Department
of State,
Washington, March 2,
1892.
No. 288.]
[Inclosure in No. 288.]
Mr. Smith to Mr.
Blaine.
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions,
1 Somerset Street,
Boston, February 26,
1892.
Dear Sir: I send you to-day a printed copy of
an “appeal on behalf of religious work in the Turkish Empire from
representatives of Bible and missionary societies at Constantinople,”
which has recently been received from England. Our missionaries have
joined in the appeal with the representatives from England residing in
Turkey, and the pamphlet will explain itself. I am sure that you will
read it with no little interest.
A letter just received from Mr. Dwight speaks in terms of great
satisfaction in respect to the instructions which Mr. Hirsch has
received from the Department of State, covering quite fully the second
point mentioned in the appeal; that is, the securing recognition of the
right of missionaries to have schools and hold worship in their houses.
He says, and I think we may take his words as expressive of the
sentiment of our missionaries generally in the Empire, “We owe
acknowledgments to our Government for the prompt way in which Mr. Hirsch
has let the Porte know that the existing mission establishments are
under United States protection, and may not be disturbed without
disturbing the relations of amity the United States has always been glad
to maintain with Turkey.” It gives me great satisfaction to communicate
to you this statement from our missionaries and to add thereto the
equally hearty expression of satisfaction on the part of all the
officials of the American board at these rooms. It is what we had
expected, but it as gratifying as if it were a surprise.
Mr. Dwight touches upon another point in his letter in these words: “I
think that equally clear support of the first point in the appeal,
namely, that books once authorized by the Turkish Government are
entitled to all the rights and privileges of other merchandise, has not
been given from Washington.” This point is so well presented in the
appeal which I am sending that I am sure nothing needs to be added to
what is there presented in the way of pointing out the need of
instructions upon this point and the just basis upon which they may be
given.
Assuring you again of the satisfaction with which this tidings from
Constantinople has been received, and of the great gratification which I
experience in being able thus to come to you, not so much with a request
as with thanks and appreciative words.
I am, etc.,
Judson Smith,
Foreign Secretary American Board of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions.
