The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-10-15
/ MAY MEAN WAR
The American Dispatch Boat
Bancroft Sails for the
BosphoruS.
TO GUARD THE GOLDEN HORN
After Long and Careful Consideration
the United States Government Has
Decided That the Harpoot and
MarSch Indemnities Shall Be Col.
leCted Before Congress MeetS-The
Course Before Admiral Selfridse.

Washington, Oct. 1.-THE little dis
patch boat Bancroft of the United
States navy, now about due at Smyrna.
has not been ordered to force pas
sage through the Dardanelles, with or
without foreign aid. This can be stat
ed on the direct authority of the presi-
dent of the United States. There Is no
doubt that the Bancroft is going
straight to Constantinople just as fast
as steam can carry her.
This fact was stated with explicit
details in United Associated Presses
dispatches from this city on the morn
ing of Aug. 2S last. But that any
forced passage of the Dardanelles Is in
contemplation by the United States
with or without European support can
be set down as simply an attempt to
eXaggerate the news originally given
in these dispatches. Undoubtedly the
chief signatory powers of the treaty of
Paris have been informed of the pur-
pose Of the United States and have
given their consent Under such cir
cumstances the Porte must of neces-
sity acquiesce. In this connection 1t
was stated that no confirmation has
heen received either from Minister
Terrell or from any other source o. the
alleged unofficial declarati tion OF the
Turkish government that it would per-
nit no more guard ships to enter the
Bosphorous, and considering that
nearly ten days have elapsed since this
statement was first cabled via Sofia"
its authenticity is gravely doubted.
The Bancroft Is going to Constanti-
nople. which fact has been known here
since Aug. last. This is about all
there Is to say, except that the United
States Is bound to have some news in
n ha lac fr,tn 30
missions in Harput befone the next
presidential message goes into con-
gress.
MAN-OF-WAR NECESSARY.
For some time past the necessity OF
having guard ship at Minister Ter
helfs disposal has been subject Of
earnest discussion in cabinet meetings
and frequent conferences had been held
by the secretary of state, the secretary
of the navy and the president, at which
the views of Minister Terrell, who was
exceedingly anxious that man. Of war
belonging to our government, should be
In Turkish waters pending the long
disturbed condition of affairs in Tur-
key. were thoroughly made and under
stood. and more than year ago a
decision In accordance with Minister
Terrelrs wishes in that direction was
reached, and all details of the import
ant service were carefully and ad-
wisely considered. After the declina-
tion of Turkey in January last to allow
all naval vessels to pass the Bosphorus,
Mr.. Terrell promised that If the Ban
croft should be sent he would find a
way to get her in. The Bancroft left
Gibraltar in company with the Gin
cinnati a week ago last Sunday. and
should have reached Smyrna and prob
ably did reach that port yesterday.
steaming at the rate of 200 miles per
day. If the navy department has been
advised of her arrival in Smyrna 1t has
seen fit to withhold the information
The Bancroft assuredly started for
COnstantinOple. Orders We're given to
the proper bureau chiefs of the navy
department to fit her for guard duty
in the Golden Horn, and she was so
equipped in August and September. un-
der ten day orders from Assistant Sec
retary of the Navy McAdOo. There is
abundant information to the effect that
this government INTENDS to collect the
HarpoOt. Marash and other indemnities
may be met as method of last re-
sort-the COrintO incident between
Great Britain and Nicaragua being
adopted as precedent in which events
Admiral Selfridge might seize the Gus
toms of Smyrna until the proper
Amount is collected. and--in the Opin-
ion of some prominent naval officers
here, the admiral will employ his fleet
for that purpose unless apologies and
indemnity are soon Forthcoming.