Mr. Terrell to Mr. Olney.
Constantinople, Dec. 29, 1895. (Received Jan. 13, 1896.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that during the three days of my absence to visit Admiral Selfridge it was made known to the legation that our citizens at Marsovan College did not trust the fidelity of the reserve soldiers who guarded them. The same fear existed at Marash. This was corrected on representations made at the palace by Mr. Gargiulo, the dragoman of this legation, and telegraphic orders were issued for furnishing guards of regular soldiers at both cities.
In this connection I should state that on the earnest request of Bev. H. O. Dwight and President Herrick, who represented the great apprehension felt by Americans at Marsovan, I wired a cipher order to Consul Jewett requiring him to go to Marsovan and there remain for a time if he could leave Sivas safely. He has informed me that Turks who are [Page 1423] friendly state that another massacre will soon occur at Sivas, under orders from this city, and in effect that he could not safely leave.
An emphatic representation made thereupon at the palace will, I think, result in assuring safety for the present.
I have, etc.,