Connecticut western news., 1896-10-15
WILL DEFY THE TURK
THE BANCROFT HAS ORDERS TO PASS
 THE oARpANELLES.
The United States Fleet In Mediterranean Waters to Go Into Action If Resistance by the European Powers.


 Waters to Go Into Action If Resistance Is onsred-The Programme Sanctioned by the European Powers.
 WASHINGTON, Oct. i4.-The United States practice ship Bancroft, whose de- parture for European waters has been tho subject of profound mystery, is to play an important part in the effort of the powers to bring about a settlement of the Turkish question. The little vessel is to force the Dardanelles with Minister Terrell standing on her deck, and If any obstacles are placed In the way by the Turkish forts the Mediterranean fleet, under Admiral Self ridge, now loo miles away, will come to her assistance. The British fleet will no doubt also be near at hand to back up the American commander If occasion arises.
 From the highest authority 1t is learned that the powers had agreed to the pro gramme, and not only will offer no ohjec- tion or resistance to the entrance of the Bancroft to the Golden horn, but will aid her it necessary.
 The decision to send the Bancroft to Constantinop,c was reached some weeks ago, just before her departure from An napolis as a training ship, but received Its seal yesterday after the cabinet meeting when orders were sent to her commander to report at once to Minister Torrell on arriving at smyrna and there follow his instructions Admiral SelfridRe has been informed by cable that he may expect the Bancroft in the next few days and to ca. ble NIT. Terrell at the American legation at Constantinople at once when she ar rives.
 VIII Force the DardsneileS
 Captain Belknap of the Bancroft, on TO- t. n f.. Constantinople and pass the Dardanelles, Terrell Is to take up his residence on the vessel, which will become the official guardship of the United States.
 The American fleet under Admiral Self ridge consists of the san Francisco, flag ship; the Minneapolis, the Marblehead and the Cincinnati and the Bancroft, now on their way from Gibraltar to smyrna, whero Selfridge awaits them. These yes sals left Gibraltar six days ago and should reach Turkish waters before the end of the week. If Minister Terrell Is not already at smyrna, he will be by thu time the Ban croft arrives there. Minister Terrell vii board the Bancroft, which will beoom tho dispatch boat of our legation by this simple action. The ship will proceed Co Chanak, which Is about half way hetween smyrna and tho Dardanelles From this point Minister Terrell will send an official dispatch to the foreign office in Constan tinople that he Is coming to the capital on the American gunboat Bancroft. No formal request Is to be made for the privilege of entering the sea of Marmora, and no opportunity will be given she porte to exercise the power of denial. The re- port that a firmau had been refused by the officials at Constantinople Is inaccurate.
 
 none will be. The statement from Minis ter Terrell will be positive and will leave no grounds for discussion of the subject
 Minister T.rreIi's Plan This course, the importance of which is apparent to those familiar with the situa. tion, has been determined upon after a ju. dieial inquiry into the circumstances by the Washington authorities. Tho ndvices from Minister Terrell have lately been of such character that there has appeared no better plan to pursue than the one which would place the Bancroft the arm ed representative of this government, in | the Golden horn.
 | The reliance on Commander Belknap's s | discretion Is not limited. He Is understood to have orders to convey Minister Terrell to Constantinople, despite the menaoing Qualifications on each side of the strait, to the secret sea of the Turks. lt Is not ex- pected that the Turkish authorities, on learning the purpose of Minister Torrell. will resist foroibly the approach of the Bancroft to their capital Naval officers and the diplomats In Washington do not look for any active hostility. They expect that the Turkish displeasure, If evidenced at all, will find expression In the oonyen- tional firing of Dardanelles gun across the bow of the Bancroft. This will answer the purpose of advising the Bancroft's commander that he is enoroaohing upon forbidden waters, and that persistence is at his risk and on the responsibility of his | government
 There are however, other reasons than mere timidity on the part of Turkey to jus tify the expectation that no trouble neod be looked for. The present plan was not devised and adopted on tho responsibility of this government alone It is known to | have the sanction, if rot the practical sup port of the European powers which arc l concerned in the Turkish question. The | Russian government even has given its assent to the programme, Minister Brock. inridge having secured the necessary as- suranoes at St Petersburg.