The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-09-25
CAPTURE OF DERNE
A BRAVE EXPLOIT WHiCH WAS THE
PRELUDE OF a PEACE WITHOUT
HONOR.

NNN
the Usurpins Bnshnw OF TripolI, Only to
Abandon Him Whom Its End was Gained
STORY of Eaton's March Across the
Desert and the Flight That Won Oeras.
The records OF American valor describe 10
exploit more daring than the capture OF the
city OF Derne. In pripoli. April 20. 1905. and
the raising Of the Stars and Stripes on African
soil. A discreditable chapter in American
diplomacy was written when. for the sake OF
pence without honor, the gallant men who had
raised the flag we're compelled to strike their
colors and withdraw. abandoning to the
enemy the unhappy blowers OF Hamet, their
ally. The story. presenting in vivid contrast
romantic adventure and devoted heroism side
by side with official timidity and calculating
Indifference to obligations, ia worth repeating
now.
The relations between the United States
and the States Of Barbary in the closing years
Of the eighteenth century and the early years
OF the nineteenth we're discreditable to the
United States. II seems impossible now that
the Government at Washington year fter
year should have sent ships across the Allan
tic bearing tribute TO the hnlf-savaRe Barbary
chiefs; but this Is what was done as the price
OF the exemption OF American merchantmen
from piracy. IN accordance with treaties duly
drawn; and not only by the United States.
out Dy European bUhJes as well. Inc DeyS Ol
Tunis. Algiers and Tripoli received each year
their gifts as a right, and continually made
new demands. which, though not always salts
fed. were never resented.
It was during this period that William
Eaton. a resident OF Brlmfleld. Mass, was APP
pointed United States Consul at Tunis. Eaton
had been q Captain In the army, and at the
time Of his appointment. in 1893. he was "a
years old. He was fearless. irascible, and out
H. --I L. o~1nnH 80 hA,A hAa~ AhA A.nk
American representative in those regions who
recognized fully the humillating part his coun-
try had played.
IF further concessions are to be made
here" he wrote to Secretary Madison. Il de-
sire l NAV not be the medium through whom
they shall be presented" When he was told
by the Bey's Minister that peace depended on
compliance with the demands. IF So" said he.
ION me be the responsibility OF breaking the
peace. I wish you a good morning"
The ruler OF Tripoli at this time was Joseph
Caramalli, a usurper who had driven his elder
brother. Hamet, into exile a few years be-
fore and. seized the throne. retaining as
hostages the wife and children Of the legit-
innate Bashaw. or the character of these two
brothers little Is told. Joseph was the typ
ical chief Of q pirate State. Hamet seems to
have been q milder and less offensive person.
We know only that he marched 800 miles
across the desert with Eaton. that he fought
by Eaton's side in storming the town OF
Derne. and that he was trusting enough to
put his faith in American promises.
In 1900 Joseph manifested a disposition to
war with the United States. He thought that
he was not treated with the consideration
which he deserved. complained because a
larger sum was paid to Tunis than to him.
and because a frigate was given to Algiers
while he received none. When the President
tried to paoify him witt diplomatic profess
sions Of friendship and esteem he replied:
I'VE could wish that: these your expressions
were followed by deeds and not by empty
words. You will. therefore. endeavor to salts
q as by a good manner of'proceeding. " !" B"
We beg a speedy answer without neglect OF
time. as a delay on your part cannot but be
prejudioial to your interest"
As no fitting response was made to this de-
mand. the Bashaw informed the American
Consul. Mr.. Cathcart, that he would wait six
months for a present In money. and that II 1t
did not arrive within that time he should for
mally declare war against the United States.
Tit money was not forthcoming. and on May
IA. 1901. the flag Of the American Consulate
was cut down and war was declared.
So low had the spirit OF the Administration
10 Washington sunk that the steps taken in
response to these insults were not by way Of
u oSASiJ "A'A - W ~
ating the angry Bashaw and restoring peace.
Before war was declared by the Bashaw a
feet was sent across the Atlantic under Capt.
Dale. His instructions directed him to pro-
coed to Gibraltar. where he could ascertain
the state Of things among the Barbary States.
all OF which had shown signs Of discomfort.
II he found on his arrival that any power had
declared war he was to act against 1t under
certain restrictions" Otherwise he was to
no IN Al0iera Tunia and TrinOli In auonaaaion
to deliver presents and:make promises at each
place with a view to maintaining peace. So
fearful was Jefferson OF taking aggressive ac-
ton not warranted by the Constitution that.
when the Enterprise captured a Tripolitan
shin. the capture was handed back to the
enemy.
While the Government Mt Washington was
thus striving to maintain peace. its repre-
sentatives at Tripoli and Tunis had con-
ceiyed a plan for the punishment OF the inso-
lent Bashaw after :manner Of their own.
Mr.. Cathcart. the Consul at Tripoli. wrote to
Capt. Eaton suggesting that Hamet, then In
exile at Tunis, night be used as an instru-
ment In tho hands of the United States to
chastise the usurper by re-establishing on
the throne the rightful ruler. who would nat
urally be inclined to effect a permanent peace
with the United States. Eaton needed only
the hint. He entered into correspondence
with Hamet. found him agreeable to his pro-
posal. and received assurances which left
hardly o doubt OF success. II the affair were
properly managed. The Government at
Washington was kept fully informed of the
enterprise. Cathcart. who took up his resi-
dence In Leghorn after the declaration of war.
submitted the proposition to the Secretary OF
State In the following letter. bearing date Of
July 2. 1901:
Il not only contem plate obtaining a per-
manent and honorable peace. but likewise the
dethroning OF the present Bashaw and effect
ing q revolution In favor of his brother.
Hamet. who Is at Tunis. and thereby insure
the United States the gratitude OF him and
his successors. for so long as Joseph the
Bashaw lives our commerce will not be Sc
euro.
IT have requested Mr.. Eaton TO endeavor to
ascertain how far said Hamet would be will