The Washington herald., 1908-04-19

Rome, April 1s.-The government is
sued two official eommuniques to-day.
The first denies the report that Ger
many has raised obstacles to Italy's
peaceful rtcetration of Tripon
The scc3nd announces that three
naval divisions are about to sail for
the Levant to assist in the Inaugural
tion of Italian post-ofhces. 1t is added
that when they arrive, Italy viii ad-
dress note to the powers which will
be followed by an ultimatum TO Tur-
key. based on the recent murder at
Derna Of an Italian priest, for which
Turkey has hitherto refused TO give
satisfaction.
It viii be recalled that the existence of
foreign post-ofhces has for a long time
been a sore point with the Turks, who
claim that they are now perfectly able
to conduct their own postal administra-
ton Independently
The porte recently refused Italy's pro-
posal TO open new offices at CONSTANT
nople Smyrna, Jerusalem, and salonica,
but agreed to tolerate those existing prior
to 1904 This Is what stirred Italy to the
present action.
The priest who was murdered was
Father Giustino Pacini. He was killed in
March Of this year. Tn eItalian consular
judge at Constantinople started fer
Dena on april + to investigate the az
fair. The Turkish and Italian versions
are different.
The squadron viii comprise twelve bat
tie ships, including the Regina Elena,
which is commanded by the Duke of the
Abruzzi Il concentrated to-day at Gaeta
and viii sail tomorrow. probably for
Smyrna
Admiral Grenet. who commands the
squadron, conferred to-day with the min
isteTs Of marine and foreign affairs II is
expected that the mere presence of this
fleet in Turkish waters viii induce Tur-
key TO make a settlement.
Long Sought Post-offices.
\ semi-ofRciaI note describes how for a
long time past Italians residing in several
towns in Turkey have been endeavoring
to secure the opening of italian post
Offices. Sig. Tittoni, the Italian minister
Of foreign affdirs. decided to open post
Offices at Constantinople. Salonica, Aylo-
ma, Smyrna, and Jerusalem. and at the
end Of March the Italian ambassador in /
formed the Porte of Italy intention 10
open these Offices.
The Sultan had been aware of Italys
intention in this respect for several years.
On March 80 the Porte replied that the
opening of these Offices would not be
allowed. The Italian ambassador sent
another note 20 the Porte on April 9. in |
which he indicated that Italy's rights |
were incontestable as they We're based !
on the most favored treatment clause |
I'm the treaty between the two countries |
and furthem. denying the existence of |
any understanding to the contrary which /
the Porte contended there was.
On April "A. the Porte replied. declar- |
ing peremptorily. that categorical orders |
had been given to prevent the opening of |
the Offices. The marquis imperial the /
Italian ambassador. also received official 1
to the effect that these orders /
in directing that armed guards /
be placed before the pOst-Ofices, in order 1
to prevent, by force, the public from /
entering them.
WIFI Demand Rights.
The note continues: In view of this /
grave and unjustifable provocation. the /
italian government has decided TO ener-
getically stand upon its dignity and its
rights by dispatching three naval divi-
sions to Turkish waters with orders to
hold themselves in readiness for any
eventuality.
Immediately on the arrival of the
Italian war ships in Turkish waters. the
government will address simultaneously
a note to the powers and note to the
porte, which win call attention to the
Of our rights and International
treaties by Turkey not only with regard
to post-ofices, but also with other mat
ters in which the porte has acted in a
and violent manner to the
of rights.
Italy Has sympathy.
Some evening papers print reports in
sinuating that Germany was acting in a
manner nkeiy 10 preJudlce Italian inter- /
asts in Tripoli. These reports are semi
denied. Italy and Germany. it
S said, are in as complete agreement re-
gardlng Tripoli as they are in regard to
The Balkan railways. This understand
ng, it is added, existed before Chancellor
Eon Buelows recent visit to Rome, and
which confirmed at conferences between
-tathe German Chancellor and Sgnor
Littoni Italian Foreign Minister.
The trouble is regarded as the culmina-
ion Of several troubles. including the
situation of the Balkans. Italy has the
entire sympathy Of Great Britain in the
natter.
After Admiral Grenets conference with
he ministers, orders were Immediately
ssued for the preparation of a reserve
squadron