The Sultan of Turkey to President Roosevelt. [Telegram.-Translation.] YILDIZ, September 1, 1902. I have received with the keenest pleasure your excellency's telegram expressing your sincere felicitations on the occasion of the anniversary of my accession to the throne. I beg you to accept my warmest thanks. ABDUL HAMID. TREATY OF 1830-INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE IV. a Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay. No. 268.] LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: I beg to inclose herewith copy of a note received from the JOHN G. A. LEISHMAN. Note verbale.] [Inclosure 1.] The Sublime Porte to Mr. Leishman. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, August 21, 1902. By its note verbale of January 2, 1901, the ministry of foreign affairs transmitted to the legation of the United States of America a list containing the names of those American citizens who, being charged with various offenses, are protected from judicial prosecution by reason of the difference of views existing between the two Governments relative to the interpretation of Article IV of the treaty of 1830, and once more emphasized the necessity of putting an end to this difference. The said note has hitherto remained unanswered, and it appears from a recent communication to the Department of Justice that the United States consul still continues to decline to notify the said American citzens of the summonses to appear which have been issued against them by the Ottoman courts, and thus wholly to obstruct the action of justice. Thus it is that the judicial steps recently taken against Ernest Salomon, an American citizen, residing in Timoni street, who is charged with having beaten and wounded one Yaco, have been entirely fruitless. As the Imperial ministry has already stated at length in its preceding communications the reasons which render it incumbent upon it to put an end to a situation which is so incompatible with the incontestable right of the Imperial Government, it deems it unnecessary to take up this matter again. Confiding in the sentiments of justice which actuate the United States legation, it feels convinced that said legation will itself recognize the necessity of finally reaching an understanding on this subject, and that it will take the necessary measures in order that this question may, without further delay, be settled in accordance with the principles of law and with the spirit of the treaties that have been concluded by the American Government with the Sublime Porte. Note verbale.] [Inclosure 2.] Mr. Leishman to the Sublime Porte. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, In reply to the note verbale of the Sublime Porte dated August 21, 1902, the legation of the United States of America has the honor to advise the Imperial ministry a See Foreign Relations, 1900, page 909. of foreign affairs that it does not consider itself competent to make any alterations or modifications in the terms and conditions of the solemn agreements entered into between the Imperial Ottoman Government and the Government of the United States of America, as evidenced by the treaty concluded by the two Governments under date of 7th May, 1830, nor can it change or modify the interpretation already given by the Department of State. Consequently the legation is unable to instruct the United States consulate-general and the several consulates to deviate from the construction placed by the United States Government on Article IV of the treaty of the above mentioned date, and from the position which it has always maintained, and which position is well known to the Imperial Ottoman Government. This legation desires here to point out that the United States consulate-general and consulates in Turkey, in declining to serve on United States citizens warrants or summonses to appear in Ottoman criminal or correctional courts, are not prompted by any spirit of infringing the action of justice. In the same way that the United States consular courts are ready to hear criminal or correctional actions against Americans accused and prosecuted by American citizens or other foreigners, so are they ready to hear such actions if the accused Americans are prosecuted by the Imperial Ottoman Government or by Ottoman subjects appearing as partie civile. And the Sublime Porte may be sure that in case such accused American citizens should be found guilty they will be convicted and punished according to the provisions of American law. As a general principle, the legation can not consider for a moment the waiving of any of the rights and privileges enjoyed by the citizens of the United States. But in order to avoid if possible the friction which constantly arises, it would respectfully suggest the advisability of the imperial Ottoman Government instructing its représentative at Washington to take the matter up direct with the Department of State, with a view of arriving at a solution satisfactory to both Governments. No. 243.] Mr. Adee to Mr. Eddy. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, September 25, 1902. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Leishman's No. 268, of the 3d instant, transmitting a copy of a note from the sublime porte in regard to the interpretation of Article IV of the treaty between the United States and Turkey of May 7, 1830. His note verbale of the 3d instant in reply to that of the minister of foreign affairs is approved by the Department. I am, etc., ALVEY A. ADEE, Acting Secretary. ACCIDENT TO PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT. The Sultan of Turkey to President Roosevelt. [Telegram.