The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-04-20
THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY NORTH CAROLINA PAPER

that war has been begun between Tur-
key and Greece. The officials have look
ed into the precedents in such cases and
have concluded that the conditions at
present do not require the issue OF such
notice. The purpose of neutrality
proclamation is to guard American clti-
zeBs against the consequences OF infrac-
tion of the neutrality imposed upon ma
tions not partial. 1t does not concern
either Of the belligerents but is intended
to warn American citizens that if they
espouse the cause of the combatants this
country will not be responsible.
WHY WAR IS NOT DECLARED.
1t is noted here with curiosity that the
cablegrams so far received are so conflict
ing on one point, namely, whether war
has or has not been formally and Off
cially declared, that it is. not yet possible
to decide what the state Of affairs is. The
common belief in diplomatic circles is that
there has been no such thing as formal
declaration of war and it is recalled that
cf late years it has become rather the
rule to wage war actually without for
nal declaration. In the present case.
/ however, the fact is regarded among
diplomats as of the first Importance for
the reason that powers have given no
tice that the nation that is the aggressor
, in the conflict will not be permitted to
| reap any advantage from q war. While
/, Turkey may be strongely armed with
| evidence going to show that Greece has
/ been the aggressor, still if she herself
| has been the first to declare war for
| mally, that fact must have technical
! weight in affecting the Judgment Of the
powers.
PROTECT AMERICAN INTERESTS
! The President is taking an active In
terest in the struggle between the Greeks
and Turks and is being constantly ad-
vised by the department of State as to
| the latest developments in the war. He
wishes to ensure the adoption Of all prop
| er and usual precautions for the pro
tecaion of American interests in the
Mediterranean. Secretary Sherman
came over to the White House this after
noon and the President Immediately left
other business to confer with his Premier
on the subject.
1t may be that within a short time
some question will arise that will in
| volve action OF some sort on our part,
arising perhaps from attempts by both
Turks amds Greeks to blockade each
others ports, which possibly might in
terfere with the introduction of some
American products, but at present this
is a remote contingency
AMERICA NOT YET INVOLVED.
Washington, April 19-None Of Minis
ter Terrelrs cablegrams so far received
verify the assumption that he has under
taken the protection of the Greeks resi-
dent in Turkey and it is now believed
that the basis was misinterpreted cable
gram. On the whole the authorities are
glad that the report is not supported, for,
though such request could not well be
declined, it is remembered that our Minis
ters in China and Japan, and the State
department as well, became involved in
a mess when they undertook the protec-
tion OF the Chinese and Japanese through
the killing Of several japanese students,
and there is always risk that trouble may
follow the assumption of such respoA-
sibiEty.
Admiral Selfridge hascabled the Secre-
tary Of the Navy a request to have the
cruiser Cincinnati, now at Mersine, under
orders to come home, remain on the
Mediterranean station for a time. She
was to be relieved by the Raleigh, hut
Secretary Long has given instruction that
both ships shall remain there. This will
give Admiral Selfridge feet Of five
ships, the San Francisco, Minneapolis,
Marblehead. Cincinnati and the Raleigh,
number sufficient to ensure the ade-
quaFe protection OF all American inter
ests in Southern Europe, in the opinien
OF the Navy Department.
THE TURKS ROUTED.
Iarissa, April 1852. M.-The Greeks
have routed the Turks at Reyeni and two
Greek brigades have entered Turkish ter.
ritory in different directions and pene-
trated to Damasi, northeast Of Zarkos
Another division is trying to flank the
Turks who are retreating in disorder
Heavy fighting is in progress at Grit,
zovaii 1t has been going on since noon.
The Greeks are trying to recapture the
place.
CREEKS LEAVING FOR JANINA
Athens, April ia telegram received
this evening from Arta says the troops
have left that point for Janina. The sea
off Prevesa is very rough. The fighting
there to-day was desultory.
TURKS CLOSE GULF OF ARTA.
Constantineple, April f9.-The Turkish
authorities at Prevesa have proclaimed
the Gulf OF Arta, closed to all but Turk
ish ships.
THANKS FROM GEORGE.
Philadelphia, Pa, April 19.-Ex- Minis
ter to Greece SnOwden, stated to-day that
he had recently received the following re-
ply to a message sent to King George,
approving the attitude assumed by that
monarch:
Hearty thanks for your approval.
Precious to me. Have six powers against
lis. George"
Continuing, Mr.. Snowden said: '"There
never was so i'll an opportunity as the
present for Greece to have a conflict with
Turkey. Up to two or three years ago,