NOTES FROM TURKEY by H. P. H.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 21, 1895

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 21, No. 46.

NOTES FROM TURKEY.

By H. P. H.

While sojourning in Constantinople we have endeavored to learn some particulars about the Armenian question, but have found this a poor place to gain information as to what is taking place in the government. There is a strict censorship of the press, every article having to be submitted to the government censors before its publication. As a result, the public is kept in almost entire ignorance of what is going on in the government. People in Europe and America know a great deal more about what is being done here than people in Constantinople itself.

Although not finally disposed of, the Armenian question has already led to the improvement of the condition of Armenians. They now enjoy more liberty and can travel about with fewer obstructions. It is hoped that still more good will result, and that Armenians will yet have the same liberty as they enjoyed in the past.

For a number of years Turkey has been steadily turning down the screw of oppression on the Armenians, and the greater the tension, the greater and more desperate the resistance of the oppressed. Of course it is a bitter pill for the Turkish Government now to relinquish her pressure, and even work for the improvement of the Armenians. It is like compelling a man to turn about and bless them that he has been persecuting with all his might. That is why the question hangs fire so long.

Just after writing the above, there has been an Armenian demonstration here in the city. Sunday, September 29, it was decided by Armenians to gather next day at the Sublime Porte, and demand that the sultan sign, without longer delay, the reform proposition of the powers. On attempting to carry out this purpose, they were met by Turkish soldiers and police. A riot ensued, in which some on both sides were killed. This kindled afresh the fanaticism of both Turks and Armenians, which has led to some violence among the populace. Since the outbreak, many soldiers, mounted and foot, are patrolling the city night and day. Large numbers of Armenians are held up on the streets and searched for arms, those with arms being at once imprisoned.

It is reported that many hundreds have been imprisoned and several hundreds killed, but it is impossible to know the truth, as all sorts of stories are circulating. The Armenians generally believe that the Turks are killing and secretly disposing of those arrested; and this greatly excites the people. Last evening the church of the Armenian Patriarch, in this quarter of the city, was filled with several hundred who were determined to go to the prison to liberate their brethren, but the Patriarch has so far succeeded in keeping them from an effort to execute their purpose.

It is generally believed by the common people that the British fleet is on the way here and will soon arrive; in fact, this belief seems to have had much to do with their attempted demonstration. But there is scarce a limit to what the imagination may produce when fired up by the fanaticism of a false religion; still, casting aside all floating reports, the situation is grave enough. Most of the stores of Armenians are closed through fear; many have been arrested, some of them being severely beaten by the officers, and some killed on the streets.

This ill-advised and rash act of the Armenians will only make their situation worse; it will make it more difficult for the powers to settle the question to their advantage. If the Armenians have acted as rashly and foolishly in Armenia as here in this present act, they can not be regarded as martyrs to their faith. If they had more of the spirit of Christianity and less of the spirit of revolution, their cause would be much more hopeful and manageable.

This is the third day of the present troubles, and the state of affairs continues about as at the beginning. It is impossible to foresee what the result will be; but this will doubtless be known by telegraph before these lines are read. To-day an earthquake shock was felt in this part of the city; it is hoped that this solemn reminder of the great earthquake which destroyed so many buildings and lives last year may dampen the fatal zeal of the people. H. P. H.

Constantinople, October 2.