New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-09-30
AMERICA KEEPS CLEAR
Only an Interested Spectator of
War Over Tripoli.
INTERESTS THERE SLIGHT
Oscar S. Straus Asks State De-
partment to Act as Mediator
Under Hague Convention.

Washington. Sept 29-The approach Of
the crisis in the Turksh-Italian situation
was reported 20 the State Department to-
day in official dispatches from Consul Wood
at Tripoli, whose message referred 10 i'm
pending hostilities. In a dispatch filed at
TripoH al p m. he said that the Italian
Consul had informed the consular corps
that his government had made demand
on the Ottoman government, allowing until
o'clock for an answer, which. II un-
favorable. would be followed by hostiities.
Several Turkish and Arabian families. he
added, have taken refuge in the American
consulate, but, although there was much
excitement, the city was quiet
The American scout cruiser Chester. one
Of the fastest ships in the navy, has passed
Gibraltar on her wav 20 Malta where she
Will arrive on October >. The dispatch
boat Scorpion. a small vessel which has
been attached 10 the embassy at Constan-
tinople and has been undergoing repairs
at Trieste. will also sail for Malta. where
IL will arrive about October s. The Ches-
ter left Boston for the Mediterranean about
a week ago by direction Of the State De
partment to stand by in case Of further
attacks on the American exploring eXpedi-
ton. a mem Der Of which. named De Cou.
was killed by tribesmen.
Beyond this demonstration the United
States has little or no direct interest in
Tripon, and neither at the State Depart
rArt nor the Navy Department was it
deemed necessary 10 take further precau-
tiors for the protection OF American in
terests in the present condition Of affairs.
Commerce with TripoH is so slight that it's
loss would not be felt
Mr.. Straus Makes An Appeal.
Late this afternoon the State Depart
ment received an appeal from Oscar 5.
Straus. formerly American Ambassador to
Turkey to intervene between Italy and
Turkey Mr. Strauss application was
based on Article III Of the Hague Conyen-
ton, Of which Italy and Turkey are sigma
tories. This article follows:
independently of this recourse, the sig
natOI'v powers recommend that one or more
powers. strangers TO the dispute, should, on
their own initiative and as Tar as CirCUm-
stances may allow, offer their good offices
or mediation to the states at variance.
Powers, strangers to the dispute, have the
fight 10 offer good Offices or mediation,
even during the course of hOsuIities. The
exercise of this right can never be regard ed
DN one or the O1NfI or me parties III con-
tnCt an unfriendly act.
Mr. Strauss letter follows:
The approaching clash Of arms between
Italy and Turkey far tranSCends the inter-
eStS OF the TWO powers involved. The con
/ sequences Of ltaly's pr plate action can
not but have the mos riouS results as a
precedent for similar d asslOns by other
powers
The United states took the lead in free
ing the Mediterranean from the Barbary
pirates, and likewise has contributed fore
most among the nations IN the conclusion
of the convention for the pdclnc settlement
OF international disputes. our country Is
not only justified but IL is its duty 70 eNer-
else its right under that convention % pre-
serve the preCedents for peace and prevent
| a possible state of war between the Ma
hometan and Christian nations OF the
world.
We are fortunately free from alliances
such as apparently tie the hands OF Euro
pean powers who shall, and probably VIII.
welcome our exercising the right Of media
tiOn which the dictates OF humanity I'M
nose upon US as a people and as nation,
and which the terms Of The Hague con
vention give us the international mandate
10 exercise.
7 am sure I am voicing the peace-loving
sentiments not only of Americans hut ~
all nations I'm calling upon our govern
ment promptly 10 offer It's Office or media
ton. which is our right and which the CON
vention expressly provides shall not he TO
! garded as an unfriendlv act.
No official statement could be obtained
/ from the officials Of the State Department
as 10 what disposition would he made Of
| Mr.. Strauss suggestion. Extreme caution
must characterize any attempt AT media
| ton. for Notwithstanding the declaration Of
Article III that an offer under this article
cannot he regarded as unfriendly II is a
/ fact that heretofore. with one exception,
/ the state Department has awaited some IN
tination from one or both principals III a
/ dispute that its good Offices would be vel
I come The exception was IN the case OF
| threatened hOstilities between Peru anc
Ecuador. and while the Intervention or the
/ United States was successful IN preventing
! the ability Of America 20 demand respect.
| ful consideration for its propositions had
much 10 do with the success OF that under
taking.