Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-05-11
uc CdSSOIu 0uCSLlOUs
sCHoUyALOFF's MISSION TO ST.
PETERSBURG.
4 HOPE THAT HE BRINGS MEANS
OF PEACE.
THE EMPEROR THINKS THE END
OF COMPLICATIONS NOT
PROBABLE.
EXPLANATION OF THE MISSION OF
THE CIMBRIA.
SHE IL TO BE USED AS A TRANS
PORT VESSEL.
NO LETTERS or MARQUE TO BE
ISSUED FOR PURCHASING
PRIVATEERs.
SHE ~ TO BE USED AS A TRANS
PORT VESSEL.
CAPTAIN SEMETCHKIN EXPLAINS
THE SITUATION.

New YORK, May 10. The Heralds ST. Peters
burg correspondent telegrsphs that Schouvsof
Will not arrive in ST. Petersburg before Sunday
having spent Thursday at Frede ichsruche in an
interview with Bismarck 1t is confidently hoped
he brings the means OF securing peace, yet the
Emperor, who knows in advance his mi ssion, said
"Wednesday he did not see that any end of the
complications was probable.
Gen. Ignatieff is excluded from the councils OF
the Emperor, AT the formal request of Gortscha-
koh, who, having experienced fsv orsble change
in hi health, re-asserts his authority
Capt. Semetschkin aud Lieuts. Ksdionof Rho
tnski and koutelnikoh, arrived here yesterday
aud took ROOMS at the Everett House.
Capt Semetchkin travelled extensively In thi.
county in 1868, and WAS one of the Russian Com
missionels at the Centennial exhibition. He will
hn.ly gave information concernlux the mission OF
the Cimbra. The Russians, he said, are making
preparations to attack the British on the seas, in
case of war between Russia and England lie
had assumed command OF the Cimbra and Of the
entire expedition u these coasts. He had care
FULLY studied inter national law and the laws of
this country bearing upon the subject, and he
was certain that the Russians were acting within
their limits, and would not violate the neutrality
laws Of the United States.
With reference to the Turkish blockade of the
Black sea- Capt. Semetschkin said it was merely
paper one, Tor the Turkish fleet did not bonn
| bard any Russian ports there, and the regular
line Of steamers Piled between Russia and Nicola
yeh. The Turkish fleet did once appear before
Sebastopo but that WAS all.
The captain contended that England was an
Asiatic power, and found that Russian victories III
Turkey FLASHED with her interests in the East.
| He has been IN India aud knows the state OF af
fairs there. Eng land had over 90 900 900 Moham-
medan subjects who were warlike and did not love
England, Dnt submitted to her rule from q sense
OF her superiority 10 Themselves. They had re-
.arded England AS Turkish ally and protector,
and now that Russia had defeated Turkey, the
Hindoo Mohammedans would ask themselves the
question, us Englan so powerful after all p
Why diu she not iLtel feie 10 drive back the Rus
SLAMS To preserve their prestige the British
We're now interfering TO drive back Russia, but
the Russians would not be dictated to by the Brit
ish. ILen great sacrifices and national honor
would not allow them to obey Eng land, in order
10 promote their interests.
They fought and bled to secure safety of the
CHRISTIANS Of the Balkans, and they meant to ef-
feet their purpose. Hence they would not recede
IRON their positions, although tney did not desire
to have war with England and it would be only
the persistence of England in insisting what
she calls her Int, rests, that could draw the two
nations INTO war This appeared at present to
be very probable, and the Russians were prepal-
ing themselves tor such An eventuslity.
He said the Cimbria is now under his orders
| aud he has his agents III different parts of the
country. THIS vessel was good store and Il ans
port ship but uEiitted for any other service. lie
intended TO purchase fast sailing vessels and sup
plies. but no letters OF marque would be issued BY
the Russian government for any privateers, and
| no privateerIng would be carried on under the
Russian flag.
Iu making these purchases in time of peace,
neither any treaty or laws OF the country were vi
olaed. A Russian squadron would soon leave the
Bsllc fol these waters, and the moment war was
declared they would go away and not trouble this
country Russian vessels would be cruisers I'M
der the striCtest naval discipline and British prz
es that fall into their hands would revert 10 the
Russian government. with the usual prize money
10 officers aud sailors. A Russian squadron had
| already been stationed on the Pacific to watch the
British.
Tue captain says NO attempt has been made to
draft auy lrishmen in this country for the Russian
army and he did not believe there was any truth
in reports TO that effect.