The sun., 1896-12-12
TURKEY AND THE POWERS.
the SKATE DEPARTMENT HAD VIVID
OF WHAT WAS TO COME.

Hut for This the Bnncron would Have
Been Ordered Up the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
" Go Powers he Compelled to Use Force
Or Attitude Win Bo Neutral One.
WAsSISoroS. Dec. 1l.-Government officials
at Washington are as yet without official infor-
NATION regarding the agreement reached by
the powets FOR intervention IN the Eastern Ques-
zion, hot Say that until the British Foreign
once make> public its terms and notifies the
representatives~t tho various foreign countries
having legations In london, the State Depart
mert cannot be advised by Ambassador Bayard
OF the momentous news.
It 10 said that while intimation has been re-
coived that progress was being made between
Russia, France. and Great Britain which prom.
tsed satisfactory settlement Of tho whole
Turkish problem, so sudden determination to
inform the Sultan Of the ultmatum was not
anticipated.
One OF the Assistant Secretaries OF State prac-
tically acknowledged to-day that the reason
why Minister Terrell had not met the cruiser
Bancroft at Smyrna and taken her to Constan-
tinople was that an intimation had been re-
ceived from Russia that in very brief time
reforms in Turkey would be carried out through
the combined efforts of the powers, the Dardan-
Giles opened to the navies of the world. and that
any attempt then to secure the United States
Euardshp against the protest of the Porte
might tend to complicate matters and interfere
with the proceeding of the programme. At
that time The SUNS dispatches stated in posi-
tive terms that the Bancroft would proceed
through the Dardanelles. 1t was the purpose OF
Minister Terrell to carry out the plan then set
forth, and there is little doubt that It would
have been peaceably accomplished and not q
gun turned the little vessel when
the Porte was brought to recognize
that the United States would sustain its
contention that the straits were not closed to
American vessels by sending the Bancroft
through. Minister Terrell had little doubt
then, 1t Is now officially known of his ability to
secure frman. and the Bancroft would now
have been anchored in the Golden Horn but for
unexpected Developments in the Turkish ques-
ton arising out OF the rapid work accomplished
by Russia in bringing the other European pow
ers to agree to concert OF action in settling the
whole affair.
Since the Bancroft incident it has been known
hero that it was only question of short time
when the visit of the Car to England and
France would bear fruit, and that Europe
would hear of the agreement reached between
che powers to act jointly in treating with the
Sultan or use force II diplomacy failed. 1t Is
now asserted that the Presidents reference in
his message to the necessity of retaining naval
feet in Eastern waters was due to the expected
break in tho Sultan's administration.
which. when It comes. will no doubt re-
qure the presence of every vessel there
20 look after Americans stationed In
tho small cities along the Syrian coast
OF the four war ships now under Admiral Self
ridge one is constantly employed in visiting
these towns and showing the people that tho
United States maintains navy aud is pre-
pared to protect its citizens in Turkey. The
Minneapolis Is now of on this duty. and hon
she returns to reioin the Admiral at smyrna
later in the month another ship Of the fleet will
be sent to follow the same cruise. Admiral
Selfridge has orders to be within cable commu-
nication OF the department whenever practical
Bile and to keep Minister Terrell duly advised
OF his movements. Three ships now at
Smyrna. and will be within a few hours sail OF
that port until the reforms in Turkey are exc
cuted.
The Bureau OF Naval Intelligence. which
keeps advised of the strength and disposition of
all warships has recently received fresh ac-
counts Of the movements and forces under tn 0
English and French Admirals in the Levant.
These show that within the past month both
squadrons have been greatly augmented, and
having in view possible action in connection
with Turkey. they have been KEEP: suspiclously
close to the mouth OF the Dardanelles.
The prevalent impression here. and especially
at the State Department, which is kept thor
oughly advised when anything occurs in Europe
regarding Turkey. is that the Sultan will accept
the propositions TO be submitted by the powers
and promptly acquiesce in all demands mado Of
bin. To refuse them. the authorities here nd
init. would result at once in the com bined fleets
OF Great Britain. Russia, and France forcing
compliance as indicated in THE SUa's recent
cable dispatches.
In the event Of coercion being employed. the
attitude Of the United States will be Of
strict neutrality. 1t will not immed lately per-
init our ships to follow the European fleets
through the straits. but will keep the vessels
under Admiral Selfridge in close proximity, so
that no opportunity be lost to give prompt aid
TO American interests In the interim following
the entrance OF the fleets and the assumption OF
control OF affairs at Constantnople by the
powers.
Should tho fleets be compelled to force the
straits, 1t is believed by the Navy Department
that the vessels OF the Cnited States squadron
would follow soon afterward, in order to bs at
hand off ConstantiIople to enforce demands
that might follow from Minister Terrell for pro-
lection by the Porte of all American interests
IN the city. The passage of the fleet, however.
on such mission. the officials here say,
could not De construed by the powers as
a desire to cooperate with them in the
reformation programme. but simply In pursu-
ance of the policy OF the Government to send
warshps to CUnstantnope at any time when 1t
was believed their presence was mandatory to
assist the Minister. Every move and develop
ment from now on relating 10 the eastern ques-
tiOn will be watched by the Washington au-
thorities with the deepest concern.