The herald., 1896-01-19
To Questions Regarding Armen.
ian Relief Work
A NAVAL DEMONSTRATION
To Compel Attention to the United
States Demands
No Interference Expected From European
Nations-The Squadron May Now be
flowing Toward Turkey

Associated Press Speclal Wire.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1S.-Secretary Olney
telegraphed Minister Terrell at Constan-
tinople yesterday, instructing him to ascer-
tain definitely and finally the decision Of
the Turkish authorities upon the question
of the admission of the Red Cross society
into Armenia for the distribution of the
relief funds among the destitute natives,
but has received no reply.
Miss Clara Barton was at the capitol to-
day in conference with Senators Hoar and
Cul)om with reference to her proposed ex-
pedition. but she said at the close of tho
consultation that the whole matter was in
such state of doubt as to render it inad-
visable to discuss her plans.
A NAVAL DEMONSTRATION
New YORK, Jan. 1S..A dispatch to the
World from Boston says:
A naval officer who has just returned
from Washington says: ''There is abso-
lutely reliable authority for the statement
plan of campaign against Turkey to force
the government of that country to comply
with the demands OF the United States for
indemnity for loss of property aud for the
future protection of Americans within her
domain. The authorities do not deny this
statement, although they have not hesi-
tated to say that no orders whatever have
been issued to the vessels of the navy for
carrying this order into effect. Upon ex-
cellent authority it is stated that the state
department recently entered into corre-
spondence with the foreign powers and
that none of them will interfere.
"The plan, as l understand it, contem-
plates a naval demonstration against
Turkey, and perhaps an occupation of ono
of its cities. 1t has in view the concentra-
ton of practically the entire United
States navy in Turkish waters. The real
reason why Rear Admiral Bunce's feet
has been held at Hampton Roads instead
of sailing about Christmas time. as was
the original intention, is because the
authorities have considered the dispatch
of the fleet to Turkish waters. The
Asiatic squadron has also been considered,
and there are some officers at Washing
ton who believe it is on the way to the
usually SO prolific in movements, has
not been heard from in several weeks.
The Newark in South, Atlantic waters was
also talked of. The United States would
be able to make an imposing demonstra-
ton against the Turkish government, for
the Turkish government could not act
effectively against ii. 1t is antiquated and
could easily be blown off the seas by the
United States vessels. 1t is certain that
some decisive stroke is being considered.
In any event. there are good reasons for
believing that the department will increase
the European squadron by the New York
and probably two other vessels. The trans
fer of Admiral Bunce's flag to the Maine ia
regarded in this country as significant.
No word has yet been received from
Minister Terrell at Constantinople. Miss
Barton felt, however, that it was desirable
gram, without anticipating the possibilities
of being stopped.
1t was authoritatively announced tonight
that the American Red Cross society would
execute its mission of going to Turkey in
behalf of the suffering Armenians. Miss
Clara Barton, president of the Red Cross.
and the members of her personal staff,
will sail from New York on Wednesday
next, the date originally decided upon, for
Turkey.