New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-19
THE NEWS IN WASHINGTON.
GREAT INTEREST IN OFFICIAL CIRCLES.
OUR GOVERNMENT NOT DIRECTLY CONCERNED
THE TURKISH MINISTER VISITS sECRE-
TARY sHERMAN-A FORMIDABLE

TARY SHERMAN-A FORMIDABLE
FLEET IN CASE OF NECESSITY
Washington. April 1S.-The grave situation in
the East was the topic Of discussion in dipIo-
matte and official circles to-day. The possibility
OF war between Turkey and Greece has been
thought probable for time. but the official
announcement that a state Of war exists served
to quicken the interest with which the troubles
between the two countries have been watched
In diplomatic circles particularly, where the pos
sblties Of a general conflict in Europe al
ways regarded a. more or less imminent If
any Of the Powers become engaged in war; the
situation was carefully considered.
Among officials Of the United States who ex-
pressed any opinion at all, the sentiment seemed
general that war between Turkey and Greece
is a matter in which this Government can in no
way become involved, that the few citizens Of
the United States who reside 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 to the duration Of the conflict.
One prominent officer Of the Navy inclined to
the belief that fighting would continue for
short time until the Powers Of Europe decide
that hostilities have proceeded far enough, when
they would step In and put an end to them.
II any advices were received in this city to-day
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 Constantnople. 1t was
in the State Department cipher. however, and
had not been translated.
During the day the Secretary had call from
the Turkish Minister, who remained with him
short time The Secretary declined to say what
had occurred between them. 1t is customary
when a state Of war has been declared or hostili-
ties exist for the Minister of the Government
interested to notify the Government to which he
Is accredited OF such condition Of affairs. and
presumably that is what took the Minister to the
Secretary's house
Secretary Sherman reiterated tonight the
statements he made to the Associs ted Press rep
resentative last night that, while the Govern
ment regretted the existence OF war; Turkey and
Greece were far from us that it was matter
which concerned the United States but little
The strictest neutrality. he declared, must be
preserved. The Secretary had no fear but that
the citizens of the United States would be amply
protected Very few Of them were In the coun-
tries at war; end most of them ere in the Cit
les Of Constantinope and Athens.
Mustarha Bey the Turkish Minister, said to-
night that he had not received any luIlncI uio
ratches from his Government relating to the
troubles there. HIS is expecting word, however,
AZ anv time as he probably will be kept fully
informed of what is taking place. The Minister
expressed himself as regretting that things
should have come to the present pass. Turkey.
he declared Is for peace-pesce on honorable
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-
fectIy proper one. Greece had acted on the ag-
eressive. ard by the actions Of her soldiers had
precipitatod the conflict that now seemed immi-
ncnt Her soldiers had invaded Crete. which
vas Turkish territory, and had TOSSED the from
tiers on the mainland. He expressed himself as
having no doubt Of the outcome. and said that
Turkey would be triumphant in the war If it
should be formally declared.
I'D TO this time there has been so far as couid
no learned no consultation with regard TO re-
inforcing the fleet of the United States in Medl-
terranean waters. Should the presence OF SHIPS
of-war of foreign nations be required IN TURKISH
or C;recian waters to protect their CITIZENS as
result OF the impending conflicts. the Unlteu
States could assemble a formidable Meet II
necessary In the Mediterranean squadron at
this time the Navy Department mas -FOUR shiPs'
the cruiser San Francisco. the nagsnlp on inc
station. the trpe-screw cruiser Minneapolis
ord tho cruiser Cincinnati. all modern Vessels Oh
hieh TYNE and the small gunboat Bancroft