The Turks Hold American Flag in Contempt

Chicago, July 11. – The American flag is held in contempt by the Turks and American lives are in constant danger, according to Miss Loretta Bigley, Red Cross worker, who returned home today from Asia Minor. She was held prisoner at Aintab for three months and witnessed the Armenian massacre there.

“From January 10 to April 19 we Americans who conducted the Armenian orphanage in Aintab for the American Red Cross were prisoners,” she said. “The Turks led by Kamel Pasha, invaded the city last April and Armenian massacres started.” The Turks deliberately concentrated their fire on the orphanage, above which floated the American flag. John Boyd of Portland, Ore., head of the mission, protested. The Turks laughed. After a siege of 19 days a few Americans escaped with some French troops returning home.

“Miss Elizabeth Kelly, of Cleveland, came ot America with me. Mr. Boyd, Miss Elizabeth Harris of Albany, N. Y., and Frank Pierce, of New York City, stayed in Paris.”

Miss Bigley said the Turks showed only contempt for Americans and took every occasion to insult them. The greater part of Turkey, she said, is in a state of revolution and conditions are growing worse.