appears to have been commendable.
I am, etc.,