Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1909-04-21
MINNESOTA MAN KILLED AT TABIz
Homer Baskerville, Formerly a
Teacher In Presbyterian Mission,
shot while Aiding Revo-
Iutionists.

WASHINGTON. April 1o-To afford
all protection possible to American ciu-
gems and their interests in Turkey, the
administration has decided to dispatch
a special cruiser squadron to that ooun-
try.
This was decided upon by the cabi-
ent today and after It's adjournment an
nouncement OF the intention was made
public. II was explained that this action
was not taken because of any particularly
alarming news that had been received
but simply as precautionary measure. 1t
being deemed wise in the present emer-
gency TO have suitable American naval
representation in or near the disturbed
districts. The moral effect of the pres
ence of American war vessels will be
beneficial. II is pointed out.
The squadron will consist of the ar
mored cruisers North Carolina and Mon
tsna. now at Guantanamo. Cuba. under
command of Captains Marshall and Rey-
nolds, respectively Their immediate OBJ
tective point will be Alexandretta, or the
Mediterranean coast of Turkey which is
In close proximity to Tarsus and Adana
where serious trouble has occurred. From
Alexa andretta the marines on these ves-
sells may be available for any active
work in assisting Americans in trouble
in the surrounding districts. Captain
Marshall, who will be in command Of
the squadron, will report to the Ameri-
can consul at Alexandretta for any serv-
ices that he may be called upon to per
form. The vessels also will be avail
able for dispatch to other places in Turk
ish waters should conditions make their
presence necessary. The vessels will
stop at Gibraltar for instructions. II is
hoped at the State department that the
situation will be well under the control
of the Turkish authorities very soon and
that there will be no necessity for any
demonstration by the naval auth critics.
II was first suggested that the scout
cruiser squadron. made up of the Salem
Birmingham and Chester. be utilized for
this nission. but the fact that the boiIcrs
OF the Birminsham are undergoing repairs
will make its Immediate departure impossi-
BILE.
Requests for Protection.
The principal information coming to the
department today from Ambassador Leish.
man at Constantinople was that there wa,
no Indication OF any premeditated attach
upon foreigners. During the day Secretary
Knox received several requests that tn,
department use it's efforts to see tha
quate protection In the disturbed district
One came from the chairman of the foreign
missions COMMITTEES of the Presbytery o
Westchester county. New York. and an
other from the superintendent of the Ar
meniAn orphanage at Reading. Pa. Th
department already has taken steps to in
sure protection to American missionary an,
other interests.
Although Americans are IN danger il
Turkey there is no Indication of premedi
tated attacks on foreigners according t
state department advices from Ambassado
Leishman. Mr.. Leishman confirms tn
deaths OF two missionaries, Rogers AM
Maurer, killed at Adana while trying I
save the Burning home of a Turkish wo
man. The presence of English. French an
Italian warships, the ambassador says, wi
have salutary effects in the present dis
turbed conditions.
At Constantinople marines from the dif
ferent warships have landed TO guard tn
efabass!es. Unfortunately the America
gunboat Scorpion, the regular station shi
at Constantinople. which went to Italia
ports following the earthquake. is now a
Naples having its boilers fixed.
In the present crisis the ambassador say
the central government is much hampere
by lack OF troops at constantinople.