The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-13
. SUSPICIOUS CRAFT
CARRYING CONTRABAND ARMS
SEIZED by CUSTOMS OFFICIALS.
ing from Florida on n FiIibuster-
ing Expedition -Outh.

FERNANDINA, Fla, Jan. 12.-At 4:30 p.
M Collector of Customs Baltzell received
orders from the Treasury Department to
detain the yacht Lagonda, now lying in
port, as a suspicious craft. Just before
the message was received at the collectors
office two boxes, five feet long and twelve
by eighteen inches square, We're brought
in by some draymen. They were the same
kind as those which were on board, and
were seen floating down the Amelia river
opposite the Florida Central & Peninsular
railroad warehouse, and were hauled ashore
by SOM colored men, who found their con-
tents to be cutlasses and canteens. They
were ordered sent to the customs offices.
Some coiored longshoremen claimed to have
seen men tossing things overheard to-day
just before dinner, as the deputy collector
was seen to approach the yacht in his
launch for the purpose of making an exam
ination of some cases that had been re-
ceived from New York on the Mallory
line steamship State of Texas. last Tuesday.
and which were put on board the yacht yes
terday. The cases picked out of the river
are some of those that went on Doard the
Lagonia yesterday.
Inc vessel arrived in port Tuesday. AS a
great many yachts enter the harbor this
the vessers appaaranee. Wednesday morn
ing she sailed with a party OF aernana,na
g gel len n,,r On board "a taxing Hp OF on fresh fresh water anss.
She returned the next day. The gentlemen
rom Fernandina who accompanied tns YES
Mantell, jr., and Morand1 ana captain GrlI-
fin, whose guests they had been. Il seems
IN board and this little trip planned to
throw off suspicion in order to give her a
saddle bags, belts and ugly looking cut
asses. That, the Lagonda has been cnarter-
revolutionary Marty is OnlV too apparent.
Senior Mari. a noted Cuban revolutionist,
was here six months ago, the guest OF n.
md who returned frcm New York a few
days ago after a long stay there It is now
ter of his boat Anadis. and a third vessel
that is unknown. 1t is understood that
dents of Costa RIGA. Mr.. Borden denies
that he knew anything of the matter and
Il was introduced to Mr.. Mantell in New
York, by a Spaniard. and at his ins.igation
chartered the Lagonda through Lord and
Mr.. Borden said that the yacht was, not
to aid any Central American revolution.
The rumor started because the owner. R..
w. Williams, wiring here that the yacht
should not proceed further until one months
rent was paid In advance. Borden denies
MED knowledge of the Amadis, but after
wards admitted that he had chartered her,
1t is thought here that the Langonda and
unknown other vessels are cruising outside.
Inc LaSOnud Is III CndTSe Oh captain dTlI-
fng and is of steel. $50 feet long with net
tonnage of eighty tons. She has the repu-
tation. OF being very fast. Mantell, her
Spanish passenger, is a young man of
twenty years, the son of De Mantell. who
1t seems is furnishing money for the ex-
peDdition. Miranda is another Spaniard on
board and passes as the younger mans
guardian. When detained they claimed
hat the material IVES to be used on the
plantation of the owner by Mantell at
Lemon, Costa Rica. Fifteen large cases of
cavalry accoutrements are in the cargo of
the vessel. The vessel will be held here
subject to orders from Washington.
Held for Prudential Reasons.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12.-The Treasury
Department has received that
on or about the 4th inst. two steam yachts,
named, respectively, Lagonda and Amadis,
left New York on what is suspected to be
a flibustering expedition. No, specific in
formation has been received. but the Gus
toms officials at Southern ports, where it
is thought the vessels may touch. have
been instructed to take measures TO pre-
vent a violation of the neutrality laws.
The impression prevails that the vessels
are laden with arms and munitions of
war, but what their destination may be is
4 matter of conjecture, as there are no in
dications of trouble in any of the South
American States. The action taken by the