Evening star., 1914-11-19
SHOT WASFR|END[Y,
DANIELS BELIEVES
No Further Dispatches Re-
ceived Regarding Firing on
Tennessee's Boat.
WILSON is Determined
U. S. SHALL AVOID STRIFE
Porte May Apologize if Turkish Of
ficers Acted Without Authority
of Government.

port to furnish the missing links in the
chain Of incidents connected with the
firing upon the cruiser Tennessee's
launch by the Turkish forts at
Smyrna, nothing had been heard today
from Capt. Decker or from Ambassador
AS nearly week was taken in get
ting the latest message through to the
State Department from the ambassador
at Constinople. little information is
expected from him before Capt. Decker
is heard from. Yesterday he got
his first report Of the incident
within few hours.
Withdrawal Is Urged.
Secretary Daniels said today he would
not decide on whether the North Caro-
lima and Tennessee would remain in
Turkish waters until all Of the facts
were known concerning the firing at
Smyrna. Some naval officers have
urged that the cruisers be withdrawn.
officials believe, however. that mission
ary interests. for which the cruisers
were dispatched to Turkish waters.
might insist the vessels be retained as
a moral force making for the protec-
ton of the American missions and in
terests.
Definite details of the adventure Of
the Tennessee IN the Gulf Of Smyrna
are eagerly awaited by administrator
officials, who remain confident tnat the
affair pi omptly wiz be aa,as,so
Morgenthau had been d.
rected to inquire Of the Turkish gov
ernment why land forces had nred on
the Tennessees launch as Ii steamed
from Vourlah to Smyrna, to investle eaLe
conditions at an American Gonsu-sI Ie'
and the commanders of the Tennessee
and her sister ship. the North Carolina
in nearby waters had instructions 10
make no move that might en- barrass
the Washington government
Wilson Wants No Trouble.
President Wilson was determined that
the United States should not become
involved in trouble with Turkey, and
confidence was expressed that if the
Turkish officers had acted without au-
thority of their government, or the fr-
ing was unjustified by naval procedure,
that the porte would apologize.
Secretary Daniels summed up his
view of the incident by declaring he
believed detailed reports would show
Ine HTiIlS "do liitChoSN NS
friendly warning to prevent the launch
from entering mined waters.
"I believe that when Capt. Decker's
report is. received it will prove that
the firing was a friendly and NOT an
unfriendly act" said the Secretary.
Reports that the waters of Smyrna
harbor are mined indicate that the shots
were fired to warn the vessel against the
danger. of mines, which 1t might have
come in contact with had it entered the
harbor.''
Port Officially Closed.
Another explanation advanced by Mr..
cialIy closed, and that the approach Of the
vessel caused the guns Of the forts to
sound warning to prevent it from tres
passing.
The Tennessee was today at Scio
(Chios), in the Aegean sea, from where
Capt. Decker had wired his brief report.
Owing to slow communication, it was be-
lieved possible a day or two might elapse
before he could cable additional details
and Ambassador Morgenthau report on his
inquiry of the Constantinople government.
Protection and friendship for Amei-
can citizens in Turkey frequently have
been pledged by the porte, but since that
time the United States has assumed
charge of diplomatic interests of the
allies, with whom Turkey now IS at war.
resulting in conditions marked by deli
cate responsibilities.
Activities by some Mohammedan lead
ers caused apprehension on the part of
Americans, as well as French and British
subjects, and that was reported by the
United States consul at Smyrna to Am
bassador Morgenthau.
Would Have Been Justified.
When an investigation of conditions at
the consulate was determined upon the
Tennessee stood off at VCurlah and sent
a launch on the way to Smyrna Under
navy regulations, it was said, Capt. Deck
er would have been justified in attempt
ing to enter the harbor to inquire INTO
affairs at the consulate, regardless OF
whether Smyrna port was closed.
Apparently, however, he did not con-
tinue On his way To Smyrna. but belie.
was expressed that if the consulate had
been in imminent danger the Tennessee
would not have left the vicinity. An out
stand ng effect of the incident, it was .e-
lieved here, would be to impress upon
the Ottoman authorities the anxiety leit
for the safety Of Americans in TURKEY
where conditions have been uncertain or
many months.
Confidence in Decker.
Both the President and Secretary Dam
ieis have absolute confidence in Capt
Decker, the following statement ABOUT
him beng issued today by the Navy De-
partment:
Capt. Benton C. Decker, now COM
mandins the L. S. S. Tennessee, in
turkish waters, is an officer with an
excellent record during his service of
twenty-seven years since graduation
from the Naval Academy. to watch he
was appointed from Illinois in 1885. He
has had considerable experience in
duty similar to that which he is now
performing in Turkish waters. He was
in command of the United States scout
CT uiser Chester during the war between
Italy and Turkey.
Performed Duties Well.
During this war. the Chester spent
time in Tripolitan waters
looking out for the interests of Amer
leans These duties were well per-
formed by Capt Decker. who had SINH
lar duties while in command of the
Chester in Santo DOMINICAN waters