The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1896-10-21
WILL ENTER THE DARDANELlES.
DEFIANCE TO THE TURK.
The Bancroft to Force a Passage to Con.
stantinople.

The United States ship Bancroft, whose
departure for European waters has been the
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 decks, and II any obstacles are placed
In the way by the Turkish forts, the Medi-
terranean fleet, under Admiral Selfridge,
now 100 miles away at Smyrna, will come to
her assistance. The British fleet will no
doubt also be near at hand TO back up the
American commander II occasion arises.
From the highest authority 1t Ia learned
that the powers Lave agreed to the program
and will not only offer no objection or re.
sistance to the entrance Of the Bancroft to
the Golden Horn, but will aid her II neces-
sary. The determination to send the Ban
croft to Constantinople was arrived at some
weeks ago, just prior to her departure from
Annapolis as training ship, but received
force after the cabinet meeting. when orders
were sent her commander to report at
once to Minister Terrell on arriving at
Smyrna, and there follow his instructions.
Admiral Selfridge has been cabled to expect
the Bancroft IN the next few days. and to at
once Cable Mr.. Terrell at the American le-
CATION at Constantinople when she arrives.
Capt. Belknap, OF the Bancroft, on receiving
MIR. Terrell on board, is to sail at once for
Constantinople, and pass the Dardenelles,
no matter what may happen. Minister Ter
rell ls to take up his residence ON the vessel,
which will become the official guardship OF
the United States. The American fleet, un-
der Admiral Selfridge, consists of the San
Francisco, flag ship, the Minnesota, the
Marblehead, the Cincinnati, and the Ban
croft. now on her way from Gibraltar to
Smyrna, where Selfridge awaits them. The
Bancroft left Gibraltar six days ago and
should reach Turkish waters before the end
OF the week.
Minister Terrell will board the Bancroft
which will become the despatch boat OF our
legation by this simple action. The ship will
proceed to Chapak, which Is about half way
between Smyrna and the Dardanelles. From
this point Minister Terrell will send an Of
ficial dispatch to the foreign Office In Con-
stantinople that he is coming to the capital
on the American gunboat Bancroft
No formal request Is to be preferred for
the privilege OF entering the sea Of Marmora
and no opportunity will be given the Porte
to exercise the power Of denial. The report
that iirman had been refused by the Of
hcials at Constantinople is Inaccurate. No
authority has been sought recently and none
will be. The statement from Minister Terrell
will be positive and afford no grounds for
discussion OF the subject. This course. the
Importance OF which is apparent to those
familiar with the situation, has been de-
termined upon after judicial inquiry into
the circumstances oy the washington auth
critics. The advices from Minister Terrell
have lately been Of such a character that
there has appeared no better plan to pursue
than the one which would place the Bancroft
the armed representative Of this government.
In the Golden Horn.
1t is not anticipated that the Turkish au-
thorities will forcibly resist. Naval officers
and the diplomats expect Turkish displeas-
ure, II eyinced at all, to find expression In
the conventional firing OF gun across the
bow of the Bancroft.
The present plan was not devised and
adopted on the responsibility Of this govern
ment alone. 1t is known to have sanction,
IL not the practical support, OF the European
powers concerned In the Turkish question.
The Russian government, even, has lent its
consent to the program Minister Brecken-
ridge having secured the necessary assur-
ances at st. Petersburg. The circumstance
has significance beyond the simple indorse-
ment of the foreigners In this qualified sup
port