New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-07
WHAT ISTHEIR MISSION

ARRIVAL OF TWO RUSSIAN OFFICIALS FROM LIVER
pOOL-RUMORS ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF AMERI-
CAN STEAMERS.
The arrival on Sunday, by the White Star
steamship Germanic, OK Captain A. Glncnberg, OF the
Russian Royal Navy, and H. W. Hunt said to
be in the employ of the Russian Admiralty
Office for the purpose of experimenting the pur-
chase OF vessels for the Russian Government,
was a fresh cause OF excitement and discussion among
the shipbrokers and ship-owDers yesterday The two
officers started Immediately for Washington in response
TO dispatch in cipher from the Russian Minister 1t IL
said they met at the steamship pier by Nathaniel
Mckay, prominent sbipbuildcr who returned TO TINS
country about eight months ago from tour IN Russia.
CAPTAIN GriffenbcrS is said TO be brother OF Count
Gutenberg VINO is In command OF the Russians on board
the Cmbria Although the officers OF the Germanic no
ced that their two passengers took great interest In
every thing concerning the ship made inquiries as to her
tonnage speed cost, etc, they knew Captain Grifen-
berg only as a Swedish Officer visiting Amer
lea for the benefit Of his health II is stated
that their visit TO this country is to select
Immediately fast vessels suitable cruisers
Su5rykcrs and owners reiterate the statements they
have made before that they know nothing of any pur
ches" Of vessels, and u they GI theES %oncr
stated. yesterday, that he would not deny that the
vessels OF whch ne was part V%me d mt1 rho Iii
iUg prices lad oeen given. When asked II me prom prom
incut rpbrokers would not he advised OF any Deg0ta-
lions ucadmg he replied: Not necessarily. as the con-
tract could bc made directly between the two most IN.
tcreseI parties" He also ed the belief that u
war was declared to-day between Russia ana England,
there would be found To be at least dozen cruisers
nnd.r the Russian rag alopE the n t ,raIi
the United states. some people expressed the Dehel
that the rumors merely Russian tricks TO frighten
Eullnd II was rumOred again yesterday that AcXai-
DIRE s. sons negotiating for the sale OF thet thGec
wooden steamers, and that some OF the steamers OF
MoIgaus Line were 10 be sold, but no continuation OF
the ruuOrs could be obtained
I-p1n tie GrrInaulc JOi Immigrants, many OF
ffsb and
missed by that they might be petty officers and
sailors OF the Russian Navy and had come 10y the Ger,
manic to excite little suspicion; They were transferred
Ike other immigrants and nothing about their appear
ance or excited the least suspicion at Castle
VISIT TO THE CDiBRIA.
A correspondent of The Boston Globe went
on board the Cimbra last Friday afternoon Captain
Badhausen Of the Cmbrla when first asked for permits
sion refused to give IT, bnt after going board himself
and talking with the passengers, he gave his consent
The core poudent was shown through the different
parts OF the vessel and gives the following account of
what he saw I'VE first promenadcd the deck, and but
for the fact that large number OF Russian sailors clad
IN uniform were engaged in enjoying little recreation,
walking up ana down the decks the vessel presents tho
very same appearance any other Atlantic steamer.
We then descended TO the saloon deck where / found
FORM others fatigue-preparing to take their places
tain RadhuIlscu led the way into the stateroOm which
was situated his own, and where rather tall aud
slim of about forty years OF age was seated upon
sofa, putting away upon genuine Russian cigarette.
He was introduced to your correspondent a. Count
Gripeuberg. lie has sole charge over the Russian Off
GERS and sailors and of the steamer After having been
introduced 10 him, he positively declined 10 make any
statement whatever in regard 10 any subject having
bearing upon the character or plans OF the Gmbrta.
Irnyiug the Cuunt enjoying his cigarette, We then
visited The other portions OF the vessel But idiled 10
find ANYTHING in the shape OF ammunition OF any
character or description with the exception OF the Rus
sian officers and manOt-wars men,