Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1896-10-16
THE TURK
SNcRoFr HAS ORDERS TO PASS
THE DARDANELLEs.

rhe United States Fleet In Mediterranean
waters to 60 Into Action n Resistance
IL Onered-The Programme Sanctioned
By the European Powers.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1.-THE United
Htates practice ship Bancroft, whose de-
parture for European waters has been the
lubieot of profound mystery, is to play an
Important part In the effort Of the powers
% bring about a settlement Of the Turkish
question The little vessel Is TO force the
Dardanelles with Minister Terrell standing
on her deck, and IL 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 II occasion arises.
From the highest authority It Is learned
that the powers had agreed to the pro-
gramme, and not only will offer no objec-
tion or resistance TO the entrance Of the
Bancroft TO the Golden horn, but will aid
her II necessary.
The decision to send the Bancroft TO
Constantinople was reached some weeks
ago, just before her departure from An
napNAAs ar q NAulhAhB supp bhN ADS1ANNN ANo
seal ,srzterday after the cabinet meeting
when oFders were sent TO her commandeT
10 report at once TO Minister Terrell on
arriving at Smyrna and there follow his
instructions Admiral Selfridge has been
Informed by cakle that he may expect the
Banoroft In the next few days and to ca
bic Mr.. Terrell at the American legation
at Constantinople at once when she ar
rives.
VIII Force the Dardanelles.
Captain Belknap of the Bancroft, on re-
ceiving Mr.. Terrell on board, is to sail for
Constantinople and pass the Dardanelles,
no matter what may happen. Minister
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
where Selfridge awaits them. These ves-
sells 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 the time the Ban
croft arrives there Minister Terrell will
board the Bancroft which will become
simple action. The ship will proceed 60
Chanak, which is about half way between
Smyrna and the 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 reqI est Ia to be made for the
privilege of entC..ng the sea of Marmora
and no opportunity will be given the porte
to exercise the power Of denial. The re-
port that firman had been refused by the
officials at Constantinople Is inaccurate.
No authority has been sought recently, and
none will be. The statement from Minis
ter Terrell will be positive and will leave
no grounds for discussion of the subject
Minister TerrelPs Plan.
This course, the Importance Of which is
apparent to those familiar with the situa-
tion, has been determined upon after ju-
dicial inquiry into the circumstances by
the Washington authorities. The advioes
from Minister Terrell have lately been OF
suoh a 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
discretion Is not limited. He is understood
to have orders 60 convey Minister Terrell
to Constantinople. despite the menaoing
Notifications on each side OF the strait, to
the secret sea OF the Turks. 1t Is not ex-
peoted that the Turkish authorities, on
learning the purpose OF Minister Terrell,
will resist forcibly 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, II evidenced
at all, will find expression in the oonven-
tional firing Of Dardanelles gun across
the bow Of the Bancroft. This will answer
the purpose Of advising the Banoroft's
commander that he Is enoroaching 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 need
be looked for. The present plan was not
devised and adopted on the responsibility
of this government alone II Is known to
have the sanction, II not the practical sup
port Of the European powers which are
concerned in the Turkish question. The
Russian government even has given its
assent TO the programme Minister Brock
inridge having secured the necessary as
surances at St Petersburg.
The Georgia Election.