Daily tobacco leaf-chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1890-1895, 1891-05-13
THE lTATA SURROUNDED.

surgents.
THE lTATA SURROUNDED.
More Than One of Our Vessels Believed to
BE in Pursuit.
WASHINGTON, May .--Notwithstand-
ing the secrecy which is observed in the
navy department concerning the orders
issued to the United States men-of-War
on the Pacific coast, it is reasonably
certain that two if not three or more of
them are now in pursuit of the Itata
An explanation of the apparent tardiness
of the navy department in acting on
this important matter, involving the es-
cape of vessel bearing contraband
arms for forces in rebellion against a
friendly power, is the alleged fact that
the state department and department of
justice acted in concert in apprehend-
ing the vessel on complaint of the Chill
ian minister, without asking the assist
ance Of the navy, deeming it, perhaps,
unnecessary under the circumstances.
Once the deputy marshal was aboard
and in possession the possibility of such
a development as that which followed
was never contemplated. Hence the
Itata took fight under the very guns of
the Charleston, and, the commander of
that vessel having no ORDERS had to
wait till the necessary though late con-
sultation of authorities was had at
Washington.
The plan which it is believed has been
adopted for the capture Of the Itata, is
for the Charleston to cruise southwark,
while the Omaha proceeds from San
Diego outward. The Baltimore and San
Francisco, two Of the swiftest cruisers in
the navy, with the Pensacola have been
in Chilian waters, and one or more of
these vessels will come northward ON the
lookout for the fugitive.
All this has to be reasoned ont from
what has has happened and from the
news which comes from the Pacific
coast, because information of every sort
is posively refused at this end.
An Important Question.
The question of the right of the
United States to pursue and capture the
Itata on the high seas after her com
mander had landed the United States
marshal was one of the important mat
ters that had to be decided before order
ing the ships after her. The fact that
the Charleston and the Omaha have both
sailed from their stations, is held to be
proof that the state department holds
this duty to be imperative. Opinions
differ on the right of seizure on the high
seas.
The fight of the Itata was violation
Of the laws of the United States and
therefore the United States is justified |
i'll following her, and, if possible, retak- |
ing her wherever she may be found, ex-
cepting only in foreign waters, where "A
demand for seizure and delivery can be |
made from the government exercising |
jurisdiction therein This point is very
clearly set forth by ex-Minister A. NJ.
Soteldo, of Venezuela. for many years |
an editor i'll Chill, and therefore thor
oughly posted on the situation.
Mr.. Soteldo has received late advices
from Chill of an interesting nature, He |
says that the fleet of the Chilian gov
ernment has started in pursuit of the
rebels squadron with the determination
to capture or destroy it.
The Rebel Fleet in Bad Condition.
The rebel fleet is necessarily in very
bad condition for want of needed re-
pairs, supplies and even for fuel. 1t is
expected that when there is an EN-
counter, if one has not already taken
place, the rebels will be unable to cope
with their adversaries. The govern.
ment's vessels are of the best character
in equipment and are composed of the
cruisers Admiral Lynch, Admiral Con
dell and two others of the torpedo class,
all throwing what is known as the
Whitehead projectile, which recently
did such terrible execution. Four other
vessels of the first-class were mOmen-
tarily expected from abroad to reinforce
the torpedo feet. and these may be in
service there now.
The reports from Paris favorable to
the insurgents are, Mr., Soteldo says,
mostly untrue. President Balmaceda,
has all the means he requires for carry
ing on the war to successful conclu-
sion. The government of Chill, it is ad-
mitted, has been receiving negotiations
for compromise from the rebels
through the United States, French and
Brazilian representatives at Chill, but
their negotiations were rejected as late
rs the 9Th of May, because one of the
features of the terms proposed was a
of secrecy. The new congress,
Soteldo says, is now acting with the
president, and represents thirty-six states
u districts-all of Chill, III fact, but the
lorthern part of that country, where the
'ebels are, and which used formerly to
De part of Peru.
The object of bolstering up the rebel
'ause by lying dispatches from abroad
Mr., Stoteldo says, is to establish credit
or the insurgents if possible, by which
much needed money can be borrowed
This the agents of the rebels have not
)een able to obtain, because all the
oreigh dispatches so far have proved to
le not only misleading, but palpably so
Wherever Found.
New YORK, May 13.-A special to The
World from Washington says; COR
!ers have been sent the Charleston and
,ther United States vessels in Pacific
waters to over take and seize the Itata
wherever she may be found, said Mr..
Raymond, private secretary to Secretary
Tracy. Monday. There are no further
letails which can be given to the press
t this time, and Secretary Tracy has
lecided that he will not talk at all upon
he subject.
Chilian Agent Arrested.
SAN FRANCISCO, May Ex-senator
agent of the Chilian insur.
.ents. has been arrested for violating the
neutrality laws in the matter of the ship {
op Tho GYrao lyals ft,, | ,