New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-11-19
DANIELS WARNS
COMMANDER OF
THE TENNESSEE
Cables Him TO Take No
Action That Might En-
barraSS Nation.
PRESIDENT IS FIRM
AGAINST WAR IDEA
Washington Is Amazed at
Turks Act, but Thinks
Diplomacy Adequate.

'O E'N'f pht niiiho
Diplomacy Adequate.
Washington. Nov 1s.-The United
States government has directed AM
bassador Henry Morgenthau, at Con-
stantinople, TO ask the Ottoman gov
eminent for an explanation of the fr-
ing by Turkish land forces at a launch
from the American armored cruiser
Tennessee proceeding from Vourlah 70
the American Consulate at Smyrna,
Asia Minor.
Secretary Daniels. with the approval
Of President Wilson, simultaneously
cabled the commanders of the Tennes-
see and the North Carolina, also in the
Mediterranean, 70 take no action which
might embarrass the American govern
ment, and to await specific instructions
from Washington concerning the gem
era situation.
These steps followed the receipt %
a message from Captain Benton c.
Decker, commander of the Tennessee,
which was paraphrased in this state
ment from the Navy Department:
Captain B. C. Decker in command OF
the Tennessee, wired Secretary Daniels
this morning that while proceeding
from Vourlah TO Smyrna to make Of
fetal calls his boat was fired upon.
Consul anxious for safety Of consul
late. The Tennessee proceeded 70 and
left VCurlah at request OF ambassador,
and is now anchored in the harbor oc
Scio (Chios), Greece, from which Cap
tain Decker's telegram was sent. Sec
retary Daniels wired for fuller infor-
nation"
Think Turkey Will Apologize.
Although without definite details az
to just what occurred, high officials Of
the Washington government had no
doubt that the incident. no matter
where the responsibility lay, would be
promptly adjusted through diplomatic
channels. President Wilson is de-
termined that under no circumstances
shall the United States be involved IN
war with Turkey. If the Turkish Of
icers acted without authority Of the
Ottoman government and the firing
was not justified by naval procedure
in a closed port, it is confidently be
lieved here that the Ottoman govern
ment will render apology.
On account of the slow cable COM
munication from Constantiople through
the only available route-Bulgaria,
Rumania, Austria and Italy-no mes
sage concerning the incident came
from Ambassador Morgenthau, his last
dispatches dated November Il, only ar
irving to-day. They were Of a routine
character.
With the navys message as the only
basis for judgment, President Wilson
and administration officials we're con-
siderably puzzled over the affair. The
President telephoned Secretary Daniels
severel times during the day and also
discussed the situation with Acting
Secretary Lansing. Two suggestions
were vouchsaied by high officials, al
though they admitted that their views
were purely speculative. The firing, they
though, probably was friendly act
GIVING the customary warning by a
single shot signifying TO the Tennes-
sees launch that the port Of Smyrna
was mined and closed, or else the boat
was turned back because - attempted
TO enter without previous arrange
ments having been made with the
Turkish authorities.
Not a Hostile Act.