The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1914-11-19
FIRING ON U. S.


With the navy's message as the only
basis for Judgment. President Wilson
and administration oficials were con-
siderably puzzled over the affair.
The President telephoned Secretary
Daniels several times during the day.
and also discussed the situation with
Acting Secretary Lansing. Two sug-
gestions were vouchsafed by high off,
Gals. although they admitted that
their views were purely speculative.
The firing. they thought. probably
was friendly act giving the custom
airy warning by a single shot signifying
10 the Tennessee's launch that the
port of Smyrna was mined and closed.
or else the boat was turned back be-
cause IL attempted to enter without
previous arrangements having been
made with the Turkish authorities.
Omcials OF the government declined
to believe that the firing was an un-
friendly or hostile act Assurances
given by the Porte have repeatedly
pledged protection and the closest
friendship for American citizens.
However. when the American warships
hrst went to Turkey to protect Amer
lean interests and deliver gold for
the relief of missionaries, Turkey was
at peace. Since then the United States
has taken over the diplomatic inter
ests of Great Britain and France. with
whom the Porte is at war-a circum-
stance which is fraught with delicate
responsibilities.
Foreigners Apprehensive.
Efforts on the part OF some Of the
Mohammedan leaders in Turkey to
start a holy war" have made Ameri-
cans as well as British and French
subjects apprehensive. The American
consul at Smyrna reported his fears
to Ambassador Morgenthau. under
whose instructions the two warships
have been moving about in Turkish
waters for the salutary effect their
presence might have on local Turk
ish officials. Twice the Ottoman gov
eminent has given the United States
warning that the port of Smyrna was
mined. and for this reason the Ten
nessee. IL is understood. stood of at
Vourlah, ten miles away, while her
launch started for the shore to inves-
ugate conditions at the consulate.
Regardless OF whether or not
Smyrna is a closed port. under the reg
".
Captain Decker would be justified in
seeking to enter the harbor to ascer-
tain the facts with reference to the
American consulate and its citizens.
That Captain Decker did not persist
in his attempt to enter Smyrna was
indicated by the fact that his message
said he left at the request of the am
bassador, who. II is presumed here.
thought IL advisable to withdraw the
ship until better understanding
could be reached on such points as had
arisen. II Is believed also that IL the
consulate were in grave danger the
Tennessee never would have left for
Grecian waters.
Confidence IN Decker.
Both the president and Secretary
Daniels have absolute confidence in
Captain Decker. the following about
him being issued today by the navy
department.
Captain Benton c. Decker. now
commanding the L. S. S. Tennessee. in
Turkish waters, Is an officer with an
excellent record during his service OF
"a years since graduation from the
naval academy to which he was ap-
pointed from Illinois in 1885. He has
considerable experience in duty sim
iiar 10 that which he is now perform
ing In Turkish waters. He was in
command OF the U. s. scout cruiser
chester during the war between Italy
and Turkey.
During this war the Chester spent
considerable time in Tripolitan
waters looking out for the Interests Of
Americans. These duties were we'll
performed by Captain Decker. who
had similar duties while in command
OF the Chester in San Dominican
waters during a revolution several
years ago"
One eject OF the incident IL is xener-
ally believed in diplomatic circles here
vii De TO emphasize TO the Porte the
-aiety % It's subjects In Turkey. condi-
lions have been uncertain for many
STSr Ar ehen osdors Turkey entered the
sular reports voicing apprehension early
iest summer and asked for a warshir
Ina-much as the Tennessee had been or
dered 20 Europe 20 carry gold the wash
tngton administration took advantage o.
INC coincidence and sent the two relief
gencies.
Peculiar Situation.
ana ana 800 S., sntts,ea the war. Eng
the United States would send warshIps
20 Turkey for the protection Of Christ
own vessels for fear of aEsravat d snS an
already tense situation between the 'Tri-
pie Entente and the Porte.
since the outbreak OF hostilfties some
Turkish officials have Threatened 10 exc
cute three English or French subjects
for every Mussulman killed in lombard
mcnts BY the fleet OF the allies on un-
fortified towns. Americans have feared
that N such threat should be carried
out. on account Of their similarity OF
speech and appearance. they might b
thrown into danger. ~ H. feared IN
some quarters. too. that the Turks may
not appreciate the diplomatic RESPONSE
biliucs resting upon American eonsuis
In caring for British and French sub
jects, and that complications may come