The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-09
SENSATIONAL RUMOR.
American Vessel Said to Have Been De-
stroyed BY q German War-Ship.


stroyed BY a German War-Ship.
SAN Francisco, March s.-Great promi-
nence is given by the papers here to ru-
NOR that an American man-of-war was
sunk in Samoan waters in fight with the
German corvette Olga. The rumor pur-
ports to come from Breslau. Germany, is
alleged to- have been printed in the
Schleische Zeitung, and is to the effect
that the German frigate Olga bombarded
Mataafa's camp. The captain of the
Americas man-of-war protested, but seeing
his protest disregarded, opened fire on the
Olga. The shell burst between decks do
ing much damage. The Olga then directed
torpedo at the American ship, blowing
her mp, with all hands. While no credence
is given to the report, the publication has
Occasioned sensation, following the report
from Keil. few days ago, OF
a reported engagement. The fact that
the name of the vessel alleged TO
have been sunk is omitted adds to the dis
belief in the report, but it is assumed that
the vessel is the Nipsic. Captain Mullan
commanding. Captain Schenck. quarter
master United States Marine Corps, veri-
fes the statement that the Olga was sup
piled with torpedoes. which is not the case
with the three American war vessels dis
patched to Samoa. The steam ship Ala
media, of the Oceanic line, which left here
for Australia, Feb. 0. touched at Tutuila,
the southern island of the Samoa group,
Feb. ., and arrived at Auckland. March g..
Had any engagement occurred at Apia,
she would probably have learned of the
fact at Tutuila and carried the news to
Auckland, where the fact would have been
cablcd. 1t is conceded that the informa-
tion might not have reached Tutuils, as
Apia is seventy miles distant, in time for
the Alameda to carry the news to Auck-
land. The steamship ZOlanda is due at this
port March 16, with news from Samoa down
to March2.
washington, March s.-The story of the
engagement between the German man-Of-
war Olga and an American man-of-war, in
the barbOr of Apia, resulting in the sink
ing of the American vessel is generally dis
credited at the Navy Department. No in
formation upon the subject has been re-
ceived at the Department or State. There,
as in the Navy Department, it is said that
news of an event of such Importance would
surely reach the United States at least as
soon as German seacOaSt city. The Nip
sic was the only United States man.of-war
at Samoa prior to the 1st inst, but it is be-
lieved that the Trenton and the Vandalia.
which sailed from Honolulu early in Feb
ruary, reached Samoa about March l.
The Nipsic, which is supposed to be the
American vessel referred to in the German
publication, is rated as a wooden vessel of
the third-class, with six guns. The Van
dalia and Trenton. which have doubtless
reached Samoa by this time, are also
wooden vessels, CARRYING eight and ten
guns, respectively, in their main batteries
Most of these guns are smooth-bore, but
naval officers say that at short range
and against unarmored vessels. such
rs the German gunboats now in
Samoan waters. these cannon are
just as efficient as rified ordnance.
Unless the German gun-boats have also
been reinforced, the American feet now at
ADia is regarded as superior in offensive
power as its vessels are fresh from the re-
pairers' hands and the crews are strong in
number.
Secretary Blaine this evening in an
answer to an inquiry, said that the report
of conflict between German and United
States war vessels at Samoa was in his
opinion, unworthy of the least credence.
He regarded it as mere stock -jobbing
rumor, having no foundation whatever.
Commodore Walker. of the Navy Depart
ment, held similar views.
Not Believed in London.