The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-09
ESCAPE OF THE ETATA.
department Cnieinis Divided on the Sui
.jcct of II or Capture.

NHlGlNiN tJlv1uHN on LhE sub
.ject of II or Capture.
WASHINGTON, May s.-The policy of the
government with respect to the escape Of
the Chlian vessel Etata Ia still an official
secret. Secretary Tracy and other officials
this morning refused to discuss the matter.
There can be no doubt of the fact TINT the
government is extremely anxious TO exhibit
all possible zeal in the'effort to recapture the
vessel, in orderto avoid any unpleasant con-
sequences that might arise through the pre-
sentatlon of q claim for damage in be-
half OF the Gillian government, but naval
officers are very aceptical of the ability of
our ships to capture the Etata under the
circumstances attending her flight. 1t il
not possible TO get II definite authoritative
answer to the question whether the Charles
ton will DO sent after the Esata. All the
information vouchsafed is that the Charles
ton was ordered two weeks ago to coal up
and get ready for ssa Mt the earliest mo-
ment. The formalities attending the presi-
dents reception at San Francisco necea-
sallly delayed these preparations. but it is
understood they are now entirely under
way.
Single handed even the Charleston would
have great difficulty in catching the Etata.
] he latter vessel NAV be 600 miles ahead of
the Charleston when the latter starts on
the chase and the variation OF a point or
two OF the compass in the steering course
would soon separate the two vessels by
many leagues, so the Charleston might pass
tho Etata without knowing it. On this ac-
count it is probable that if the navy de-
partrnent is really satisfied of its
right to seize the Chilian vessel ON the high
seas and determine to do SO it must rely
largely on United States vessels in the
south. So far it is said no move has been
made in that direction, but the department
may at any moment cable Admiral Nc
Cann. who is on the Chilian coast with the
Pensacola and Baltimore, and to Admiral
Rrown who is on the San Francisco some
where off Peru, to endeavor to head off the
runaway.
The question of the right of the United
States to take the Etata on the high seas is
not altogether settled The state depart
ment people are incline to doubt the right.
The whole question arises from a dispute
as to the character of the vessel. Were a
pirate or vessel of American register en-
gagged in acts in violation of treaty stipu!a-
tions the case would be a simple one, but
she is merely Chilan vessel engaged in
the transportation of q suspected cargo and
there is Il grave risk involved.
Dispatches from Chill to-day throw pc
effect tnat President Balmaceda has di-
rected that payments of revenue and other
dues to the government must be made in
silver. A naval officer to-day pointed out
the fact that this means good deal and
might indicate a certain amount of shrewd
p pecaution on the part of Balmaceda, who
is, RS likely asnot, preparing for abdica-
ton. Such act will, of course,
end the war in favor of the
insurgents In the matter of inter
national law involved it would seem as
though the state depart ment is not i'll en-
tire accord with the rest of the administra-
tion, for both Attorney General Miller and
Secretary Tracy lean to the belief that the
Etata is legitimate prov.
Report has come from San Francisco to
the effect that Richard Trumbull, a mem
bull, a member of the Chilian revolutionary
congress, had been arrested there. No
knowledge of such act has yet
reached the department of justice.
1t is STATED that it would be an easy matter
for any one to cause the arrest of Trumbull
on the charge of violating neutrality lews.
The marshal is bound to recognize an Or
der to this effect contained in information
OF complaint sworn to by any citizen. In
cass there is mistake and false arrest,
there is redress only in the form of suit
at law against the informant. The mar
shal is not responsible.