TURKISH ATROCITIES NESTORIANS CRUCIFIED AND BURNED.
res worms or me "amen:roan Sre,—May I ask if you will kindly put in your paper this account of the helpless Christians who are being massacred by Turks in Persia ?
Although Persia is a neutral country, Turkish troops led by German officers invaded and took Tabriz and Urumiah. The former, thanks to the Russian troops, was speedily retaken, but the town and surrounding country of Urnmrsh are still in the hands of the Turks and Kurds. Being personally acquainted with the leading Nestorian (who have constantly been my guests in London), I am speaking with knowledge of facts.
My late mother, Mrs. Barclay of Bury Hill, Dorking, was in 1874 one of the leading supporters of the orphanage at Geogiapa founded by the late Deacon Abraham. These Nestorian belong to the earliest Christian Church, which seas founded by the Apostles them- selves. The College of Dr. Shedd, Principal of the American Mission at Urnmiah, was attacked and he himself wounded. He writes that "fifty Nestorian villages have been plundered and burned." After a fierce defence of three days Urumiah was com- pletely destroyed and its inhabitants' massacred. The village of Gulpashon endeavoured by large bribes to propitiate the enemy, but when the money had boon paid aye hundred of the young men were seized, and, to quote the Rev. dahriel Alexander, "these wild Herds and Turks out their necks off like sheep." "The screaming and weeping were unspeakable." Largo numbers took refuge in the American Mission, but even the American flag was not respected The Russian Bishop and two other pastors who had sheltered there were taken, they were exposed to every insult, and, after being dragged naked through the streets, were hanged. The Christian portion of Urumiah has been destroyed. Thousands fled to Tiflis, a fourteen days' journey, going on foot; the snow was deep, little children died in numbers, and many women were frozen to death. A worse fate awaited women and girls carried off by Mohammedan soldiers.
My friend Shimon writes to me (April 4th) from Urnmiall: "All Christian villages are looted. and burned; in twelve villages one thousand men are killed; the rest are taking refuge in the American and French Missions. Mar Dinkha [a Nestorian Bishop) is hanged on the tree, two other pastors were crucified and another one burned in Geogtapa Church. Girls from five years upward' have been violated, women abused everywhere. Two villages bought themselves with throe thousand dollars ; after taking their money the Turkish Consul went there by form, burned the villages, took and bound the winds of the men, brought them to the burying place, and had them shot before the eyes of their families, and the women were taken. They attacked the French Mission, and took out sixty-five of the best men and sold. them to be killed by Moslems, who gladly paid money to have the pleasure of cutting their throats." I received a telegram in London last week : "American Mission attacked, returning to help, send money possible. Gangs mad Alexander."
The Nestorian Mission telegraphed £200 to, he distributed, but far mere is needed. The Russians are giving some breed, but large sums are needed to help these destitute people and restore dwellings toe hard-working and industrious people whose homes are shattered.
I appeal to America, whose flag hue been insulted. I appeal to the Christians all over the world. I appeal to the High Church, to the Low Church, and to the Nonconformists. I appeal to the Roman Catholics and the Greek Church. I ask them to sink all differences of opinion, and in this deadly time of war, when our dearly beloved are fighting for their lives, and different persua- sions have united in self-defence, to hold out a helping hand to an innocent people wantonly attacked without warning. Let every one who calls himself a Christian help to succour the email remnant which remains of "The Oldest Christian Char& in the Contributions can be sent to Min Barclay, 9 Trenton Road, Bermondsey, S.E., Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the Nestorian Mission. Presidents can be referred to The Countess of Tankerville, and H. S. Fowler, Cenral-General of Persia.
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