The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-04-19
WASHINGTON COMMENT
DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL CIR
Giles ON EASTERN SITUATION.
The Strictcst Neutrality Must lie
Prcserved--Turisis Minister'S
Faith in His Country.

sion in diplomatic aud OFFICIAL circles nero
TODAY. War between Turkey and Greece
has been thought probable for some time,
but the official statement that state OF
war existed served TO quicken the discussion
with which the troubles between the two
countries have been watched. IN diplomatic
circles. particularly where the possibilities
OF general conflict in Europe are al
ways regarded as moro or less imminent II
any OF the countries become engaged In
war the situation was deeply considered.
Among officials of the United States who
expressed any opinion at all. the sentiment
seemed general that war between Turkey
and Greece is no matter In which this gov
eminent can In any way become Involved,
that what few citizens OF the United States
reside in those countries are in the cities,
whore 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
conflict. One prominent officer OF the navy
inclined to the belief that the lighting
would continue for a short time until the
powers of Europe decided that hostlitios
have proceeded far enough. and then put an
end to It, If any adyices were received In
this city today from the representatives of
tho government In Turkey or Greece they
could not be obtained tonight.
Secretary Sherman has dispatch from
Minister Terrell at Constantinoplo. 1t was
sent in cipher, however. and has not been
translated. During the day the secretary
had a call from the Turkish minister, who
remained With him short time. The sec
retarv declined to say what had tranaplrod
between them II is customary when
state of war has been declared or hostili
Ties exist for the minister OF the govern
ment interosted to notify tho government
20 which he ia accredited OF such a con
dition OF AFFAIRS. and, presumably that is
what took the minister TO the socretary's
house,
Secretary Sherman reiterated tonight the
statements he made to the Associated Press
representative last night that while the
government regretted the existence OF war
Turkey aud Greece were so far from us
that II was matter which concerned the
United States but little. Tho strictest neu'
traiity. he declared. must be preserved. The
secretary had no fear but that the citizens
OF the United States would be amply pro-
tected Most of them are In Couatantinopie
and at Athens,
Mustapha Bey, the Turkish minister,
said tonight that he had not received any
further dispatches from his government lc-
latnE TO the troubles there He is expect
ing word however at any time fnh nc
would probably be kept fully informed OF
what Is taking place The miniA'er to-
night expressed himself az Rejecting that
things should have come TO the present
pass Turkey. he declared, is ior peace
peace on honorable terms-and does not
seek WET with any nation. me actions OF
he Greeks he asserted, had made the step
taken 10y his government perfec'ly Hroncr
one. Greece had acted on tho aeig' e4sive
and 10y the actions OF her soidicTs hal pre-
cipitated the conflict that now heemeh I'M
minont. fcr soldiers had invaded Crete,
which was Turkish territory, ana haa
crossed the frontier on the mainland. He
oppressed himseit as having no doubt of
The outcome and that Turkey would be
triumphant IN tho wnr II II should be for
mallv declared.
Raron Won Thclmann, tho German am
bassador declares the trusting Of Turkish |
subjects in Athens 10 the protection of the |
German minister had no Significance what |
ever II does not moan. he says, that tier" |
is any understanding between Germany |
and Turkey. az has been minated, II s |
simply n friendly act that is customary IN
times when diplomatic negotiations be- |
tween nations are suspended He pointed
out that during the time that diplomatic
negotiation were suspended between Great
Britain and Venezuela, as result Of the
boundary tronllo, the citizens OF Great |
Britain werc entrusted 10 the protection
OF the German minister Again. during the
war IN 1871 and 1873 between Russia snd
Turkey Tho Russian subjects were en-
trusted 10 the protection Of tho German
minister, and. the ambassador added, there
was 10 alliance between the countries. Up |
to this time there had bean, so far AS
known, no consultation with regard to re-
inforcing tho fleet NJ the United states
In Mediterranean waters. Should The pres
eDce Of shins If war Of foreign nations be
required IN TuIkiHh or Grccian waters 10
prntcC. their citizens as u result OF the
confidence tho United States
could assemble a formidable flest II neccs-
gary In the Mediterranean squadron at
this tmo The cruiser San Francisco. the
flagship on tho station, the triple screw
cruiser Minneapolis and the cruiser Gin
cinnati, also Minneapolis, all modern yes-
sells Of high type, and small gunboat Ban
croft The Detroit IL on her way to the
from the China station and
liz now probably somewhere near the Red
sea. Another addition to the fleet VIII he
made by the presence OF the Raleigh.
which liz getting ready 10 join The Eu-
ropean station. Other vessels that might
he used for service In Europe II neces-
sary are tho Montgomery Marb!oheaI.
Maine and Texas. al Of which are now on
he Atlantic coast. The opinion exists.
however. that tho presence of any num-
Der OF war vessels VIII not be necessary.