The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-23
HORNET REPORTED ID HAVE BEEN ARRESTED|
Commander Davis Seizes an
 Armed Vessel
Alleged Rebel Vessel and Places American seamen Aboard.
 Orders Her Away

Washington. January 22.-The report that the Hornet, General Bonillas revolu- tionary gunboat, which has been promot- ing his cause along the coast of Hon tluras, had been boarded by force from the American gunboat Tacoma was con firmed in wireless dispatch received by the navy department today from Com mander Cooper of the United States steamship Marietta. The dispatch merely stated that it had been found necessary to place a force on board in order to detain the Hornet and added that details would he reported later. The state de- partment is anxiously awaiting the de- tails in order to determine it's future course of action.
 The Attorney General is Investigating the question whether the Hornet has vio- lated the neutrality of the United States and pending the result of that inquiry the state department announced the ves- gel would not be permitted to commit actual hostile acts against the govern ment of Honduras
 The actions of Commander Davis of the Tacoma in boarding the Hornet, 1t Is as- sumed here, was based upon an intention of the revolutionists to strike telling blow against the coast of the little re- public.
 The naval officers in Honduran waters were given considerable latitude of dis erection in carrying out their instructions to prevent an assault by the Hornet.
 The Hornet sailed from New Orleans ostensibly for Cape Gracias, on the north eastern coast of Nicaragua. It has not been established where the vessel re- ceived her guns, thus being converted into an instrument of war. After General Bonilla captured Rutan isand.- off the coast of Honduras, he appointed officials for the government of the island. Then. it is said, the Hornet was transferred from her owners to the revoutionists for a consideration of s1 and a mortgage on the vessel The Hornet was immediately transferred from American to Honduras registry and raised the Honduran flag but the Honduran papers were issued by the Bonilla appointees. The validity of these papers is one of the questions which are now being looked into. Officials here generally regard them as irregular. Excitement at New Orleans Ceiba, Honduras, January 2l, via Wire less to New Orleans, January 22.-Great excitement was caused here today when it become known that the United States cruiser Tacoma had arrested" the rev olutionary gunboat Hornet at Truxillo. The Hornet is being detained" on in | structions from Washington because of alleged violation of the neutrality laws It is not known what effect the seizure of the Hornet will have on Gen. Manuel Bonilla's operations. Reports have reached here that for more than week he has been mobilizing troops at Nuva Armenia 2S miles east of here on the coast. preparatory to an attack on this place. Ceiba appears to have more gen. erals, captains and other minor military officers than ordinary soldiers. and the government has experienced consderab ble trouble in securing private soldiers who are loyal. Very durable trenches have been built on the outskirts of Ceiba, and the government officials express conf dence in their ability to defend the town.
 Report Reaches New York
 New York. January PA special from Truxillo, Honduras, via wireless to Key West, says that after two hours of defi- ance from Gen. Manuel bonilla, Com mander Archibald P. Davis of the United States cruiser Tacoma Friday afternoon seized the armed vessel, Hornet, Gen eral Bonilla's chief asset cast the rebel crew ashore. manned her with American gunners and engineers and ordered her out of the inner harbor.
 The Hornets recent movements up and down the coast were taken in the light of threatened hostilities against Hon. duras by, Commander Davis.
 The dispatch says that the Tacoma steamed into port early in the afternoon after a nasty run to Ceiba to see that no disturbances had broke out there Commander Davis immediately sent an officer bearing message to General Be- nilla declaring his intention of talk ing charge of the vessel in accordance with instructions from the Washington government to prevent bombardment of Honduran ports where American property was in peril.
 General Bonilla surlily informed Com mander Davis that the Hornet was his property. that he had purchased the craft for war purposes and intended using her.
 Upon receiving this message Command CT Davisf sent an ultimatum that he al- lowed but two hours for the rebel leader to reconsider. On the expiration of this time General Bonilla had made no effort to comply with the American officers command. His only words were, Its up to you"
 Commander Davis then passed close up to the Hornet guns trained on the lt- tie ship The Hornets commander and General Bonila offered no resistance to boarding party. according to the Her aids dispatch. Her crew was sent ashore in small boats.
 Prince Loses Valet