The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-04-19
War Will Be a Limited Round
Affair With Powers
as Referees.
No Occasion for the United States
to Take Partisan
Action.
Fleet in Mediterranean Sufficient
to Protect American
interests.

w WAOh1NGlON, April 1S.-In6 grave
situation in the East was the topic
of discussion in diplomatic and official
circles here today. The possibility
of war between Turkey and Greece
| has been thought probable for some
time, but the official announcement
that a state of war exists served to
quicken the interest with, which the
troubles between the two countries
nave been watched in diplomatic circles
particularly where the possibilities of
a general conflict in Europe are al
ways regarded as more or less immi-
nent If any of the powers become en-
gagged in war. The situation was deep
ly considered. Among officials of the
United States who expressed any opin-
Ion at ALL the sentiment seemed gen.
era1 that war between Turkey and
Greece is no matter In which this gov
eminent can in any way become in
volved, that what few citizens of the
United States resides in the countries
are in the cities where they are not
liable to be molested, and that the only
course for this country to maintain,
is one of strict neutrality. Opinions
vary as to the duration Of the con-
navy inclined to the belief that fighting
would continue for a short time until
the powers of Europe decide that hos
tilities have proceeded far enough,
when they would step in and put 1t
to an end.
III any adVtces were received in this
city today from the representatives of
the government in Turkey or Greece
they could not be obtained tonight.
Secretary Sherman had one dispatch
from Minister Terrell at Constantine
pie. 1t was in the state department
cipher, however, and had not been
translated.
During the day the secretary had a
call from the Turkish minister VINO re-
manned with. him short time. The
secretary declined to say what had
transpired between them. 1t is custo-
mary when state of war has been
declared or hostilites exist for the
minister of the government interested
to notify the government to which he
is accredited of such a condition of
affairs, and presumably that is what
took the minister to the secretary's
house.
Secretary Sherman reiterated tonight
the statements he made last night,
that, while the government regretted
the existence of war Turkey and
Greece were so far from us that 1t
was matter which concerned the
United States but little. The strictest
neutrality, he declared, must be pre-
served. The secretary had no fear but
that the citizens Of the United States
would be amply protected. Very few
of them are in the cities of CONSTANT
nople and Athens.
Mustapha Bey, the Turkish minister,
said tonight that he had not received
further dispatches from his govern
ment relating to the troubles there
He is expecting word, however, at any
time, as he probably will be kept fully
Informed of what is taking place.
The minister tonight expressed him
self as regretting that things should
have come to the present pass Turkey
he declared Is for peace-peace on hon
orable terms-and does not seek war
with any nation. The actions of the
GrecianS, he asserted, had made the
step taken by his government per-
fectly proper one. Greece had acted on
the aggressive and by the actions Of
her soldiers had precipitated the con-
fict that now seemed imminent Her
soldiers have invaded Crete, which was
Turkish territory, and had crossed the
frontiers on the main land He ex-
pressed himself as having no doubt Of
the outcome, and that Turkey would
be triumphant in the war.
Baron Won Thielmann, the German
am bassador, declares that the intrust-
ing Turkish subjects in Athens to the
protection of the German minister, has
no significance whatever. 1t does not
mean, he says, that there is any alli-
ance between the German and Turkish
governments in the present status AS
has been intimated in some quarters,
but is simply a friendly act that is
customary in times when diplomatic
negotiations between nations are sus-
pended.
Up to this time there has been so far
as could be learned, no consultation
with regard to reinforcing the fleet Of
the United States In Mediterranean
waters. Should the presence of ships
Of war of foreign nations be required
In Turkish or Greetan waters to pro-
tect their citizens as a result Of the
impending conflicts, the United States
could assemble a formidable fleet, if
necessary.
The opinion exists, however, that the
presence of any number of war vessels
will not be necessary.