“Constantinople is a dying city. The Bosphorus, once thronged with the world’s shipping, is now all but deserted; the offices of foreign business houses are winding up their affairs; the banks will loan money only at the most exorbitant rates. The troubles with the Greeks and Armenians have resulted in the expulsion en masse of those peoples. Even the Turkish population proper is emigrating in the hope of finding brighter commercial prospects. “As the prosperity of the great city declines, its ancient rivals, Alexandria, Beirut, Saloniki and Piræus are receiving the benefits of its former trade.” How can it be otherwise? Efficiency to massacre does not mean ability in industry and commerce, and the fanatical destruction of great industrial masses has always proved a serious blow to the prosperity of the country where the crime has occurred, as witness the persecution of the Huguenots in France. In Turkey it has meant ruin. CHAPTER XXXVIII ECHOES FROM SMYRNA As throwing some light on the spirit in which the foregoing pages have been written, I append the following letters, the first two from American missionary associations, the third from a committee of prominent Turks at Smyrna: “AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS Incorporated 1812 Congregational House, 14 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts. March 22, 1923. “Doctor George Horton, American Consul-General, Care Consular Bureau, State Dept., Washington, D. C. “Dear Doctor Horton: “Enclosed is a letter written by Mr. Getchell in behalf of the missionaries of Smyrna, addressed to Doctor Barton, to have been handed to you on board the steamer which you in some way failed to take. “It was thus delayed and reached my hands only yesterday. “Please accept the sentiments expressed although unfortunately so long delayed in transmission. The original of the letter addressed to Doctor Barton was delivered when the party reached America and was read by him on his return from China. “We are watching events in the Near East with the greatest interest and, as one of the missionaries has said, ‘with hopes that scarce know themselves from fear.’ “I have heard that the American Consulate is again functioning in Smyrna and it is possible that you are there once more. If so, it will be a comfort and a relief of many persons whose interests are still largely centered in that city. “I trust that you and your family have maintained your health despite the terrible strain upon you and that you will be able to continue in the splendid cooperation with our missionaries that has characterized your work in the past.