Debate of Nov. 5, 1896.Question: "Resolved, That the United States and Great Britain should take decided steps to bring about a cessation of the present disorders in Turkey."

Brief for the Affirmative.R. C. DAVIS and J. E. GREGG.

Best general references: F. D. Greene, The Armenian Crisis in Turkey. E. M. Bliss, Turkey and the Armenian Atrocities. Review of Reviews, Vol. XI, pp. 15, 43-54. The Speaker, Nov. 24, 1895-Jan 12, 1896, and March 2, 1896. E. J. Dillon in Contemporary Review for January, 1896; and in Fortnightly Review for March, 1896.

Introduction.I. Since it is much disputed and hitherto undecided whether the proposed intervention is justifiable by international law or not, it is agreed by both sides to rule international law out of this discussion.

II. For many years the Armenians have been subjected to the most atrocious outrages, for which there is no reason to doubt, the Turkish government is responsible.

I. It is the duty of Great Britain to do all in her power to bring about a prompt and permanent cessation of the present desorders in Armenia. A. As long as they last the lives and property of British subjects in Turkey is in some degree endangered, e. g. (1) The recent riots in Constantinople. B. And as long as they last there will be strained relations between England and Turkey and the other powers. (1) Eastern question kept undecided. C. England already has her hands full. (1) Northern frontier of India. (2) China. (3) Egypt and the Soudan. (4) Cape Colony and the Transvaal. (5) Venezuela. D. The objection that decisive action on the part of England would involve war with one or several of the other powers does not old. (1) Armenian autonomy, as in Crete, would obviate this. E. England is under treaty obligation to protect the Armenians. Pub. Opin., Oct. 1, 1896.

II. The united States should do all in its power to stop the present disorders in Turkey. A. Their continuance endangers the lives and property of many American colleges, e. g., (1) the outbreaks at Marsovan, Harpoot, Marash, etc. (Bliss: 337, 388, 389, 402, 427, 458, 544.) B. Such events as the recent massacres in Armenia morally justify any civillized nation in doing all in its power to call the perpetrators to account (Gladstone's speech, in Greene, PP. 122 and 123).

III. An alliance of the United States with England would be the most reasonable and effective means of restoring order. A. It would be firm. (1) The people of England and the United States are one in (a) race, (b) language, (c) laws, (d) religion, and (e) in their general opinion on this question. B. Such an alliance would be universally recognized as a moral alliance, and not one designed to promote any scheme of territorial aggrandizement. (1) England would not be allowed either by other nations or by public opinion at home to use this occasion to increase her territorial advatages in the East. (a) But for fear of Rusia, Enland would probably have compelled the Sultan to stop the massacres long ago (Bliss, 559-564). (b) The people of England are demanding action only for reasons of humanity. (2) The United States, as every one knows, has no desire to acquire territory, or to do more than to secure to the people of Armenia a righteous and orderly government, and to its own citizens undisturbed possession of their rights.

Brief for the Negative.F. HENDRICK and G. W. ABELE.

Best general references: Duke of Argyll, Our Responsibilities for Turkey; Cont. Review, Sept., Oct., '96; E. A. Freeman, Ottoman Power in Europe; Boston Herald, Feb. 1, Oct. 19-25, '96; Hazell's Manual, 1894, 1896; American Magazine for Civics, Oct. '96; Forum, June, '96; C. W. Eliot, Atlantic Monthly, Oct. '96; Nineteeth Cent., Oct. '96; Justin McCarthy, N. A. Review, Sept. '96; Laveleye, Balkan Peninsula; D'Avril, Traites.

I. The United States is under no obligation to act.- (A) Action is not necessary to protect our rights.- (1) They have been respected (Justin McCarthy, Minister Terrell).- (2) We can protect them without interfering with internal affairs of Turkey.- (3) We can protect them better without aid from England.- (a) She is responsible for continuance of Turkish misrule.- (b) She is suspected as an interested power.- (c) An alliance with the United States would not remove this suspicion.- (B) We are under no obligation to defend the Christian faith.- (1) No religion is recognized in the Constitution.- (2) The power to wage war for religious purposes is not given to the government.- (3) America's great contribution to civilization has been non-interference in matters of religious faith (C. W. Eliot).- (C) It is not necessarily a duty to humanity.- (1) It might not have good results.- (2) It might be unsuccessful.- (3) It might cause greater evils.

II. The only effectual action will deprive Turkey of sovereignity over Armenia.- (A) Disorders, such as the present are inherent in Armenia's subjection to Turkey.- (1) Armenia is Christian, Turkey is Mohammedan.- (2) In collection of "farmed taxes" hereditary hatred finds expression in revolt followed by massacre.- (3) Hope of aid from Russia and the Christian world encourages Armenians to revolt and-(4) Turkey is glad of a pretext for massacre.- (B) No efforts of the powers have been successful in terminating these disorders.- (1) The treaty of 1856 was followed by the Bosnian massacres of 1857, by the Lebanon and Syrian massacres of 1860 (Duke of Argyll, 38-42).- (2) The Berlin Decree of 1878, was followed by greater excesses, and the Kurd Massacre of 1882 (Laveleye, 323; Encyl. Britt. I, 312).- (C) No efforts of the Powers give hope of remedy.- (1) The Sultan has not and will not keep a promise (Identic Note of 1880).- (2) Mohammedan Rule is incompatible with civilization and humanity (Lord Clarendon).- (3) Complex reforms on paper a delusion (Argyll, 165).- (4) Military occupation the only remedy (Salisbury. Boston Herald, Feb. 1, '96.)

III. To such action the United States should not be a party.- (A) We are bound to a policy of non-interference-(1) by custom (2) by interest.- (B) Such action would be an infringement upon the rights of the Powers.- (1) The Berlin Decree secured to Turkey sovereignity over Armenia.- (2) The Powers alone have material interests in Turkey.- (C) Such action would prevent an agreement of the Powers.- (1) It would frustrate Russia's plans for peace and (2) England's desire for conciliation.- (D) It would involve us in dangerous and unatural complications.