Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-08

to the nature Of his interview with Secre-
tary Hay. There appeared to be an I'M
preston in the minds of the Turkish states
man that the President of the United States
could not make war without the consent OF
Congress, and that he was thereby estopped
from indulging in an unfriendly naval dem
onstration In order to forward his purpose
to secure fair treatment for the Americans
in Turkey.
After his interview with Secretary Hay
Chekib Bey hurriedly left the State Depart
ment, evidently in a state of surprise at
what he had heard To~repeated inquiries
he admitted that he had heard nothing
from his government on the subject and
that the only information he had received
prior to his interview with the Secretary
was what he had seen in the papers. The
minister was naturally unwilling to discuss
the character of the dispatch which he ex-
poets to send to his government. He had
been planning to go away for brief rest,
but said that he might be detained here
now by eventualities.
Course Of Action Of Squadron.
Just what course Of action will be follow
ed by the United States subsequent to the
arrival of the European squadron at
Smyrna cannot be learned at the State
Department, but 1t is probable that in
structions will be sent to United States
Minister Leishman to make a final appeal
to the SULTAN for immediate and favorable
consideration of the American demands
presented to him in personal audience by
the minister last Wednesday. If this final
diplomatic move fails of satisfactory re-
suits it is practically certain that some
decisive action will be taken.
the utmost caution and discretion In deal
ing with the Turkish situation, and 1t is
improbable that he will lombard or seize
| Turkish port or adopt even less extreme
measures without the fullest advices from
the State Department. The situation Is
considered to be extremely grave, however.
and sensational developments may be ex
pected in the near future, unless the contro-
versy takes an unexpected and extremely
favorable turn before the arrival of the
fleet at Smyrna.
1t would be going too far at this time to
predict that there will be any actual fight
ing. but officials of the government say
that this is within the probabilities. A naval
demonstration by one power against an
other is always a serious affair, and one
likely to lead to blows if neither rower is
willing to recede from it's position.
Such is the situation at this time The
United States has taken the most positive
stand it ever has against the Turkish gov
eminent, and it is fully intended that now
the porte shall be made to realize that
more than promises must be given that in
the future there will be ample protection
for all Americans residing in Turkish pos
sessions.
State Department Officials Reticent.
State Department officials are extremely
reticent in discussing any possible compll-
cations between the United States and
Great Britain, Germany, Russia and Aus
tria, growing out of the Turkish situation
Each of these countries is vitally interest
ed In maintaining the integrity of Turkey,
and 1t Is thought in some quarters that the
United States will not be allowed to use
force without hearing from one or some of
these governments
1t is generally assumed that If the pend
ing diplomatic negotiations fail, despite the
pacific presence of American warships, that
United States Minister Leishman would be
recalled and diplomatic and consular rela-
tons severed before actual force would be
resorted to by the United States com
n.ander.