The San Francisco call., 1904-09-15
Asks What Ordeal
OF Disarmament
Will Be.
Russian Commander Awaits
Instructions as to the
Lela'S Case.
Only $50 Tons of Coal in Cruisers
BunkerS, Though Claims Were
Made Of Ample Supply.

sakevitch have evidently come to the
conclusion that there is no hope of
the auxiliary cruiser Lena's leaving
the port of San Francisco until the
war Is over in the Orient They sent
a communication to Collector of the
Port Il. S. StFattOn yesterday asking
what would be required by the United
States Government as to dismantling
of the ship should that be the cOnclu-
sion, they put it, of the present negO-
uatiOnS.
The Russian officials evince much
concern as to the fate in store for the
Lena in the disarmament process.
They are anxious about what the re-
quirements will be and indicate that
they have given up the effort TO have
the vessel refitted with boilers in this
neutral port and allowed to proceed
again to the scene of conflict.
1t is believed that the cOmmuniea-
ton addressed to Collector StrattOn
ST. Petersburg The Collector at once
forwarded 1t TO Washington and will
make no answer until he is advised by
his SuDeriOrs.
Russian Consul KOsaIxevitch went
to Vallejo yesterday afternoon to in
spect the dock at Mare Island navy
yard. This is taken as preliminary 70
acceptance OF a proposal TO put the
Lena out of service at the Govern
ment yard.
The letter to Collector Stratton was
lengthy and made request for a specific
statement of all the details connected
with dfsmantling Of a ship according
to the requirements of the United
States in such cases. Questions were
put as to whether the vessels guns
would be taken from their positions on
the Lena's decks. whether the ship
itself would be in any way disabled.
whether the engines would be discon-
nected and parts removed, whether the
ammunition would be removed; in
short, precisely what would be done to
place the war vessel on a dismantled
basis, in event that course should be
adopted.
The communication bore chiefly on
this subject of dismantlement. Collec-
tor Stratton refused to discuss the let
ter, saying it would be referred to the
proper authorities at Washington in
the due course Of business connected
with the Lena incident.
WAITING FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
1t is understood in official circles that
the Russian captain is unwillin- at
this time to consent to dismantlement
owing TO the non-receipt Of specific in
structions from St Petersburg for
which request by cable has been sent
sentatives have been apparently in
structed to ascertain what is involved
in the probable dismantling of the
Lena.
On this subject the United States
Government officials, speaking from
general knowledge of the law say that
the Lena would if dismantled. be re-
lieved of all of the gus. ammunition or
other war material, that her engines
would be so treated as to be rendered
unserviceable, and that she would be
literally placed out of commission until
the ned of the war.
That this will ultimately occur, the
highest Government officials who have
to deal directly with the situation ex-
press not the least doubt. In those
circles the expression. unofficial OF
course at this time. Is unanimous that
the Lena will be dismantled as soon as
the course of Governmental Inquiry has
been completed.
The departments OF State, OF the
Treasury and Of Commerce and Labor
at Washington have been advised that
the examination Of the Lena, which
has been ordered, is under way.
1t was pointed out yesterday that the
Lena might with hasty repairs get
away in thirty days and by the use OF
an enormous quantity Of coal run from
six to eight knots an hour and per
haps reach home port by frequent
replenishing Of her coal supply. This
is not ''seawOrthy," as contemplated by
the law.
BUNKERS ARE ALMOST EMPTY.
Captain Berlinsky's reported state
n1ent that he was well supplied with
coal is discredited. 1t is known IN
United States Government circles that
the Lena has in her bunkers only 250
tons of coal. It is estimated that this
would serve the ship for not more than
two days run
With this knowledge gained another
question arises in of1cialdom, and that
bears upon the matter Of a supply OF
fuel. Under the code Of nations the
Lena would be entitled. were the Rus
slams permitted to repair, TO take
enough coal to carry her to the nearest
home port That this would demand
certain Official requests on the part or
Captain Berlinsky goes without saying
Oflcials therefore wonder why 1t was
represented that the Lena did have an
ample coal supply
Bearing upon the length OF time that
must elapse before final decision shall
be made in the case, the inspectors
will REQUIRE about three days to make
further examination OF the engines and
boilers. To the latter. hydrostatic tests
rnust be applied for final and definite
decision as to their condition.
Since the Lena incident has become
a naval affair the Washington author
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