The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-09-30
The Washington View

Vv0oAAAAs6SOAs
Washington. Sept. 3O-The declara-
coming as 1t did with practically no
notice created a great sensation here.
The state department had felt rea-
sonably confident that the other sig
natories to the Berlin which liked the
status of Turkey, would be able TO
bring combined pressure to besr on
Italy to divert her from her purpose
to seize Trlpoli. The only conclusion
that could be drawn from late devel-
opments was that what has happened
is only natural sequence Of the
Franco German Morocco negotiations,
and that all along it has been UNDER
stood tacitly that Italy would be Civ
en- a free hand to deal with Tripoli
in return for refraining from inter-
vening in the Moroccan dispute, al
though her interests in that country
are important as any of the nations
of the northern Europe.
Indications are that America will
be kept clear of the present struggle
sible. It is asserted at the state de-
partment that the United States has
no present interest in that part Of the
world 1t Is admitted, however, that
in view Of the highly advanced posi-
ton America has taken in advocacy
of the peaceful settlement of interna-
tional disputes, the government can
only look with regret on this resort
to war.
Late yesterday afternoon the state
department received an appeal from
Oscar s. Strauss. formerly American
ambassador to Turkey to intervene be-
tween Italy and Turkey.
Mr.. Strauss application was based
~ hn Goo
Vention which both Italy and Turkey
were signatories. This article fol-
lows:
Independently of this recourse, the
signatory powers recommend that one
or more powers. strangers to the dis
pute, should on their own initiative.
and as far as circumstances may al
low, offer their good offices for me-
diation to the states at variance.
"The powers. strangers to the dis
pute. have the right to offer good
off1cies or mediation even during the
course of hostilities.
THE exercise of this right can new
er be regarded by one or the other of
the parties in conflict as an unfriendly
act"
No oficial statement could be OBJ
tanned from the officials Of the state
department as to what disposition
would be made of Mr.. Strauss ''sug-
gestion." Extreme caution must
characterize any attempt at mediation,
for Notwithstanding the declaration
that an offer under the article cannot
be regarded as unfriendly, It is a fact
that heretofore, with one exception,
the state department.. has awaited
some intimation from one or both
principals in a dispute that its good
Offices would be welcome. The excep-
tton was in the case of threatened hos
tilities between Peru and Ecuador,
and while the Intervention of the
United States was successful in pre-
venting war. cynically minded persons
have suggested that the ability of
America to demand respectful consid-
Grafton for its propositions had much
to do with the success of the under
taking.
The naval representation of Ameri-
ca in African waters during the pres
ent trouble will be limited to the
scout cruiser Chester and the gun
boat Scorpion. The Chester passed
Gibraltar today bound for. Malta.
where it should arrive by Monday
evening. According to the sailing or
ders, when the vessel left Boston, it
was merely to have touched at Malta
to exchange some sailors with the
some new small boats and hten pro-
ceed to Cyrene. on the coast of Tripoli
to afford protection to the American
archaeological excavating party. 1t is
believed at the navy department how
ever, that the scientists will be oblig-
ed to suspend their operations unless
the Italians are able to make land
ing in force at Cyrene. In either case
the Chester probably will be left free
h1 80
interests in Tripoli.
The Scorpion has been the station
ship at Constantinople but she will be
ordered to remain near Malta for the
present to assist the Chester in safe
guarding American interests. In the
event serious situation should arise
in Constantinoplc. the gunmoat proba-
bly, would return Immediately to her
post and be placed under the orders
of the American ambassad dor.
The declaration of war came with
such suddenness that there has been
no opportunity for the war and navy
to dispatch trained OBJ
from the general staff to re-
port on the incidents of the war. It
was said however. that Instructions
would. be sent to the American mill
tary attaches at Rome and Constan-
tinople to watch developments and
the Scorpion will be expected to do
likewise for the navy. In addition to
these, If hostilities should be. long
drawn out an order will go forward
to Generals w. o. Therapoon and
Major Lassiter and Cap
tain Hanna Of the general staff now
tity. There are $1,000 officers as
observers.
Cabinet Resigns.
Constanfinonle. Sent 30-Tha