New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-18
CRCISERS FOR RUSSIA.

EXAMINING ANOTHER STEAMSHIP.
INSPECTION OF TnE COLUMBus BY RUSSIAN OFF,
GERS YEsrERDAY-RUMORED PURCHASE OF THE
YACHT MOHAWK.
The statement published in TIE TRIBUNE yes
teriay to the effect that the Russian officers quietly
negotiating for tho purchase OF the steamship Columbus.
Of Cyde's Havana Line, 10 have been confirmed
by the movements Of the Russians and the officials
OF the line yesterday. As the steamer
arrived ut her dock 1ur-day night work
ut 10 discharge The and early yes
terday morning the vessels decks being cleaned
and the sides PAINTED. BY O'Clock the vessel instead
OF having the appearance Of just returning from yoy
age looked clean and trim just about TO leave
port The engineers ordered to bank their fires,
and have everything In readiness make short trial
trip down the bay, between and o'clock the after
no0n
About 10 o'clock AIrscdcn the experimenting engineer
OF Clydcs Line, accompanied by Captain semetschkin
and Lieutenant Gripenberg brother OF the commander
OF the Cmbria aud four other officers, went on board
the Columbus and spccicd her thoroughly Yhey were
nearly three hours on board Of the vessel aud so quet
their visit that none aside from captain Reed ana
Nj. Scdcu knew what their mission was. During the
day any who attempted to go ON board
OF the vessel was closely questioned az to the nature OF
biz business aud dunng the VISIT Of the Russian officers
no stranger allowed TO step from the gangplank on
board. The Russian officers left TIC vessel about
o'clock. as unceTeuonOusly IS they came. and half
EOur anerward Captain Reed gave orders to Chei En-
from the boilers Tho reason for abandoning the trial
frIDW n
sci is TO 20 into dry dock to-day to have her hull
cleaned.
the uesaus nothing in confirmation could be obtained
Yesterday The assertion that she was 10 receive nc
cor,Ing 10 tho rumOr, auxiliary screw and coal,
caused the story to be looked upon with Incredibly as
the vessel must have not only other machinery to roe
The screw, but boilers 10 provide power: A: H.
Manning, the agent said that the Mohawk had been
solid but 20 whom he was not at liberty 10
state al present. shc Is 10 so into dry dock
next week 10 receive thorough Oyerhaulng and rent
ng Those acquainted thoroughly with vessels and their
copstructOn state that the Russians would never think
of buying such vessel except No pleasure boat as
cruiser she would have 10 value. 81,
Other rumOrs were circulated yesterday that EnSlsh
agents were ia the city inspecting American steamers,
and that they proposed to the fastest vessels SO
as TO prevent the Russians from obtaining them. Inc
British Vice COnsu placed no faith ln the runlor
Capaiu Senetschkn, with his aides LETT the EVeretl
House carly yesterday morning and did not return until
fbe evening. He was asked on his return whether
he had purchased the steamship Columbus
or the yacht Mohawk, but he declined 10 give
any Information. The officers, at the Westminster
Hotel kept going and coming oil day.
MT Meyer,of the Hamburg Steamship Line, said that
no news had received about the steamers Thurnea
and Uammonia II, was reported they had been
Chartered by the Russian Government the Pge1t here
would certainly been informed Of the fact BY this
time.