The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-17
STRIKE ON SCOUT SHIPS
FOREIGNERS ON THE YALE AND
HARVARD REFUSE TO GO TO SEA.
Germans Say They VIII Not Work on
All Be Arrested for DesertiOn.

NEW YORK, June ia special to the
Tribune from Newport News, Va, says:
"Those of the American line employees
aboard the United States scout ships Yale
and Harvard who have not deserted will
be forced to serve out their full time ac-
cording to the terms of the mercantile en-
listment The six hundred foreigners aboard
the two ships, however, maintain that the
American line and the government is break
ing the agreement with them and persist
emily refuse to go to sea or, if carried by
force to discharge the duties shat will be
expected of them! The British and German
vice consuls have refused to interfere in the
matter, and the only course left open for
the men is to desert, and If they do that
they can be apprehended by officers of the
law. According to trustworthy statements,
the American line and the Navy Depart
ment have not violated their agreements
with the men. The crews, are laboring under
the impression that they will have to go
into action and fight the enemy simply be-
cause both vessels are receiving heavy arm
ament. Such is not the case; both vessels
will continue as scout ships and the pre-
caution now being taken is only to insure
against their being captured or destroyed
by the enemy without some means of resist
ance. Captain Wise explained the necessity
of this step to the Navy Department, and
it was decided to follow, his suggestions.
1.-THE men will continue in the service of
the American line under the mercantile
agreement and will not have their salaries
cut down to the standard of the navy. On
the other hand they will have a better
chance for their lives and may, by having
their ships armed, succeed in earning prize
money. This has been explained to the for
eigners. but they cannot see 1t that way
and determined to get off If they can.
The delegations from the British and Ger
man elements returned to the city this
morning without meeting with success in
their appeals to the British and German
vice consuls. After Investigating the cir
cumstances they came to the conclusion
that interference was not justifiable. About
Seventy-fiVe of the men from the Harvard
who succeeded in getting away from the
ship while on leave have not returned and
their places were filed this morning by
Captain Cotton. 1t is known that at least
number of men We're taken on. 1t is re-
ported however, that the entire crew of
the Harvard quit work and that their places
were Immediately filled by three hundred
men who had been gathered in by the Off
GERS to meet any emergency. The Germans
of the crew say they Will not work on any
ship which fires a gun. The Harvard's guns
are all aboard and she will drop out into
the river tomorrow. The Yale is taking on
1.-THE Minneapolis is still here replenishing
her bunkers. The United States cruiser
Newark. Captain Barker, has proceeded to
Old Point Comfort, where she
cast anchor a short distance
from the United States hospital
ship Jamestown. The destination of the
cruiser is said to be Key West first and
then she will join the blockading squadron
off the north and south coasts of Cuba. The
Newark has been out of commission at the
navy yard for more than a. year In that
time she has been practically rebuilt the
work on her costing in the neighborhood of
$3.50. Coo Her batteries now are much more
powerful those
Francisco her sister ship. 1t is also ex-
pected that when she is put to the test she
can develop speed greater lnan the TWEEN
ty knots with which she is now credited
Report has it that the Newark will be the
flagship of the blockading squadron, but
Captain Barker knows nothing of this"