Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-22
NATIONAL CAPITAL GOSSIP MT. 0Iney and Colonel Herbert Consult With MT. Cleveland ON VENEZUELAN MATTERS Utah Will Become Full Pledged State on
 January 4, 1896. THE RAM KATAHDIN WAS REJECTED She Will Be Total Loss to Her Builders Unless Congress Takes Pity on Them.
 Cuban Envoys Presented to
 MT, Olney.
ON VENEZUELAN MATTERS
THE RAM KATAHDIN WAS REJECTED

Washington, Dec. 21.-The representa- tions made by Minister Terrell respecting the condition of American interests in Turkey have resulted in the dispatch of general instruction to Rear Ad- miral Selfridge at smyrna, Sy- ria, directing him to furnish all protec- ton and comfort to such of the missiona- ries as might apply for that purpose. There was nothing in the instructions concerning a general gathering of the American missionaries at Alexandretta or some other port where the United States has warship.
 The cruiser Minneapolis sailed today from Gibraltar for Smyrna, according to a cable message received at the navy de- partment from her commander It is estimated that the cruiser will make the voyage in five days. The arrival of the Minneapolis at Smyrna will give the United States a representation of three vessels in Turkish waters.
 Tomas Estrandas Palamada, who claims to be the envoy of the Cuban pro- visional government to the government of the United States, called on Secretary Olney at the state department today. He was accompanied by Gonzales Que sada, the secretary of the Cuban revolu- tlonary commission in New York, and MT. Rubens, was introduced as Senor Palamanda's secretary and who is said to be from Florida. They had gone to the state department early in the day under escort of Senator Call, but MT. Olney was unable to see them at the time and the later visit was arranged for. Senator Call was not with the CubanS when they G..n 11rr M o short duration. Palamanda and his com panions are citizens of the United States, and after their visit today the first nam ed said that they had called merely as citizens of this country to pay their re- spects to the secretary of state. No mention of Cuban affairs and no hint or suggestion concerning Cuban recogni- tion has been made, he said. The call was merely pleasantly informal. It is probable thl. when Senator Call made the appointiH>nt for the visit of Senor Palamanda and his associates he did so with the understanding with Secretary Olney that the three gentlemen would merely pay their respects as citizens and would not mention Cuba. Senor Pala- manda will return to New York tonight.
 Secretary Olney and Secretary Herbert had long conference with President Cleveland today about the present and probable future aspects of the Venezue- Ian situation. MT Olney and the presi- dent, 1t is understood, discussed the ap- pointment of the Venezuelan commission authorized by congress. According to the wording of the resolution authorizing the commission, the commissioners are directed to ascertain the true divisional boundary between Venezuela and Brit ish Guiana This, of course, makes their work so much more difficult and in creases their responsibility. It was said today that when the report of the com l.. rrrfll adopt one of two courses. He will either send the findings of the commission to congress with request for action, or else issue proclamation declaring the true boundary to be that ascertained by the commissioners. What would follow this latter action can only be surmsed, but it is probable that the president would use it as the basis for another att tempt to secure Great Britain's agree ment to arbitration before taking any radical steps, provided, of course, that the commissioners did not sustain the extreme claims of the British to the dis puted territory.
 Mir. Herbert's talk with the president related, it Is understood, to the projected visit of Rear Admiral Bunce's squadron to the vicinity of the Venezuelan coast. It cannot be ascertained whether any change was made in the Itinerary. Ad- miral Bunce will have an interview to- morrow with Secretary Herbert on the subject.
 The constitution for the state of Utah. which was submitted to the attorney general by the president. has been ex- amined and approved by that officer The president will, on January 4, 1S96 issue his proclamation admitting the ter ritory of Utah as a state of the union and the terms of the state officers will be- gin on the following Monday, January 6.
 In compliance with the request of the delegation that presented the constitu- ton to the president the attorney-gener- territory of Utah of the contemplation of the president.
 Notifications were exchanged today by the republic of Mexico, through Senor Romero, the Mexican minister. and the government of the United States, through Secretary Olney, of treaty ex- tending the time allotted the joint Mex ican and United States commission for determining the water boundary of the Rio Grande river, to settle the dispute over the use of water from that stream. Tine extension is for one year from De- cember "A, 1895.
 The coast defense ram Katahdin, built by the Bath Iron works of Bath, Me, has been rejected by President Cleveland. This concludes executive action in the matter and the cost of the vessel will be a total loss to the contractors unless congressional enactment in the case can be secured General Hyde, president of the Bath Iron works, who. was informed of the presidents action today, has taken time by the forelock, and bill providing for the purchase of the Katahdin by the government has already been introduced, at his instance, by Senator Hale of
 A Plea for Armenians.