The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-11

intendent Of the line Iu reply to questions bv
tho wrilor be aid:-"No offer has been made Tor the
purchase of the CITY Of Washington by the Russian
authorizes. Tar as know, are there any nego-
tiat'ons sendng tor That purpose. OF course we
TO inquN what would sell her for
but this rs perhaps owing TO the rcputatlon
any OF these inquiries have been prompted by the
Russian government or otherwise My own opinion
is that case OF war with England, Russia would DO
looking alter our wooden instead of the iron
ones, as they are all fast saors.n
prominent steamship broker on South William
street, whose name had been mentioned IN conncc-
tion with rumored negotiations part OF ssian
agents Tor tho purchase Of fast vessels also
In the rumor that any Russian agent mas called at NV
office Tor any such purpose II they mean business
they doa't act ike H. am not aware that any
has been inqurlng about the purchase OF vessels
Russian account, as II such the case believe
should know something about II II Is their inteu-
ton 10 purchase steamers you yourself that
the agents are acting In way RAISE unnecessarily
the price of that stock In the market
manulaolory stated yesterday that he Russian cow
eminent mad given order Tor 100 orpedoes that are
being manufactured IL PHILADELPHIA an are also
having some made IN Cleveland Ohio.
TALK MKAY.
representative OF the HERALD called yesterday at
tho Metropolitan Hotel IN order 70 bave talk with
Mr. Nathaniel Mckay. who is SAID 10 be interested In
the purchase OF vessels Tor the Russian government.
The gentleman engaged when the reporter sent
no his card, but after few minutes delay he came
down stairs and tho following conversation ensued:-
Mckay, IN regard to the report that Russian gov.
ernmeut intends to purchase some Of our American
steamers2
the country who 10 prepared to purchase suit
able steamers. but have heard that he has made
any purchases as yet.
REroRrrR-Whot does tho Russia, covernmc emit 10.
tend do with tho after they arc purchased?
Mr. MCKAY suppose they know that
themselves They might do good deal OF damage
among English merchantmen If they were success
iul IN keeping out OF the way OF English cruisers.
RBroRTER-You have not heard OF any vessels that
are likely to DO selected by the RuSsausI
Mr. MCKAY-No, II Is not likely they going to
tell every one what they want to buy. Prices have
gone up ongh already without their showing thor
nand any further. Any way, do not think II there
are any vessels sold that the only purchasers Will be
Russians. as tho English have plenty OF money, ana 1t
Is rot likely they will let their enemies get any the
best OF them in their preparations.
RKpoRrER-ls Captain Hunt the properly accredited
Russian agentY
Mr. McKAy-I should imagine that Captain Hunt
has some business connection with tho Russian gov
eminent; but can give you no definite iniorma ton
az 10 It's direct nature. Your reporter appears to
have had quito an extended nvcrsaton with him
TO the nature OF his business.
REroRrER-Have you heard OF any offers having
boon made for any American steamers?
Mr. MckAY-No, l have not; IL seems to me-
on steamers, that American will drive
the Russian and English agents to other markets.
There arc plenty oil first class be bough
in France ana Germany.
The steamship Nockar. Of the Bremen line, arrived
on board a large number OF Russian naval officers
coming hore under sealed orders
AVAILABLE STEAMERS.
The rumors Of the arrival ol Russian AGENTS pre-
pared to purchase scaworhy steamships has created
quite excitement among the owners OF utable
vesees ana there Is no doubt they DO accom- mo-
dated with lrst class lot OF II they are pro-
pared to pay the price. II also understood that
the English government intend to keep pace with the
Russians and that they have agent now In this
city who ia on the lookout for vessels
that can no purchased at fair price. The
price OF steamships appears to have raised about
fifty per cent In the last ten days. aud II only
u httlo active competition between the Russian and
ehnra
DO demanded. The buyers are said 10 be indignant
and threaten to go 10 France and Germany II
steamship nors IN the United States do not come
down 10 reasonable figures.
Tho following Is list OF steamers that could prob
ably be bought II the agents of the Russian or Eng
lsh government are prepared to pay the prices do
ynan ad