Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-12
has EMPIRE C0RNERED.
Filibustering Vessel Caught by
the MarbIehead
IN PORT OF coRlNTo
VIII Be Seized If She Attempts to Go
Out.
AIDED GUATEMALAN REBELS
Landed Ammunition for Revolution
lists at San Jose-The Itata
Case Recalled.
VIII Be Seized If She Attempts to Go
AIDED GUATEMALAN REBELS

The United States cruiser Marblehead has
the American steamer Empire cornered in
the harbor at Corinto. Nicaragua and the
moment the little American vessel attempts
to leave the Nicaraguan coast 1t Is believed
the warship will seize 1t and bring the offi-
GERS to account fer the part played in as
sisting Guatemalan revolutionists
Both the State and Navy departments
nave been advised OF the presence of the
warship and the steamer in the Nicaraguan
pert The cabinet considered the case
today, and is believed to have decided on
seizing the American ship for its activity in
the Central American revolution.
The Empire sailed from San Francisco for
Central America several weeks ago. and IS
said to have carried more than 100 men
and number of field guns and much am
mun.tion to the Guatemaian revoiutionfsts
at San Jose. After unloading Its cargo at
San Jose the steamer sailed back to Corinto
where It had coa1ed prior to going to Qua
temala.
The Mission Of the Marblehead.
Under instructions from the Navy De-
paftment, the Marblehad sailed Friday
night from Panama to Investigate the actv-
ity Of the Empire. which floats the Amer
lear flag. The Marbiehead was under orders
TO find the Empire. which was at San Jose
at that time, and was believed to be violat-
ing neutrality laws. 1t was at first thought
that the Marblehead would find the Empire
at San Jose but the little steamer COM
pleted Its mission In Guatemala sooner than
was expected and dropped back to Corinto
In time to get into the Nicaraguan port be-
fore the arrival Of the warship at that
point.
1t is charged that the Empire acted for a
short time as sort of navy for the Guate-
maian revolutionists, who are attempting
to overthrow President Cabrera. and ter
rerized the little republic which has hith-
erto always confined its warfare to the land.
Nicaragua may have violated neutrality
py allowing the Empire to coat at Corinto
and sail for San Juan. 1t is alleged that no
attempt was made to conceal the purpose
of the Empire nor the nature of its cargo.
No Chance for the Empire.
The Empire would stand no chance Of es-
Gaping the Marblehead In the opinion of
naval officers The former Is nothing more
than an ocean-going tug Of about ITO tons
displacement, and an estimated top speed
Of about twelve knots. while the Marble
head. of 2,O00-ton displacement. has a rec
ord of eighteen and one-half knots speed,
SO the race would be a short one In case
the Empire attempts to escape.
me case Is believed to be without an ex-
act precedent In our naval history the incl
Gent nearest approaching It being that of
the famous 1tata In that case the Itata
TOOK on supply of arms and munitions of
war In Californian waters and sailed away
with the court officer who had been placed
aboard to prevent the departure OF the
snip. going straight to Chile to aid the rev.
ment-
The United States cruiser Charleston was
sent In pursuit, and there ensued one of the
longest ocean races on record, for the war
snip could not come up with the ffdbuster
until the latter was at anchor in Chilean
waters The American commander. how
ever, did not hesitate to seize the shin.
against the protest of the Chilean rebels.
who afterward succeeded in overturning the
government and conveyed her back to San
Francisco.
The 1tata was afterward released by order
OF the United States courts, which held the
seizure to have been illegal,