Answer to a letter to the editor. The author of the letter to the editor notes that Kuyper had supposed (in 1899.23) that the authorities had stood in the way of the Armenian exiles, but that he had subsequently asked in the Second Chamber (cf. 1899.30, pp. 567–572) if the Ministry of Internal Affairs had given the police orders to do so. To assert first and to ask later, in the author’s opinion, is neither sensible nor honest. In his brief answer, Kuyper denies any discrepancy by pointing to the difference between authority as a general concept that applies both to the police and to justice officials and the higher authority exercised by ministers.

Based on the fact that Kuyper’s reply was printed at the same time as the letter he was answering, one surmises that Kuyper was invited by the editor to write it.