New-York tribune., 1901-11-01
FRENCH FLEET RETURNS.
BELIEF THAT TURKEY HAS YIELDED
TO SHOW OF FORCE.
ADMIRAL cAILLARD's SQUADRON BACK AT
TOULON-THE INTENTION WAS TO
SEIZE THE SMYRNA CUSTOMS

SEIZE THE SMYRNA CUSTOMS.
Paris Oct. 31-Late tonight the following
dispatch was received from Touion:
The complete Mediterranean Squadron re.
turned to Toulon this evening and anchoreo
In the roadStead.
This would include Admiral Caillard's division
whose departure has thus been either counter
manded postponed. II the dispatch be cor
rect, Ii would imply that the government mas
received news from Constantinople since morn
ing which has not yet been divulsed and which
has induced change OF plan.
1t was reported that Admiral Caillard had
been ordered TO cruise within reach OF us
patch boat to-day for possible further instruc-
tons and it is significant that the torpedo BOAT
destroyer Hallebarde left Toulon at full speed
this afternoon. to rejoin the squadron
The Marseilles correspondent of the MAIN
SAYS the return was due to the fact that the
squadron was supplied with only two days ra-
tions.
The decision to make naval demonstration
against Turkey taken at q meeting OF the
Cabinet on Tuesday, at which NJ. Delcasse' the
Minister of Foreign Affairs explained the eui-
tan's p-ocrastnation regarding the French de-
mands.
Admiral Caiard's squadron consists OF the
armored cruisers Amiral Pothuau. Chanzy ana
La
Chayla and Cassard, and the third class cruiser
Galilee The crews aggregate 2,2S6 men, ou'
the vessels will also carry landing parties
The newspapers approve the governments de-
cision The journal des Debats' says:
Every one at Constantnople and the other
capitals must be aware that France and Russia
completely in accord on this matter uhuei
these circumstances it is difficult to believe that
the Ottoman Government will not come TO lts
and, recognizing its error before II is 700
late, relieve us of the necessity OF using other
means than those of diplomacy and courteous
discussion.
La Liberte" remarks that the fact that Ad
miral Caillard has embarked two thousand ma
rfnes is a warning to the Porte that France VIII
not stop before a slight show of resistance. but
will go TO the end even though war should
ensue.
a Foreign Office official here said
The squadron sailed with sealed orders, and
proceeds first TO a Greek port, the island or
syria. | think. where the admiral will receive
definite instructions to carrying out MS
sealed orders. / not at liberty 10 say "ha'
the sealed orders are but the seizure or the
customs Smyrna would probably be very
effective way of convincing the sultan that
Frances patience Is exhausted and that we
have decided to enforce an immediate execution
Of the Turkish Governments engagements =.
however, are very hopeful that the Sultan VII!
not compel us 70 go TO that extreme.
Our squadron vii not reach tne nreeK poss
thus still three days grace, and we trust in the
mean time to receive complete satisfaction we
have acted very CONSIDERABLY toward Turkey.
hoping up TO the last moment that she would
carry out her engagements. and s. !s only now.
when Ind that there Is no serious Indication
of her doing so. that have reluctantly re-
solved to put stronger pressure 10 bear in the
shape OF naval demonstration. It is now two
months since the French Ambassador. NJ. Con
stans left Constantinope. His departure failed
10 produce the desired effect On the contrary,
even the Quays and Tublni questions which were
settled by the Sultans trades. remain unsa tisfed
The internal situation in the Turkish Empire de-
TERED for time from taking drastic
measures to enforce demands. But the dig
nifty of France could not permit the present
state of affairs 10 be prolonged indefinitely. We
sincerely hope the Sultan will fully appreciate
.he fact that cannot any longer be trified
with, and relieve Of taking further steps 70
safeguard interests.
The official asked what would happen In
the event of the French squadron being ordered
to seize the customs and If the Turkish author
tiles resisted. and he replied;
That Is very unlikely contingency But II II
occurred. / suppose shall have TO lombard
the port. But do not want bloodshed. ana
do not believe there will be any occasion for II
10