The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1896-01-06
AFTER THE SULTAN.
The North Atlantic Squadron Bound for
the Bosphorus

The North Atlantic Squadron Bound for
the Bosphorus.
Chicago January IA special to the
Times-Herald from Washington. saws:
Warships flying the stars and stripes
and manned by American bluc-iackets
may force the passage of the Dardanelles
and Bosphorus, anchor at ConstantipopIe
and show the sultan that Uncle Sam is
not to be trifed with.
1t transpires today that the Bosphorus
is likely to be the destination Of the Nor h
Atlantic squadron of American battle
ships instead of the Caribbean sea. Ac-
cordng to the plan arranged by Secretary
Herbert and Admiral Bunce, the squad
ron should have sailed from Hampton
Roads for st. Thomas December 81
Though every ship was ready for sea on
that date the fleet of seven vessels has
been held for some reason which the Sec
rotary of the navy has declined to reveal
and which the officers of the feet have
not known. 1t is now stated, that Admiral
Bunce, when he visited Washington, De-
cember 10, was given sealed Instructions
which postponed the Southern 'ruise
pending certain developments in Turkey.
Now the cruise in the Southern waters
may be abandoned altogether and the
vessels may set sail for the Medl-
terranean at almost any hour. The gov
eminent proposes. unless Turkey re-
spends promptly to the demands for s20o,-
900 indemnity made on account Of the
kharpool and Marash outrages. to mako
n naval demonstration that Will bring the
sultan to time. In its previous expert
ence with Turkey the governm NJ has
found that the sultan does not Sesp ond
to such demands easily. This is "A case
where the dignity and prestige of the
United States is believed to be at stake
and the sultan will not be ,p permitted -
practice his customary evasion and de
cet.
The American ships now In Turkish
waters are the Marblch al. at Mersine
today and the san Francisco ana the MIN
neapolis, In the vicinity Of Alexandretta
They are under command of Admiral Self
ridge. on the San Francisco, at
AleXandretta. have been In almost
daily communication by cable with
most daily communication by cable with
Secretary Olney and Secretary Herbert
Secretary Herbert had long consulta-
ton yesterday with the president about
the situation In Turkey
on December i6. cable was received
at the State department from CONSTANT
noplc. which Secretary Olney sent In sub
stance to the senate. He said in SUBJ
stance:
minister Terrell expresses the gravest
apprehension concerning the ultimate fate
of American citizens in the disturbed re-
be stopped by the united efforts OF the
Christian powers. He sees no indication,
however. of a European concert to that
end He says that II the missionaries wish
to leave Turkey he can procure them
transportation TO Christian ports. If the
men wish to remain he can get escort for
all to the coast whereupon the men
can return. but he adds that the women
and children should quit Turkey"
Three weeks ago a message was re-
ceived at the navy department from Ad-
mirul Selfrldge stating his inability to
carry out instructions which had been
sent him This first suggested to Secre-
tary Herbert the wisdom of sending more
vessels to Turkey. When Minister Terrell
filed his demand for indemnities for the
Khnrpool and Marash outrage, the cool
ness with which they were received by
tie sultan's ministers Indicated at once
that they would not be willingly complied
with, and this proved still further tie
Importance of an enlarged naval force.
The department of the North Atlantic
souadrcn for the Mediterranean will he
governed wholly by the news received
from Minister Terrell next week. III the
meantime the feet will not sail for the
South and will stand at Hampton Roads In
readiness fer sea.