The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-05
MARINES AT CoNsTANTINoPLE.


WASHINGTON, Sept. 4-Minister Leish-
man has cabled the State Department that
owing to the disturbed conditions in Con-
etantinople, an additional kavass, or active
force, had been stationed at the American
legation. This action was taken on the
suggestion OF the Turkish government,
which has assured the American minister
that it will every precaution to pro-
tect all foreigners, but has warned the diff
ferent embassies and legations that 1t
would be well to strengthen the force In
eide the buildings. In case necessity de-
velops IL is probable the Turkish govern
ment will be requested to allow the United
from the squadron. which is expected to
arrive at Beirut to-day. Minister Leish-
man has not yet made such request of
this government. The United States has
no authority to send a warship through
the Dardanelles. and would have to have
the consent OF Turkey and also that of
other European powers to do
Minister Leishman, in his cablegram, in
formed the department that a number Of
governments have landed marines in Cen
stantinople for the protection of the en-
bassies. Minister Leishman also stated
that in order TO protect the lives of the oc-
cupants OF the American legation and
American consulate general at Constanti-
nople an additional detective has been
added to the force there. He said he took
this precau.Ion because OF the warning
sent him by the Sultan that an uprising
While the condition existing in Constan-
tinople. as well in other portions of
Turkey, Is extremely unsatisfactory, the
Washington government does not believe
there Is any serious danger ahead. notwith-
standing that the tone of the dispatches
from Minister Leishman show unasiness.
AT the same time the United States will
approve every precaution taken by the
diplomatic corps and our minister for the
safety OF the foreign representatives.
The Porte in advising the foreign embas-
RfeS and LEGATIONS or the taken
Go protect them, added a warming against
Bulgarian bandits who might attempt to
olude the Turkish guards and attack the
foreigners from within.
1t is a matter of some comment that there
are only about 300 marines with the Euro
pean squadron, but these. with the kavasses
Already in the service of the legation and
with the Turkish guards assigned to Min
lister Leishman, will, 1t is believed. prove
sufficient for any emergency likely to
Officiais of the State Department. COM
menting on the item from Paris, saying that
ships of foreign powers would be sent to
Turkish waters, stated that the United
States was now sending ships to Turkish
waters The term Turkish waters" does
not mean Constantinople, they saw and
while the whole eastern portion of the Med
iterranean might be covered with warships
Il was possible that none of them would
force the Dardanelles- After the Crimean
war a treaty was made which has been fol-
lowed by subsequent treaties which pro-
hibits warships from entering the Dar-
and Turkey must have the assent os all
the signatory powers. In 1868 Admiral Far
ragut, with the flagship Franklin, was in
vifed and ascended the Dardanelles and
the powers protested Then IL was de-
terrnined that no vessel of war could enter
the Dardaneies. There is a proviso how
ever. that in case Turkey Is at war wiIr
another power she might admit the ships
OF a friendly power. This IL is said here.
is directed at Russia.
In 1880, Turkey, under the treaty refused
70 allow either the Marblehead or the Ban
croft American warships. TO enter the
Oardanelles. Small ships OF other nations
are allowed In the Bosphorus. which have
been sent through the Dardaneles hut
these are called legation vessels and rated
Of little importance. However. they carry
sailors which may be used for legation
guards at any time. Ii is believed that i'm
case the United States desired to send a
launch or small vessel with a guard for
the American legation. Turkey would have
. right to admit them To the Dardanelles
without consulting and obtaining the per
mission OF the powers.
Chekib Bey. Turkish minister called on
Secretary Hay to-day TO inform him that he