Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-05-08
A German Vessel, Under n German Flag
with Load Of passengers"

attached to the VISIT to the ClmOra OF agents OF
the Union Pacific and Lake Shore Railroads.
They only came upon rumor that the Russians
were destined for the Pacific coast. They could
get no hint from the officers of any such inten-
ton, and returned without any more knowledge
OF Russian plans than has already been telegraph
ed. The two New York men, who are supposed
to be agents Of the Evans Rifle Co., have not been
seen in communication with the officers. They
seem to be gentlemen of leisure quietly resting
on the piazza of the hotel.
There was rumor that British steamer had
been seen outside, but on investigation it proves
to be unfounded. No such steamer has been seen
by anybody. The only trace of British espionage
is the lonely yice-Consu who i. the most lonely
man on the island.
The feeling here Is so intensely pro-Russian
that no one seems inclined to talk with English
men, and be spends his time standing the pier.
or following the officers about. He learn
nothing, and depends on the Associated Press
dispatches for news. In conversation with him
he expressed some Surprise that the nited States
did not have cutter here on the watch. The
fact is, however, there is nothing to watch.
There is a German steamer here flying the Ger
man flag, lying at anchor, with only few passen-
gers on board.
Ii is a matter of demonstration that the steamer
has no arms nor ammunition of any kind on
board. An agent has been about every part OF
the vessel, and contraband could no, have escaped
is attention. The ship is also very high in the
water and has only coal and provisions 10 the
hold, and scarcely enough of them for ballast.
htpia y, a. D..
passengers. Cabin passengers are classed as
pleasure travellers" and Storage passengers
classed as "tladesmen." They are all young me n,
Count Grippenburg being the Oldest, and he only
forty five.
Among other prominent officers Count AL
exrjef. Lieutenant Avelan, Baron Ungern Stern
berg, NJ. hanof. NJ. Stavinsky, and NJ. Pavolotf.
Capt. Badenhausen claims that he is exempt
from seizure IN case war i. declared, lie in not
conveying soldiers and sailors, bu, only psssen-
gers.
L he officers have been making inquiries recent
ly about Portland hsrbor, especially whether it
has water enough and is easily entered, and quiet.
| think, however, this is only done to divert atten
ton.
Capt. Badenhsusen has inquired if the custom
laws of this country require ship to clear for any
particular port, foreign or domestic, and seemed
annoyed when told that they did. The ship had
no clearance from Port Baltic, naming any port
OF destination.
The officers receive very politely anybody com
ing to them with proper introductous. Yesterday
they entertained at lunch, on board, Rev. Mr..
Ropes and wife, of Ellsworth, and a few others.
Mr.. Ropes was born in Russia and is the son of q
famous Russian merchant He WAS received by
the Russian officers with warm cordially, and
talked freely with them. They gave no hint,
however, of their plans. Indeed it is more and
more apparent they are awaiting orders.
In conversation with Capt. Bsdenhsusen and a
Russian otiicer they were asked if they did not
think they in peril in WAS suddenly
declared, as British cruisers would be on their
tack. Capt. Badenhausen insisted they could
not be troubled as ne was German commander
OF German ship, under German flag. Pointing
to the ensign he said, delay Of his ship was Ger
man territory, which Crest Britain would not at
tempt to desecrate. He was carrying passengers,
which was loyal occupation for neutras. The
passenger list Was in due form, and the men he
wa. carrying were passenger, in legal sense.
The stores were the property of the ship owners
Germaus-and not the property of the Russian
government. The Russian officers enterta ned the
same view, and said they were outside Of the rule
of international law that made neutrs ship car
ry ing an enemys forces liable to orfscation
This is evidently the theory that they proceed up
on, that they are legal passengers. The officers
wear no uniform, and the men do not salute the
officers when on shore, and so forth. On the 9TH
Ell hand, petty officers wear badges OF rank. and
are obeyed even on shore. The men are in divis.
ions and under naval discipline.
The correspondent urged that inevitable conse-
quence OF the officers theory is that they have no
legal control over the men, each man being only
passenger on passenger vessel; is at full bel-
~ to leave the vessel at will. He only owns ODE
dence to officers of the ship, not to other passen-
gers. Hsbess corpus would reach the humbest
Lapp or FINN on board, and set him free from
service Any punishment by the Russians would
be an offence against the laws of Maine, and un-
der them liable to prosecution.
On the other hand, the officers could have no
help from the local or Federal authorities to en-
force obedience, except to the rulers of the vessel.
III uue, utUI ulssOlullOu Ol
Tue officer acknowledged this might be the le-
gal result of their position but they had no fears
of meeting. They evidently rely on the mems
faith, on their ignorance of the English Ian
guage, and perhaps on the mems belief that they
are under martial law, yet discipline is evidently
enforced.
1t must be remembered, however, that neither
Russian officers officers of the ship have ever
admitted that the passengers were any part of the
Russian nsvy-that is the observation and infer
ence of the correspondent. There can be no
doubt about it, however.
1t is evident that they mean in every way to
maintain the theory OF peaceful passengers, on q
peaceful ship. The passenger list puts them dow n
not as mariners, but as tradesnen. They mean to
clear IRON this port in the same manner. When
the mask will be thrown off depends upon the ,
supeIors.