New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-17
RUSSIA'S SEARCH FOR SHIPS.


MORE NEGOTIATIONS REPORTED.
RUMoRs THAT THE RUSSIAN OFFICERS ARE ENAMIN-
ING THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OF TIE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA CONFIRMED.
Representatives of the firearms manufactur-
ing companies called the Russian officers at the West
minister Hotel Wednesday, and remained with them for
some time Paul Butler, who OWES revolving gun, has
had a plumber OF interviews with the Russians.
Captain semetschkin drove out with Mr. Butler
aud the other officers yesterday. At early hour yes
terday Captain Gripenberg. who ia staying at the
Westminster Hotel called on Captain semctschkin.
and soon after two captains and the other officers left
the Everett House The other officers At the Westminster
went out o'clock and returned In the afternoon
after which they walked up Broadway. large pile Of
letters and papers addressed TO Captain Lemetschtain
accumulated during the day.
Captain Semetschkn returned to the hotel al 7:30 r.
ID. Captain A. Gripenberg was asked whether the
party had gone during the day 10 see the steamer
Columbus, which, IL reported. about
10 be purchased by the Russians aud also whether
any OF the officers had gone TO Philadelphia
TO attend the launching OF the State OF California. Cap
tain Grpenberg replied that he could not cay anything
and that Captain semetschkn not yet prepared
10 give Information OF what had been done. He was
asked whether Captain Hunt. who is reported
OF the agents Of the Russian Government, was
in the Russian employ. The captain said that he had
met Captain Hunt in ST. Petersburg but that he was not
at present employed by the Russian Government
In regard TO tho Columbus, 1t was reported that
Captain Semetschkn went tug down the bay,
yesterday, TO board tho Columbus, give her thor
ough inspection, aud test her speed. reporter
of THE TRIBUNE boarded the steamer at Quarantine.
Captain Reid surprised when he told OF the
mOred negotiations for the purchase OF the steamship He
declared that Russian officers had boarded the vessel
There was possibility. he thought that the off
GERS could have followed the vessel in q
tug. 1t would be unjust to do that, since
imperfect estimate OF the vessels condition would be
formed, because she was sailing under half steam.
Many persons, well informed In shipping matters, feel
confident that Captain semetschkin watching
the steamship on hor arrival He went down the bay,
IL asserted, early the morning. the steamer
expected early in the day. An American shipping
man and a Russian officer were with him.
The Columbus was built In 1874 by william Cramp &
Sons, OF Philadelphia, for W. p. Clyde & Co. She
is 1000 tons burden ga feot In length, 80
feet breadth, aud % feet depth OF hold. Since
April, 1874 she has constantly been running between
New-York and Havana making many rapid voyages,
reaching some days a speed OF sixteen knots per
hour. Some very storms have been encountered
but she has never lost voyage met with acct
dent. She is considered remarkably fast and well
built vessel William Cramp Sons who built the State
OF California, said TO DO part owners In tho
Columbus.
the Pacific Coast Navigation Company, confirmed
the sale OF the steamer State OF California
He declined TO state to whom the vessel was sold
except that the ostensibe purchaser was an American
Her engines and other machinery are to be put
TO be fitted for sea as soon as possible
Extensive alterations 10 be made at once aud u Is
se eSus about aat the months THE S @ Ssay
Of 100000 in gold has been paid, but the
gentleman declined to state the contract price
the purchase price was 100000, and that the agent
for the Russians Thomas r. Clyde Of Philadelphia