New-York tribune., 1878-05-16
LOOKING FOR CRUISERS.

RUNORED PURCHASES OF STEAMERS.
TUE NEW STEAMER STATE or CAIIFORNIA REPORTED
10 HAVE BEEN BoUGHT-MovEMENrs OF THE
RUSSIAN OFFICIALS.
The dispatch from Philadelphia yesterday
that the new steamship state OF California, which Is to
be launched from Cramp Il sons shipyard at konsng-
ton to-day, was sold 10 Russian agents caused much
comment In shipping circles. No confirmation OF the
sale could bc obtained, but 1t was generally believed
that negotiations for the purchase had taken place,
and a; the contract about to BE- closed Nathaniel
Mckay the welLknOwn ship builder, has been the at
tcudant the Russian officers since their arrival In the
city, aud has visited nearly every broker supposed 10
have ship for sale He was seen to 20 INTO the once
Of Cramp sons about yesterday and aIter stay
Of a few moments, TO leave the Office hurnediy ana go
up town. lie stated to a TRIBUNE reporter that the
Russian officers had been furnished list OF the best
steamers here and had inspected them, but had not
found many that we're suitable for their purpose in the
way OF speed He said he knew OF no sale that had
been made yet.
At MIR. Cramps office, both Mr.. Cramp and his agent
Mr. Hall were guarded IN their answers to questions In
regard 10 the reported sale OF their vessel Ihey
acknowledge that Dumbcr OF the joners had been
directed 10 stop work the cabins u fufthcr Ofdcrs
but assigned reason for tins. They did
not know that the vessel had been sOld but
they declared that she was TO be launched
at / o'clock this afternoon. IL was at nrst
stated that the vessel coming TO New-Hork 10 re-
ceye freight the agent here, Mr. Freeman has been
ordered stop engaging freight for her. and 1t was TN
desOOd that what had already been engaged was 10 DC
sent by other vessels to san Francisco. Mr.. Cramp
could say whether not the vessel would come to
Eew-York. IL was stated by a gentleman wen
informed In all shipping movements, that
the vessel had been sold and that the
contract was to be closed and deposit on account OF
the purchase made yesterday. Mr. Cramp ana Mr. Han
started for Philadelphia last evening to attend the
launching The State OF California Ia said to be well
adapted for purpose of cruiser She Is sharp long
and narrow, her model being well arranged for speed
she 325 feet long, 81 feet beam, and 20 feet depth OF
hold.
The Russian officers were very reteent yesterday.
About 10 a. M. CaptainiA Grippenberg aud two other
officers came down stairs in the Everett House with
large roll OF paper said TO be map OF lne coast OF
ew-England, aud entered roOm closing he door De-
hind them Soon after, Captain semetschElh en-
tered the room. whero he remained Tor some
time. When asked whether he had purehased
the steamer State oil California, ne fepueu:
No, not yet" lie gad there was no ufuth
In the epOrt about the steamers Thurlngia ana hnu-
monih To this country with Russian salots VII
liam III. Webb and Nathaniel Mckay botn called on zap
tain Semetschkln In the morning Mr.. WeDn sad thht
he had negotiations with the Russians for the pur
chase of any vessels, but had called as an, Old
acquaintance. Captain semetsehkin returned 10