In Bolis, in those days of happy memory, the patriarch was Eghishe Archbishop Tourian.

There were refugees from various places, in the city, all in unfortunate circumstances and in need of help. They had to have shelter and their daily necessities, but where? As a compassionate father, Eghishe Tourian allowed them to house themselves in the cathedral. They were all in the direst need, as great as can be imagined. The Tashnags organized a working committee, which once or twice a week visited these poor ones, brought them their necessities, and helped as much as possible.

It seems to me that when people fall into the lap of adversity, others, being aware of their misfortune, form committees to help them for its duration, do not really help them to come out of their unlucky state. They, the unfortunate ones, become demanding and bring their complaints to the public.

Being present at some of the committee sessions, I heard remarks directed at the committees' shortcomings. However, since I did not know about its work, I spoke to Vahakn Datevian, personally, to learn the causes of the protests that were made. Beginning in America, our relationship on both sides, his and mine, had not been good. I knew that morose one, I also knew his grudge, at the same time, I knew he was not corrupt, he was a revolutionist.

When I finished my inquiry, he asked, "Will you be here tomorrow?" "If it's important I'll be here," I said.

The next day, Vahakn, at the appointed time, came to the Setian Khan and asked me to go with them. I went. After the 1896 massacres, I had seen people from Ourfa and other places gathered in the spiritual home in Aleppo. They were modest and reticently told their needs. They were especially very clean. But those gathered here in Bolis in the Cathedral were in large part despicable creatures, who when they saw the committee members, hurled restraint from them as if by a catapult. With their wives and children, they ran toward the committee. Without giving them an opportunity to determine together their needs, there were demands, shouting. pulling, and finally an intolerable disturbance which only inspired disgust. The shrieking children and here and there, their excrement, and other filth and garbage, filled this holy place.

I approached some of the mothers and wanted to know their reason for not keeping the church clean. What did they answer? "Instead of walking about like an effendi, come and help us keep the church clean." I had barely moved away a little when I was surrounded by boys and girls who held their hands open demanding money for cigarettes from me.

My God, what a travesty this is. I thought. What qualities have been taken from this noble and independent people? What is the reason. A short summary: A despotic government with bloodthirsty people holding the reins, the repression is giving birth to the violation of that people. They have set thieves over us, repressing learning and continuous massacres have brought us to this condition.

Seeing our deplorable and bloody condition, strumpet Europe, wearing false Christian robes, has watched with delight our martyrdom, because behind their calm appearance their grudge against us will enable them to bring new pressures on that barbarian government.

I returned from that deplorable environment and went directly to the editorial office of Arevelk (Sunrise), the paper whose owner and manager was the Aintabtsi Boyajian who with his brother, before the proclamation of the constitution in 1908, were censors and did not enjoy a good reputation. Since he was not alone, there were others present. I immediately began relating all the things I had seen. It was the scene of a many sided dilemma, not only from an Armenian viewpoint, but also from a national standpoint. Those refugees who were gathered in the church were generally family people. The parents having lost their enterprising hopes had become lazy and their children seeing their parents' ineffectiveness had usurped those customs which could not bring respect for themselves or their nation.

In the annals of our people's misery and deprivation they have kept their Armenian homes, their families and their language and national traditions. The church had been the storeroom of our comfort and the shield to protect our national character and identity for ages. And today, though it is pardonable, that sacred place has become a garbage heap. Those wrecks, though pious, have become accustomed to remaining in the church. It will always remain in their hearts and dissipate the sacredness of the national establishment.

"I am not a religious man, but neither do I agree that this type of institution should be stripped of its glory. It is true that at the time there was no other place to be found in Bolis. But with a little effort, a little sacrifice of personal pleasures, everything could have been arranged."

Meanwhile, in Bolis the refugees continued to live in that state. In the rural areas, an uncertain situation prevailed. Our national papers were playing politics in an open and shut area, shaking spears at each other. Alas, love of country was wrapped in love of possessions.

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