Mr. Hirsch to Mr. Blaine.

No. 382.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy in translation of a note verbale from the Sublime Porte in answer to the note verbale of this legation of January 9, on the subject of the “Conversion of private houses into temples and schools by the American missionaries.”

I have, etc.,

Solomon Hirsch.
[Inclosure in No. 382.—Translation.]

Sublime Porte to Mr. Hirsch.

The ministry of foreign affairs has received the verbal note which the United States legation has done it the honor to address it on January 9, relative to religious and scholastic establishments in the Empire.

The foundation of these establishments is subject in Turkey, as everywhere else, to certain formalities. The object of the Sublime Porte is not to impede in any way the exercise of worship or instruction, but simply to prevent any contravention of the established rules. The United States legation, which is as careful of the observation of these rules as of the interests of the missionaries will, the ministry is persuaded, lend the Imperial ministry its valuable assistance in preventing any such infractions.