-Translation.] YILDIZ, September 4, 1902. I have heard with great sorrow of the accident that has befallen you. Happily the accident has been attended with no serious consequence to Your Excellency. I express to you my delight and congratulations therefor. ABDUL HAMID. President Roosevelt to the Sultan of Turkey. [Telegram.] WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 5, 1902. Your Majesty's cordial message is most acceptable and I thank you. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. URUGUAY AND PARAGUAY. DEPOSITION OF PRESIDENT ACEVAL AND ELEVATION OF VICEPRESIDENT CARVALLO TO PRESIDENCY OF PARAGUAY. No. 507.] Mr. Finch to Mr. Hay. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, Montevideo, Uruguay, January 11, 1902. SIR: A revolution in Paraguay, resulting in the deposition of President Aceval, was started in Asuncion on the morning of the 19th instant. It was, as will be seen by the inclosed translation, a bloodless affair; but out of it grew a discussion in the Paraguay Congress which was followed by shooting, one person being killed and several wounded. I inclose newspaper translations referring to the revolution and the shooting incident, and the alleged cause for the attack on the Government. I also inclose copy of a letter of an American resident of Asuncion relative to the condition of the country, and giving some reason why the discontented ones dislike the deposed President. Respectfully, WILLIAM R. FINCH. [Inclosure.-Translation.] [From the Montevideo Tribuna, January 11, 1902.] The revolution in Paraguay-A complete chronicle. CONGRESS CONVOKED-VIOLENT SCENES SHOTS AND STABS-SENATOR INSFRAN KILLED -SENATORS AND DEPUTIES WOUNDED-GENERAL CABALLERO'S WOUND-THE ARTILLERY FIRING AGAINST CONGRESS-FIFTEEN WOUNDED-THE NEW PRESIDENT-HIS CABINET. We publish below dispatches received about the Paraguayan revolution which fully confirm the information advanced by La Tribuna Popular on the subject: PRELIMINARIES. ASUNCION, January 10. Yesterday at daybreak an unusual movement of people, coming and going from the Government house and its surroundings, was noticed in the city. Shortly after it was known that a revolutionary committee, composed of Generals Caballero and Escobar, Colonel Escurra, the minister of war and the minister of finance-Señor Moreno and Senator Fleitas-had been formed. This committee, in its session of that night, had resolved to take possession of the situation, removing from the Government the inconvenience presented by the President, Dr. Emilio Aceval, and the ex-President, General Egusguiza. THE IMPRISONMENT OF ACEVAL. Disposing of the forces of the cavalry regiment, a squad from that body was detached at 4 a. m., with the object of taking possession of President Aceval and demanding his resignation. This mission was fulfilled, but when he was asked to resign President Aceval refused to do so, and he was then informed that he must go to the cavalry barracks, where he would be kept a prisoner until the revolutionary committee decided what they would do with him. This was carried into effect. In the meantime another squad from the same cavalry regiment, under the orders of officers acting for the minister of war, arrested the chief of police and certain military men whose friendship toward President Aceval and General Egusguiza was well known. The comings and goings aroused the attention of the people, and General Egusguiza was advised about what was occurring just as a group of soldiers, commanded by an officer, was on the way to his house with the purpose of arresting him. Eluding them, he went to the Argentine legation, where he was received by the minister, Señor Lauro Cabral, whom he informed about the events. General Egusguiza is still sheltering there. While these events were occurring in the city, the revolutionary committee, in permanent session, addressed invitations to the Senators and Deputies of the same political opinion to call a meeting of Congress in order to deliberate about questions involved. IN THE CONGRESS. Overcoming the resistance made by some of the members of Congress and in opposition to others, a quorum was formed at 12.15 p. m. yesterday, the Vice-President of the Republic, Señor Hector Carvallo, who shares the political opinions of Generals Caballero and Escobar, being present as president of the Assembly. At the opening of the session it was suggested that the rule of President Aceval should be declared at an end and the Vice-President, Señor Carvallo, given charge of the executive power. A numerous bar, totally composed of revolutionary elements, with their chiefs at the head, occupied the place destined for the public. The proposition presented by Senator Fleitas was received by the public with enthusiastic manifestations of adhesion and loud cheers for the revolution and its chiefs. After the address relative to the deposition of President Aceval, Senator Bogarin made a speech declaring that the motion was contrary to the text and spirit of the constitution; that Congress lacked the power to sanction that motion and could not in any case legalize the acts which the revolution had effected by violence. The bar then protested against the orator, and Senator Bogarin, excitedly, and losing his presence of mind, expressed emphatic reproaches against the bar and the people, who abused their strength, using it to interrupt and insult independent legislators. SCENES OF BLOODSHED. Suddenly the sound of a shot was heard, and