Terrell to "Lewis", July 7, 1895

Constantinople July 7, 1895

Dear Lewis, I see from the Herald and "World" that the Armenian agitators are after me. They can acomplish{sic} nothing at the State Dept unless by lies they get up a public sentiment among Crusading Christians, demanding a straw new man here so strong of their own, that I may be selected as Jonah was

I am doing, and have done to all men bearing an American passport my full duty. More than once I have (though in debt,) helped these Armenian scoundrels to 'return' to America, but they return to lie on me. It is manifest that I am selected by the Societies of Revolutionaries, as responsible for the policy of this Government, which permits Turkey to exclude those who changed their nationality without the Sultans consent. I could by wilful wrong or improv= idence jeopardize the place of Europe in ten days. More than one power is only too anxious to see us drive the wedge into the Eastern question, preparitory to the general divide. Even the Triple Alliance could not make that divide a peaceful one.

I see the State Dept is trying to take care of me

against the Armenian liars.

Gratitude is a rare commodity, but I think that it is entirely unknown in the Armenian race. That virtue and truth are never conspicuous among races that have long been subjugated

My post here is now one of intense labor and anxiety. Other Legations and Embassies look with a jealous and suspicious eye on my personal relations with the Sultan, and my intercourse with them all is now marked by the utmost prudence. Missionaries also would prefer to see me diplomatizing with a club. Poor deluded men! when we have not a soldier in Europe, nor fleet enough to bring an Army here; and when their only salvation is in the personal influence of the Minister.

Under admissions distinctly made by the President in his message to the last Congress, Turkey as a sovereign, has the right to exclude, undesirable persons and classes. Now, suppose that the Board of Missions by its recent utterances or I by imprudent action shall convince Turkey that Missionaries are in sympathy with Armenian revolutionaries -- what shall keep the Turk from saying -- "Those Missionaries

are undesirable and harmful. I will pay (perhaps $ 1,000,000) for their churches and they must leave". Remember they are all Protestants. While Austria, Italy, + Spain, are Catholic; + Russia, Rumelia, Romania, Bulgaria, + Greece are Orthodox. Greeks and(?) both Churches hate the Protestants as the devil does holy water. The Missionary faith in their luck + the prestige of the Union is sublime. With a bold aggressive Pope at Rome, and a Greek Patriarch like him at St Petersburg they would unite the protestant ^{Catholic + Greek} Powers in support of the Turks demand that protestants should leave, and England would not be strong enough to make them remain, even with our aid. Besides, such a move would preserve the Turk a long time where he is. It is a fact, that the Ottoman Empire remained strong + undivided until protestant missionaries planted liberal ideas here, beginning about 40 years ago

I have never here whispered this danger. If rough times come along that line I have sounded the note of warning where I should be heeded.- There is no aggressive Pope, -- Patriarch or Sultan -- This is the security. It is a quiet boast among the Professors at Roberts College that they created Bulgaria. Its chief officers were the graduates of that College.

My position here is one requiring constant vigilance. If it is given to the public, you will see that at the

very time when religious societies are abusing the Turk in the U. S. I am causing officials to apologize to to ^the consular agents for slight affronts -- causing others to be removed, and securing reforms desired by Missionaries, never before conceded. The news of this should reach you (if ever) through our press not long after this.

Still, I dont forget that before the breath of public prejudice which may be created by the revolutionary societies (of which there are a dozen in America) I may find it uncomfortable here, and may be invited -- or invite myself to go home.

I dont know what to think of the agricultural interest in the U. S. That industry is depressed in the same way all over Europe. In Austria there is a proposition to fix prices. In England it is as bad as it can be. Russia is overproducing, and wheat too cheap to raise. When will it end? A general European War would not perhaps last long, + would only benefit us for an hour . A return to primitive methods of life no laws can enforce, + a diversifying of industries promises no relief. If war or pestilence would kill off 1/2 of the producers in every department we might have another decade of prosperity; but the microbe hunter kills all hope of relief from disease

Since I have been busy all day + so at random write you -- but be guarded with what I write

Wife can see it. I enclose a letter for Mr. Bayard, give it to wife to keep. Love to all Truly your friend A. W. Terrell.