The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-05
He Says American Blue Jackets and
War Ships May Force the Passage
OF the Dardanelles.
MAY SHELL CONSTANTINOPLE
AND SHOW THE TURKS THAT UNCLE
SAM CANNOT BE THRILLED WITH.
All Because the Porte Is Tardy in In
The Massacre at Orfah.

CHICAGO. Jan. A dispatch to the
Times-Herald this morning says: War
ships flying the stars and stripes, and
manned by American blue jackets, may
force the passage of the Dardenelles and
Bosphorus, anchor at Constantinople, and
show the Sultan that Uncle Sam is not to
be trifed with. 1t transpired to-day that
the Bosphorus is likely to be the destination
of the North Atlantic squadron Of American
battle ships instead Of the Caribbean sea.
According to the plan arranged by Secre-
tary Herbert and Admiral Bunce, the
squadron should have sailed from Hamp-
ton Roads for St. Thomas Dec q. Though
every ship was ready for sea on that date.
the fleet of seven vessels has been held
for some reason which the Secretary Of the
Navy has declined to reveal and which the
officers Of the fleet have not known. 1t is
now stated that Admiral Bunce, when he
visited Washington Dec. 10, was given
sealed instructions which postponed the
southern cruise. pending certain develop
ments in Turkey. Now the cruise in South
ern waters may be abandoned altogether
and the vessels may set sail for the Med
iterranean at almost any hour.
The government proposes. unless Turkey
responds promptly to the demands for $780,
poot and Marash outrages. to make a
naval demonstration that will bring the
Sultan to time. In its previous experience
with Turkey the government has found that
the Sultan does not respond to such de-
mapds 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 permitted to practice his customary
evasion and deceit. a The American ships
now in the Turkish waters are the Marble
head, at Mersine to-day, and the San Fran
cisco and the Minneapolis, in the vicinity OF
Alexandrette. They are under command of
Admiral Selfridge, aboard the San Francis
CO. Minister Terrell, at Constantinople, and
Admiral Selfridge, at, Alexandrette, have
been in almost daily communication by
cable with Secretary. Olney and Secretary
Herbert Secretary Herbert had long con-
sultation yesterday with the President about
the situation in Turkey.
On Dec 16 cablegram was received at
the State Department from Constantinople.
which Secretary Olney sent in substance to
the Senate. He said: Minister Terrell ex-
presses the gravest apprehensions concern
ing the ultimate fate of American citizens
in the disturbed region unless the appalling
massacres can be stopped by the united eff
forts of the Christian powers. He sees no
hope, however, Of European concert to
that end. He zsays- that II the missionaries
wish to leave Turkey ne can procure them
transportation TO Christian ports. If the
men wish TO remain he.ecan get escort for
all to the sea coast whereupon the men
can return but, he adds, that women and
children should quit Turkey
Three weeks ago message was received
at the Navy Department from Admiral
Selfridge, stating his inability to carry out
certain instructions which had been sent
him. This first suggested to Secretary Her
bert the wisdom of sending more vessels to
Turkey When Minister Terrell filed mis-
demand for indemnities for the Harpoot
and Marash outrage the GOODNESS with which
they were received by the Sultan's ministers
indicated at once that they would not be
willingly complied with, and this proved still
further the Importance of an enlarged naval
force.
The departure of the North Atlantic
squadron for the Mediterranean will be gov
erned wholly by the news received from
Minister Terrell next week. In the mean
time, the feet will not sail for the south.
and will stand at Hampton Roads in readi-
ness for sea.