THE ARMENIANS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10918, 28 March 1896, Page 2

THE ARMENIANS.

TO THE EHITOB. Sib, —Some time ago one of your lady correspondents asked if nothing could be done to help the Armenians. Let me inform this lady that it is quite probable that she and those in this city who are of the same mind could do much for the cause they: have at heart. A public meeting of all those who wish to help the Armenians (every person in this city it is to be hoped) ought to be held, at which resolutions would bo passed calling on Britain and the United States to act together to put an end to the present state of affairs. These resolutions ought to be cabled to President Cleveland, the New York Herald, Lord Salisbury and the London Times. It is quite probable that such a course of action

might do much to help the Armenians. Reasons, for this will now be given. Lord Salisbury has, as far as can be judged, been in earnest in his endeavours to help the Armenians. But his efforts in this direction have been thwarted by other Powers or by some individual Power, and he does not seem to he able to do anything without the probability, if not the certainty, of the occurrence of a European war. It is a disgrace to civilisation that these inhuman actions should be allowed to go on simply because the Powers of civilised Europe cannot trust one another, or because some of them have selfish ends to serve. One Power, especially, thwarted the action of Britain, and it has not leaked out which Power this was. The United States, alone of the Powers of the world, with the exception of Britain, has been really anxious to do something - , and has been seriously considering the question of intervention by force. If tbe people of the United States received from that portion of the English-speaking race which, in habits, ideas and forms of government, stands midway between the people of Britain and themselves, a message calling on them to act decisively on behalf of civilisation and humanity, they might be greatly influenced to take some decisive . and important action. Sometimes, when the arguments on both sides of a question appear to be pretty evenly balanced, a comparatively trivial incident determines the course Which is to he taken. The - United States are friendly disposed towards Britain in the meantime. If the United States were to act along with Britain on behalf of th e Armenians, the results of such action would be great. Not the least important factors in bringing about these results would be tbe good terms on which the United States have always been with France and Russia. I will not take up.your space by mentioning other reasons for the view that such action on the part of the United States would probably have ; great results, but they are raanv Beside*. joint action on the part of Britain and the United States on behalf of the Armenians might be the beginning of a long series of such joint actions on behalf of the oppressed, might he the beginning of the realisation of what is, there is every reason to believe, their great rD-H-iny. What is here suggested would do no barm in any case, and - , as is quite clear, might do much good. It is to he hoped that tho leading men of this city will take the matter up and that a large meeting will be the result; —I am, &c., , J.J.