The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-11-20
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS.


Washington, Nov. 19.-The Ameri-
can government tonight had heard
nothing from Turkey shedding light
on the firing by Turkish land forces
upon the cruiser Tennessee's launch.
The European war has virtually para
wed cable communication TO Asia
Minor and such messages as get
Trough come by roundabout routes
nd are five days late.
II there is continued delay in the
ews OF. the incident, it is probable
the government will ask the British
ldmira1ty for the courtesy Of it's wire
ess in the Mediterranean to reach the
american ships.
The president and cabinet assume
the shots fired were a friendly warn
|ug, giving the customary notice that
Ehe port was mined and closed. In
no quarter here is the incident re-
Earded as serious.
Definite details OF the adventure Of
he cruiser Tennessee in the gulf CT
Smyrna are eagerly awaited by ad-
Eministration officials who remained
confident that the affair promptly
would be adjusted through channels
Ff diplomacy. Amba ssador Morgen-
hau had been directed to inquire of
he Turkish government why land
Forces had fired on the Tennessee's
launch as it steamed from Vourlah to
Smyrna, to investigate conditions at
IAN American consulate and the. COM
manders of the Tennessee and 1er
Fster ship North Carolina in nearby
waters had instructions to make no
move that might embarass the Wash
ington government.
FEAR BECOMING INVOLVED.
President Wilson was determined
that the United States should not be-
come involved in trouble with Turkey, |
and confidence was expressed that il |
the Turkish officers had acted with |
out authority of their government or I
The firing was unjustified by naval |
procedure that the porte would apollo |
size.
Secretary Daniels summed up his view |
Of the incident by declaring he be-
ieved detailed reports would show
hat the firing was intended as q
friendly warning to prevent the launch |
rom entering mined waters.
The Tennessee was today at Scio |
,Chios) in the Aegean sea. Owing to
low communication 1t was believed
}ossible a day or two might elapse
'efore Captain Decker could cable ad-
iitional details.
Protection and friendship for Amer
can citizens in Turkey frequently
ave been pledged by the porte. but
55nce that time the United States has
charge OF diplomatic inter-
asts of the allies with whom Turkey
now is at war, resulting in conditions |
marked by delicate responsibilities.
As nearly a week was taken in get |
ting the last message through to the |
state department from the ambassa- |
For at Constantinople, little is expected |
rom him before Captain Decker is |
beard from. Yesterday Captain Deck |
r succeeded in getting through his |
a'st report of the incident within a |
eE hours.
MAY WITHDRAW SHIPS.
Secretary Daniels said today he /
sould not decide on whether the North
ssFolna and Tennessee would remain
A Turkish waters, until all Of The
sS were known concerning the fir
at SAurna. Some naval Officers
urged that the cruisers be with
sFn Officials believe, however. that
slonary interests for which the
users We're despatched to Turkish
sfs' might insist that they be re-
su as a moral force making for
protection of the American mis- s
! and interests. II