after the first shot numerous others followed, sounding as if a great bundle of rockets had been thrown into the center of the house. The confusion became terrible and insults multiplied and blood flowed, the men having lost their presence of mind in the excitement and fury of the struggle. The firing of revolvers, the using of daggers, canes, throwing of chairs, and the exchange of blows transformed the house into confusion and chaos. While this was occurring, General Escobar, going along the corridor, reached the balcony of the house of Congress which faces the plaza, and, taking his handkerchief, signaled to the commander of the troops which were stationed there. The noise of the shots and the cries of the people caused General Escobar's signal to be wrongly interpreted, and the commander ordered the infantry and artillery to open fire against the house of Congress. The firing by the infantry and the cries of the people, who asked that the firing cease against Congress, caused a panic among the inhabitants of the city, many of whom had come to witness events from the avenues and the plaza. Meanwhile the wounded were being attended to and the dead taken up in the room of sessions. Among the former was Senator Insfran, who had received three bullet wounds, Senators Corvalan and Fleitas, General Caballero and Deputy Carreras being gravely wounded. Senator Bogarin, against whom the firing began, was slightly wounded, as were also some other representatives, shorthand writers, the brothers Perez, and other individuals not very well known. In the street fifteen persons were wounded, some of whom will not recover. THE NEW CABINET. After the house of Congress had been cleared and amid the greatest silence the dismissal of the President of the Republic, Dr. Emilio Aceval, was voted, and the Vice-President, Señor Hector Carvallo, was given charge of the Government. The new President, after going through the usual formalities, appointed the new cabinet, which was designated in the following form: Minister of war, Col. J. A. Escurra. Minister of the interior, Senator Eduardo Fleitas. Minister of foreign affairs, Manuel Dominguez. Minister of justice, José Trala. The national departments and commercial houses have remained closed all day and all night, business in the port and custom-house having been suspended also. During the afernoon and the night numerous patrols went along the principal streets and were stationed in the plazas. Groups were not permitted to form in the public thoroughfares. IN THE ARGENTINE LEGATION. The Argentine minister, Dr. Lauro Cabral, the secretary of the legation, Dr. Carlos F. Burgos, and the consul attended the families of President Aceval, General Egusguiza, and of other officials who have sought asylum in the legation. As soon as the scenes of violence occurred the Argentine legation omitted no effort to avoid further bloodshed and, thanks to its good offices, lamentable catastrophies were not more numerous. The secretary of the same legation, Dr. Burgos, together with the consul-general of France, Mr. A. E. de Livio, and the consul of Uruguay, Señor Silva y Autuna, got the revolutionary committee and the new President to allow President Aceval to be removed from his prison in the cavalry barracks to the house of the Argentine legation. This was done, the three persons above mentioned accompanying him in a carriage, surrounded by a force, friends and people. Later on in the evening the secretary of the Argentine legation and the consuls accompanied the family of President Aceval to the house of the legation, where they are now united and protected from any emergency. It need not be said that the aspect of the legation house, with the numerous guests it has received since yesterday, is extremely animated. The minister, the secretary, and all the staff of the legation and house do all in ther power to attend to the refugees and make their sad situation comfortable. THE NEW MINISTERS. Eduardo Fleitas has been appointed minister of the interior. He is one of the most important men of the Republican party. He was senator, deputy, and a candidate of ex-President Aceval for the same ministry he holds now. Dr. Manuel Dominguez will be in charge of the portfolio of foreign affairs. He is a distinguished lawyer and writer. He was formerly rector of the university. Fulgencio Moreno was minister of finance of the past situation and will hold the same office with the new situation. He was Deputy to the National Congress and was one of the directors of the revolution yesterday. Dr. Jose Trala, minister of justice and public instruction, was elected deputy against the candidate attributed to Dr. Aceval. He is young, illustrious, and of firm character. General Escurra, a very active military man, still holds the portfolio of war, which place he held in the Government of Señor Aceval, and from which he prepared and directed the revolution. FEARS OF VIOLENCE. Notwithstanding the formation of the new cabinet, the political situation can not be considered altogether clear. It is feared that fresh occurrences may complicate the situation. Yesterday, after the short telegram in which I communicated the news of the revolutionary movement, I could not continue sending information because the telegraph was intervened and only began to work again at 9 o'clock p. i. today. BUENOS AIRES, January 11. El País publishes a long interview held by one of its reporters with Dr. Cesar Gondra during his stay in this city about the Paraguayan revolutionary movement and its causes. |