The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-11-19
Of Firing Of Shots at Capt.
Decker's Launch in Har-
Dor of Smyrna
WILSON APPROVES
SEC. DANIELS ACTION
Step Taken Following Re-
ceipt of Message from Com
mander of the Tennessee

Washington, d. c., Nov. l9.--Althougl
the navy department continued every ef
fcrt to get further report to furnish th'
missing links in the chain of incidents
connected with the firing upon the cruis
er Tennessee's launch by the, Turkish
forts at Smyrna, nothing had been hearc
to-day from Captain Decker or Ambas
sador Morgenthau. As nearly week
was required to get the last message
through from Constantinople little is ex'
pected from Morgenthau before Captain
Decker again reports. Yesterday the
latter got a report through in a few
hours.
Secretary Daniels said to-day he would
not decide on whether the cruisers North
Carolina and Tennessee would remain in
Turkish waters until all the facts are
known concerning the firing at Symrnd.
Some naval officers have urged that the
cruisers be withdrawn.
The United States has directed AM
bassador Morgenthau to ask the Otto
man government for an explanation of
the firing.
Secretary Daniels, with the approval
of President Wilson, simultaneously
cabled the commanders of the Tennessee
and the North Carolina, also in the
Mediterranean, to take no action which
might embarrass the American govern
ment and to await specific instructions
from Washington concerning the general
situation.
These steps followed the receipt of
message from Captain Benton c. Decker,
commander OF the Tennessee, which was
paraphrased in this statement from the
navy department:
Captain B. C. Decker, in command of
the Tennessee, wired Secretary Daniels
this morning that while proceeding from
Nourlah to Smyrna to make official calls
boat was fired upon. Consul anxious for
safety of consulate. Tennessee proceed
ed to and left Vouriah at request of am
bassador and now is anchored in the har-
Dor of Scio (Chiosl, Greece, from which
Captain Decker's telegram was sent. Sec
retary Daniels wired for fuller informa-
ton"
Although without definite details as to
just what occurred, high officials of the
government had no doubt
that the incident, no matter where the
lay, would be promptly
adjusted through diplomatic channels
President Wilson is determined that un-
der no circumstances shall the United
States be involved in war with Turkey.
II the Turkish officers acted without au-
Lhority of the Ottoman government and
.he firing was not justified by naval pro-
,edure in a closed port, it is confidently
believed here that the Ottoman govern
nent will render apology.
On account of the slow cable communi- !
alton from Constantinople no message
the incident came from Am. /
Morgenthau.
With the nayy's message as the only |
lasis for judgment, President Wilson |
md administration officials were consd- |
'rably puzzled over the incident The /
PRESIDENT telephoned Secretary Daniels /
everal times and also discussed the sit
lation with Acting Secretary Lansing.
Two suggestions were vouchsafed by
Ugh officials, although they admitted
hat their views were purely speculative.
The firing, they thought, was friendly
ct, giving the customary warning by a
iugle shot signifying TO the Tennessee's
iunch that the port Of Smyrna was
lined and closed. or else the boat was
urned back because il attempted TO en-
er without previous arrangements hav-
lg been made with the Turkish author. \
les.
Regardless Of whether or not smyrna
a closed port. under the regulations OF
be United States navy, Captain Decker
.ould b. justified in seeking TO enter
he harbor TO ascertain the facts with
sference TO the American consulate and
s citizens. L.
That Captain Decker did not persist
his attempt TO enter smyrna was in.
icated by the fact that his message said
p left AZ the request 81 the ambasss.
8f. who IL is presumed here. thought Il
Bvissble 70 withdraw the shin until
stter understanding could be reached
} such points a. had arisen. Il is b.. .
eyed also that II the consulate were in
ave danger the Tennessee never would
we left for Grecian waters.
One effect of the incident. Il is gen
ally believed in diplomatic circles hsre.
~ b % emphasize 20 ths porte the
lxirtv Of the United STATES for The
fety of its Subjects in Turkey.
BEFORE Turkey entered TIRE war. Eng
na ard Frauee sirrihed their hope that
p Tn.trd States would send uarsiifs S
Turkey Tor the prtsection 81 risr5s-
ans a. they dia not wHnt 30 ssna tissir
m vessels for fear ~ arrravntiur anil
ready teuss Situation ietween tbs :
~ frtrrte and fhr roTfs