The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-07-09
THE ITATA SEIZED
For Violations Of the Neu-
trality Laws.
The United States Marshal Acts Under
Instructions From Washington.
Alleged Story Of an Attempted Escape of
the Itata-FOiled by the Action
Of the Authorities.
special to THE MORNING CA.L

WASHINGTON, July S-The Secretary o t
the Treasury has authorized the acceptance
of the offer Of the master Of the Chilean
steamer Itata to pay $500 for violation of
the navigation laws, in having cleared from
San Diego. CAL, without the necessary
papers. This settlement has no bearing on
the other charges against the officers of this
vessel, to wit: The kidnapping of Federal
officer and violating the neutrality laws.
The Acknowledgement believes action may
still be brought against the individual Off
GERS of the 1tata and Robert and Minnie for
violation Of this law. Although the officers
of the Itata have offered to compromise
their offense against the navigation laws,
they may still be amenable to legal prose-
cution on the charge of kidnapping. and also
the violation of the neutrality laws.
THE ITATA SEIZED.
Los ANGELES, July 8.-United States
Mar shall Gard formally seized the steamer
Itata in San Diego harbor this morning, and
this afternoon District Attorney Cole filed
libel against the vessel before Judge Ross
of the United States Court, who ordered a
monition and an order of arrest issued re-
turnable on Mond ay next The libel is for
the violation of the neutrality laws for fit
ting out the Itata, war-vessel, at San
Clemente Island, May 9th, to cruise against
the Republic of Chile. No ton is made
OF the violation of the navigation laws by
the Itata. that matter having been settled by
payment of $500 fine.
ADVISED TO LEAVE.
SAN DIEGO, July Son Monday Captain
ManZen and Captain Tejeda of the Itata
notified the customs officers of their willing
ness to pay the penalty of $500 for leaving
port without clearance papers. lnstruc-
tions from Washington authorized Collector
Berry TO accept the penalty. So far the
money has not been paid, but will probably
be tomorrow. To-day Marshal Gard re-
seized the 1tata, and placed an officer in
charge. This action was necessary to start
the libel suit commenced by the United
States District Attorney. This was done
none. too soon, for it now develops that the
Itata's attorneys had advised ManZen and
Tejeda to pay the fine at once, get the vessel
released from the custody OF the customs
officers, and before Marshal Gard reseized
the Itata "to get out of San Diego Harbor
as quick as steam will let you CO."
THE ESCAPE FRUSTRATED.
Upon receiving this advice Manzen re-
turned from Los Angeles and learned from
Collector Berry that the Government would
accept the penalty and telegraphed the fact
to Tejeda, who returned on the train at
noon to-day. In the meantime ManZen and
the other officers of the 1tata had returned
to the vessel. saying they had been on shore
several days and desired rest. None of the
crew had been allowed ashore, so all was in
readiness for the escape of the vessel upon
the arrival of Commander Tejeda.
A ~ I
Gard and a deputy stepped aboard the Itata
and seiz"d the vessel for a violation of the
neutrality laws and the KIDNAPPING Of United
States officers. Before doing this Gard had
advised with Collector Berry, asking that
authority be recognized to make a reseZure.
This was granted Manzen was crestfaIlen
upon the appearance of the Marshal and
anxiously awaited the arrival of Tejeda,
who hastened to the ship immediately upon
the arrival of the train and held secret
communication with Manzen for ten min
utes, when both approached the Marshal,
but INDUCED only in desultory conversa-
tion.
The plan to sail at night therefore was
frustrated. Had she got away before the
reseizure much delay would probably have
resulted before the Charleston could get un-
der way to chase her again, and by that tine
the Itata could have Joined her consort and
possibly escaped.
RENDERED BANQUET.
Tomorrow the officers of the army aud
the merchants of this city will tender ban
quet at the Brewster Hotel to the officers
of the Charleston, Ranger, Democratic and
1tata. Covers tor 100 guests will be laid.
THE CHARLESTON VISITED.
Huge crowds visited the Charleston to-
day, people coming from all directions to
inspect her. Nobody has been allowed on
board the Itata yet. The Charleston has
ordered 250 tons of coal here, and will not
leave for week at least. She will be open
TO visitors daily during her stay.
All is quiet in the harbor tonight. The
Deputy United States District Attorney
arrived here from Los Angeles tonight
with the necessary papers in the ease
against the Itata,