New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-20
NEGOTLlTTNG FOR VESSELS.

THE REPORTED PURCHASE OF THE COLUMBUS BY
THE RUssIlNs-THE SAMOAN GOVERNMENT
LOOKING FOR YACHT.
The Russian officers continue to be very
reticent about their movements and plans. Manufac-
turers of arms. shipbuiders and chainmakers have
called on them and generally have been shown imme-
diatey to their rooms The appearance of sew
eral of the officers down town on Saturday after
noon gave rise TO various reports about
Inc purchase of the steamship Columbus and
other vessels. The members Of the firm OF Clyde Co
to which the Columbus belongs, would not admit the
sale of the vessel although they say they willing to
sell the Russians several fastsailng vessels AssOOn
as the Columbus had loaded her cargo at Robinsons
stores in Brooklyn on Saturday afternoon, he.
mander. Captain Reed received orders 10 proceed to
Philadelphia and this led her officers 10 believe that she
had been sold to the Russian Government She sailed In
the evening and said that she will be taken Ia the
shipyard OF William Cramp Sons to have some alteTa-
Il was also reported that Captains Gripeuberg and
Bsdcnhausen the Russian and German commanders of
the Cimbra. had received orders to reOln the vessel
At the agency OF the Hamburg steamship line. the OFF,
cals claimed to know nothing OF Captain Badenh9usens
movements Mr. Riley, the manager OF the Westminster
Hotel. where Captain Grlpenherg is staying,
SAID that that gentleman and his party IN
tended to remain in this city for at least
another week. Captain Semetschhin remained at the
Everett House most OF the day Yesterday, and received
"A few callers The officers at the Westminster attended
services at the Russian Chapel IN the morning. aud In
the afternoon drove out to Central Park.
since the sale of the steamer state OF California. at
Cramp Sons shpyards, Philadelphia, the snipbrokers
and shpOwners been anxious know what the next
move OF the Russians will be- and wondered yesterday
why Cramp AZ sons should be favored The expert and
agent OF Cramp Sons is George W. Hail. who for
merry chief engineer in the United states
Navy In 1864 aud 1865 he was ON Admiral
Gregorys stan, and made the acquaintance Of Admiral
Boutakoff and Captain Nasmof OF the Russian Navy.
This acquaintance grew into friendship, and last sum
mer when the Russian slOOpOi-war Craysser sen
to the United states have her machinery improved
Captain NasimO secured the services OF Mr.. Hall
expert. Mr. Hall made trial trip and an inspec-
ton OF the vessel, aud advised what atera-
tons should be made The Craysser was sent
to Cramp Il Sons, ut Philadelphia, where her
compound engines were entirely rebuilt The vessel in
stead OF making only sig knots under full steam after
ward made 10 knots under three-fOurths power Since
the Russians arrived here although not directly recOg
nized adviser Mr.: Hall has been In communication
with them.
Colonel Seinberger stated yesterday that he intended
to purchase large yacht for the OF the samoan Gov
possible. or all the yachts he had
seen Dauntless would answer the purpose best and
he hoped be able TO obtain her. The samoan grOuI
consists OF eight islands, and the yacht which Is
to be purchased here Will be used by the Government
taxes carry messages and material etc AS there is nc
king nc present, CoOuel Stenberger Is at the
head OF the Government He has been joined by Gen
eral j. Bastlett who VIII soon leave this city and pro
coed 10 samoa, where he will conduct the administrator
OF the Government during his absence General Bart
| several millions OF dollars IN Samoa and for
mery possessed influence there, showed much op
position to the representative form OF government 1Oret
by Colonel Stenberger. The natives. however appeared
DO contented. They lived in families or tribes and lee
INDECENT life, the rich soil furnishing all the neces
sarles OF life with very little work These tribes mum
bered between so and 300 persons each Inc cheis
the large tribes members OF the upper house Q
parliament, and the chiefs Of the smaller ones SAT III tn
| lower house.