Los Angeles herald., 1891-05-09
A WAVERING POLICY.
The Farcical Handling of the
Itata Affair.
No Steps Taken to Head Off
the Pirate Craft.
The Federal Authorities in Pitia-
BILE Dilemma.
Remarkable Timidity Displayed by the
State Department-The Desert
ers' Story.
Associated Press Dispatches.

Associated Press Dispatches.
WASHINGTON, May 8.-The question OF
the right of the United States to take
the Itata on the high seas is not alto
gether settled. The state department
people are inclined to doubt the right.
The whole question arises from dispute
as to the character OF the vessel. We're
she a pirate, er a vessel of American
register engaged IN acts of the violation
of treaty stipulation, the case would be
simple one; but she is merely Chi
lean vessel engaged in the transportation
OF suspected cargo, and there is grave
risk involved.
"A PECULIAR SIDE LIGHT.
Dispatches from Chile today throw a
peculiar side light on the war, being to
the effect that President Balmaceda has
directed that payments of revenue and
other dues to the government must be
made in silver. A naval officer today
pointed out the fact that this means a
good deal, and might indicate certain
amount OF speculation on the part of
pairing for abdication. Such an act
will, Of course, be in favor of the insur-
gents.
THE STATE DEPARTMENTS T1MIDITY.
In the matter of the international law
involved, it would seem as though the
state department is not in entire accord
with the rest of the administration, for
both Attorney-G General Miller and Secre-
tary Tracy lean to the belief that the
Itata is legitimate prey. Secretary
Tracy and other officials this morning
refused to discuss the matter.
THE GOVERNMENTS ANXIETY.
There can be no doubt of the fact that
the government is extremely anxious to
exhibit all possible zeal in an effort to
recapture the vessel, in order to avoid
any unpleasant consequences that might
arise through the presentation of claim
for damage in behalf of the Chilean gov
ernment; but the naval officers are very
skeptical of the ability of our ships to
recapture the Itata under the circum-
stances attending her fiight.I
THE ITATA Is SAFE.
1t is not possible to get definite
authoritative answer to the question
whether the Charleston will be sent
after the Itata. All the information
vouchsafed is that the Charleston was
ordered weeks ago to coal and get ready
for sea at the earliest moment. The
formalities attending the presidents re-
ception at San Francisco necessarily de-
layed these preparations, but it is un-
derstood they are now actively under
way. Single-handed, even the Charles
top would have great difficulty in catch
ing the Itata. The latter vessel may be
500 miles ahead of the Charleston when
the latter starts on the chase, and
a variation of point or two
of the compass in the steering course,
would soon separate the two vessels by
many leagues, 80 the Charleston might
pass the Itata without knowing it. On
this account probably, if the navy de-
partment is really satisfied of its rights
to seize the Chilean vessel on the high
seas, land has determined to do SO, it must
rely largely on the United States
vessels in the south. So far,
it is said no move had been
made in that direction, but the depart
ment may at any moment cable Admiral
McCann who is on the Chilean coast
with the Pensacola and Baltimore, and
Francisco, somewhere off Peru, to en-
deavor to head off the runaway.
CHANCE FOR AN ARREST.
A report has come from San Francisco
to the effect that Richard Trumbull, a
member of the Chilean revolutionary
congress, has been arrested there. No
knowledge of such act has been reported
to 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 the neutrality
laws. The marshal is bound to recog-
nize an order to this effect, contained in
information or complaint sworn to by
any citizen. In case there is mistake
and false arrest, there is redress only in
the form of suit at law against the in
formant; the marshal is not RESPONSE
BILE.
AN IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCE.
The San Francisco story that the Bal
maceda transport Imperiale is lowering
off the coast OF California, to capture the
Itata, is said at the navy department
to be without foundation, for Admiral
McCann's last report showed that
month ago the Imperiale was shut up
in Valparaiso harbor by the insurgent
fleet, and it would manifestly be impos-
sible for her to have reached California
In month.
THE ITATA'S MISSION.
Two Deserters Give Full Account of
the Transports Movements.
SAN Drrn0 No1 Moxy Aoao-