Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-08

PARENTLY ExPEcrED-rHE STATE DEPARTMENT
NOT IN ACCORD WITH SECRETARY TRACY AND
ATTORNEY GENERAL MILLER.
There ID the greatest amount Of mystery
around the Navy Department as to what is to
be done in regard to the Gillian steamer Itata,
which is now supposed to be scudding down
the coast toward the land Of the re-
bellion- None Of the authorities will
talk on the subject, particularly the
Secretary, who told STAR reporter this morn
ing that he had nothing to say about Chilli or
her vessels. Indeed, the air of prudential
secrecy that has enveloped the precincts Of the
department gives rise to all sorts of ideas and
speculations.
MANY FLYING RuMoRs.
II is rumored that the Charleston is to be sent
In chase, but no one will admit this Then it
is asserted that the San Francisco and the Bal
timore, both of which are probably now in
Chilian waters, viii be brought northward to
intercept her. This is also received with
raised eyebrows by naval officers. third
theory Is that the Omaha, wLich is somewhere
between Panama and San Francisco. will be
theories not single grain Of actual fact can be
cleaned.
PROBABLY THE CHARLESTON TO GIVE CHASE.
The telegraphic news from San Francisco
shows state Of great activity on board the
Charleston, and this gives color to the belief
that she is to be sent on the almost hopeless
quest OF overtaking the Itata, which has or will
have fully FIVE days start
The Charleston, of course, is a much swifter
craft, and were the channel narrow and the
course long enough she could undoubtedly
overhaul the feeting rebel ship. The course
between San Diego and Valparaiso is plenty
long, as 1t would take a vessel, under the
most favorable circumstances, fully twenty
days to get to Chill from California, but the
| trouble lies in the general difficulty of an ocean
chase. 1t is the proverbial case of hunting a
needle in a haystack. There is one chance
In hundred at best that the Charleston sprinter
as she is, would ever sight the Itata, and should
she continue on to Chill she would probably
pass her on the way.
MERE PRErENsE.
1t is thought that the mystery of the officials
means that the government is going to make
show at least Of trying to catch the ship. The
Charleston will probably sail southwark with
all the appearances Of being out for
business. She may actually hunt around for
the fugitive in the neighborhood of this coun-
try and really try to capture her in American
waters; but that being next to impossible, as
the ship went directly into Mexican waters
with the deputy marshal, she will very likely
turn up in San Francisco in few days to re-
port that she was unable to find her quarry.
THE RIGHT TO CAPTURE THE IrATA.
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
have searched their authorities aud have
scrutinized the facts in the case and
| are inclined to doubt the right. The
| whole question arises from a dispute as to the
character of the vessel. Were she a pirate, a
ship In the service of an enemy to this country
or vessel Of American register engaged in acts
In violation OF treaty stipulations the case would
be simple one. But she is merely Gillian
merchantmen engaged in the transportation of
a suspected cargo, a cargo that may possibly
be contraband in the light of the treaty, and
| there is very grave risk involved. No one
| doubts the right Of the United States
to arrest the vessel in our own waters for pur-
pose OF examination, and her detention Tues
day afternoon was in accordance with this be-
lief. But now that she has landed the deputy
marshal and sailed along on her business she
may prove q hornet that will sting in after
years.
SIDE LIGHT UPON THE WAR.
The dispatches from Chill this morning
throw peculiar side light upon the war. being
to the effect that Presiden. Balmaceda has
directed the supervision of all paper pay
ments to the government In the future be
proclaims, during the present emergency
payments Of revenue and other dues to the
government must be made in silver. A naval
| officer today pointed out the fact that this
meant good deal and might indicate a certain
amount of shrewd precsution on the
part of Balmaceda, who is, Just
as likely not, preparing for an
abdication. Such things have happened often
enough before in South American revolutions
to make the theory entirely probable. He has
| not sure thing in this fight and he may see
his way clear to profitable dissolution of part
nership with the Gillian government
Such an act would of course end the war in
favor of the insurgents.
| NOT IN ENTIRE ACCORD
In the matter Of the international law in
volved it would seem Is though the State De-
partment is not in entire accord with the rest
of the administration, for both Attorney Gem
eral Miller and Secretary Tracy lean to the
belief that the vessel Itata is legitimate prey.
RUMoR OF TRUMBULL's ARREST.
A report has come east from San Fran
cisco to the effect that Richard Trumbull.
the Gillian member Of congress, has been
arrested there. No knowledge of such an
act has reached the Department of JUS
tice 1t is stated there that it would be an easy
matter for any one to cause the arrest Of Trum-
bull on the charge of violating the neutrality
laws. The marshal is bound to recognize an or
der to this effect contained in an information"
or complaint sworn to by any citizen. In case
there is mistake and false arrest there is
redress only in the form Of a suit at law against
the informant The marshal is not responsi-
BILE.
THE BERING SEA DIFFICULTY.