Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1908-04-20
Privilege of Postofiees Enjoyed by
Other Powers is Desired.
OTHER CAUSES OF COMPLAINT
lntimation Italian Subjects in Tripoli
Are Mistreated
SURPRISE AT RUSSIAN CAPITAL
OmciaI Circles SHOW Interest and
Opinion Expressed IL IL Opening
for Greater Pressure ON
the Turk.

ROME, April IAN Italian squadron,
under command of Admiral F. Grenet. will
set out tomorrow for the purpose OF making
demonstration in Turkish waters The
squadron comprises eleven warships and
( includes the bettleship Regina Elena, COM
manded by the duke of tho Ahruzzi Alto
gether the vessels viii carry 5,os5 men and
their objective point will he Asia Minor.
some 200 miles away. 1t has been decided
II It is deemed necessary. also to occupy
a small island off that coast. but Il is
hoped here that Turkey may see the error
of its way and give fun satisfaction, so
that more energetic measures may be
avoided.
The difficulty between the two nations
arises out Of the refusal of the Turkish
government to permit the installation Of
Italian postoffices in Turkish territory,
while at the same time other nations have
| established and are conducting postofflces
there without interference
Considerable irritation has been felt here
over the murder Of an Italian missionary
IN Tripoli and the persecution by the Otto
man authorities of natives who have sold
land to Italians, but the present action Of
the Italian government is based primarily
on the postoffice question. with regard to
{
Rome has pointed out irs an Interview that
his governmenf\h has in no instance granted
to the countries in question such a privilege,
although it has tolerated the postoffices
which they have maintained.
For years It has been felt in government
circles in Rome that Turkey has been
taking advantage of the international situa-
ton to act in high-handed manner toward
Italians, showing but little respect for
Italian rights. This government II il stated.
has been induIgcrt. not wishing to cause
complications which might endanger the
| accord Of the powers with regard to the
Ottoman or the Balkan problems
Climax Of TrouhAe.
In addition, there has been much opposi-
tion on the part Of Turkey TO all peaceful
Italian initiative in Tripol and matters
reached climax when Italy asked for per-
mission 10 open postoffices in Turkish terri
tory, where other powers already were
established, and met with what is con-
sidered by the administration here unjusti-
fable refusal for besides being an acquired
right, Italy considers that it is entitled TO
claim it according to treaty between the
two countries granting 1t the privileges OF
the most favored nation.
Apparently Turkey came to the con-
clusion that the Italian government would
never resort to extreme measures in view
Of the fact that the Macedonian problem
Is pending, for the settlement of which
the accord of the powers is Indispensable
and II went so far as to order detachments
OF troops TO guard the italian postoffices
and thus prevent the work from being
carried on.
To this provocation the Italian admins
tration felt that it could only reply with
coersive measures in order to protect the
dignity of Italy and safeguard its rights.
In issuing orders for demonstration OF
Italian warships in Turkish waters, Italy
desired clearly to show that II did not
wish to take advantage OF the situation
for the purpose Of occupying any territory.
The demonstration will not occur off Trim
oil nor is II intended 70 influence the
Balkan problems by directing the fleet
towards Albania or Macedonia The squad
ron will go direct to Asia Minor
Great satisfaction is felt here ana "a a.
stated that all the powers have approved
Italy's decision to take recourse to force.
If necessary, to protect It's interests. which
is an indication that they believe that italy
has DO intention Of permanent territorial
occupation
Surprised Mt st. PetersburR.
ST. PETERSBURG. April i9-The Itai-
ian naval demonstration against Turkey.
which was announced here last night. came
as a complete surprise to the Russian
government officials and to the members
Of the diplomatic corps. as Il hak not
been preceded by any intimaton OF the
existence of a dispute between Turkey
and Italy. The various diplomats and
the Russian government officials heard the
news with great show OF interest. the
concensus OF opinion being that this ae-
ton on the part OF Italy is OF great slg-
niflcance, occurring II does just at the
time that the sultan's best friend. Emperor
William Of Germany, Is visiting in the Med
iterranean. The opinion Is expressed here