The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-05-16
THE DEPARTING RUSSIAN FLEET.

AT nine o'clock this morning tho pilot will go on
board the Russian flagship Svetlana, and before ten
shc will steam down the North River into the bay and
out ~ sea- followed by the corvetes Askold and Boga
yr. b. Nicholas Shiskin, the Russian h mister; Con.
sui General Bodisco, and Captain NazmoG OF the
Crsysscr, will accompany the departing feet the
svcslana tar the lower bay, and return to the
city in q tug.
n. Nicholas shisxin the Russian Minister; Admiral
Known, OF the Russian navy, aud Consul General
Bodisco brenkasted yesterday morning with Admiral
Boutakon and Captain His Imperial Hgnness the
Grand Duke Alexis on board the Svet!ana Tho Grand
Duke Alexis went shore ut o'clock, and passed
the afternoon and evcningin the city. His Imperial
Highncss the Grand Duke Constantine was also ON
shore during the day.
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE
A large quantity Of ward room stores we're taken
on board the svetaua yesterday morning, and pack
ages constantly arriving at tho shore olhce Tor
the officers Of tho feet Everything In the prepsra.
lions being made seems 10 point 10 an extended
cruise, though At the end Of coupe of weeks the
three vessels may up this or another American
port
sPEcuLATIoNs IN WASHINGTON ON THE DEs-
TINATIoN OF TIE FLEET-THE QUESTION OF
coNTRADASD GOODS.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 1877
Nothing Ia known hero as to the destination OF the
Russian fleet, now preparing to sail from New York
harbor, and there are speculaons only IN regard
thoreto. Tho opinion has ucen expressed that II is
the intention OF these vessels to intercept on the
ocean all vessels suspected Of having arms mum.
tons OF war for Turkey board; but Old naval
officers, who have had years OF experience In CON-
mand OF men.ofwar, declare that Russia win not at
tempt to search any vessel ut sea bearing the American
flag as such an would be regarded unircndly 10
the government OF the United States
THE LAW or rnE CASE
The late Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgrcn, his work
on maritime international law, quotes from Wheaton
to the effect that ifa cargo destined carried
through blockade be captured ut any stage OF
the voyage; and further from ortoian, that neutral
is not obliged to prevent us citizens from
conveying conraband only not TO protect them. II is
therefore asserted that Russian vessels not pre-
vented by International law from boarding ANY vessel
ut sea suspected OF carrying arms 10 tho Turks; but
that If vessel be boarded and such arms are found
on board she ust be taken port for adjudication
by Court of Admiralty.
THE PRESENT PRACTICE
BY the present practice OF nations II the neutral
has done more inan carry for another goods which
are IN law contraband the only penalty upon him 10
tho loss OF his rosht, time and expenses therefore as
the oceuPy tue pos'Nion VI HcutIa any
vessel bearing the flag and having on board
arms for Turkey would lose only tho cargo and the
vessel would be released A neutral government being
compelled protect any Of its ctizcns engaged in
conveying contraband OF war We could interfere
their behalf Our treaties with Great Britain stipuate
as what shall be regarded contraband OF war, and
lengthy list OF such articles Is mentioned. With Rus
STA, Austria, Italy, Denmark Portugal Belgium, Hansc
Towns and Turkey, no contraband is defined With
France, Prussia, Span, Holland and Sweden, We arc
bound TO the most limited con,raband