'General information on Persia for any future edition, 1895' [‎55r] (100/211)

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if indeed true, I am not aware that these letters have produced any result. It is
perhaps superfluous even to take such manifestations very seriously, hut the movement
may be noticed as having reference to the incidents reported in my letters of the 11 th
and 27th November, and of the 6 th December, 1890.
Before mid-day of the 6 th instant a messenger, who is an Armenian bootmaker,
delivered such a letter at the house of M. Maroutian, merchant, who on perceiving
its contents sent his son to see from whom the demand came. The messenger told
M. Maroutian, junior, that the man who sent it was waiting near, and went to fetch
him, when this individual, who was muffled up, drew and fired a revolver, according
to his (the messenger’s) account, and hastily made off. The messenger afterwards
stultified his previous story by pretending that M. Maroutian, the elder, had written
the letter, and induced him to deliver it for a reward. It is, however, least improbable
that the hearer of such a letter was in conspiracy with some one or more persons
for extorting money by intimidation ; and he is now in custody together with another
suspected character.
Letters of the nature above described have been received during the past five or
six weeks by Messrs. Nalbandian, Avakimian, Kaljian, Derboghosian Mirzakhanian.
and two brothers named Garmirmornukian, all Armenians, and comparatively
wealthy.
It is reported that in an Armenian village beyond the Persian border and in the
district of Salmas two Mekhitarist priests are settled. These were warned by certain
Armenians that they did not take sufficient interest in the national Armenian cause,
and were threatened. Only a few days ago one of these was stabbed and murdered by
an Armenian of the same village, if what I hear be correct.
A Mazbata was drawn up by Armenians of Yan and transmitted to Constantinople
about four weeks ago, renewing expressions of loyalty and thanking the Sultan
for favours recently accorded to their Patriarch. This has been inserted in Constanti
nople newspapers.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GEOBGE POLLARD DEYEY.
Inclosure 3 in No. 11.
Vice-Consul Devey to Acting Consul Hampson.
gj r Van, January 17, 1891.
WITH reference to a despatch of the 30th ultimo and its inclosures, is herewith
inclosed a further document, which was handed to me yesterday by the A ilayet
Mektubji.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GEORGE POLLARD DEVEY.
Inclosure 4 in No. 11.
Vice-Consul Devey to Acting Consul Hampson.
Sir, Van, January 31, 1891.
THREE days ago about a score of Armenians, mostly young men, were arrested
here. It is understood that the purpose of the inquiry being held is to trace the
writers of the threatening letters described in my despatch of the 14th instant, and
I believe that the handwriting of some individuals among those apprehended bears
close resemblance.
On the 24th instant another seditious letter was picked up in a church in the
city. This letter, addressed to the Patriarchal Yicar, was said to represent opinions of
certain members of the Armenian Synod of Etchmiazin, and recommended that the
Murakhas-Vekil having worked sufficiently under the Turkish Government should
now labour for the national cause, and that all wealthy Armenians be called upon to
contribute. The Murakhas-Vekil handed the letter to his Secular Council, who
destroyed it without remark, so that when a police officer inquired for the missive two
or three days later it could not bo produced.