New-York tribune., 1904-09-13
THE LENA INSPECTED.
Boilers in Bad Condition-LikeLy to
Stay for Repairs.
Az rrLEeRApH 10 THE rRIBuNE

san Francisco, Sept. 12-The Russian auxil-
iary cruiser Lena has been the cause OF much
telegraphing to-day between this city and
Washington. and OF much needless excitement
among japanese officials.
An inspection OF the Lena was made late this
afternoon by Lieutenant Commander W. c.
Herbert, fleet engineer OF tbs Pacific Squadron
acting under orders from Admiral Goodrich he
carefully inspected the vessel. and found that
the boilers were In such bad condition that. al
though the vessel could make ten knots with
them, she would not be seaworthy in a storm
His report was telegraphed 10 Washington TO-
night. and will probably lead TO the granting or
a special stay here for repairs II Is understood
that he hlnted the condition of the boilers was
partIy due to crowding more steam than the
machinery could stand
Captnin BerlinsSy oE the cruiser made a for
mai application this morning 70 Admiral Good
rich for an indefinite stay of the Lena in the
harbor in order that urgent repairs may be
made TO the boilers and engines OF the vessel.
In talking with the admiral. ne was diplomatic
and evasive. and intimated that the stay or
the Lena here might be prolonged for weeks.
as he declared she was absolutely unseaworthy.
Admiral Goodrich's first act this morning was
TO provide q guard for the Lena, so that no one
can approach the vessel without scrutiny. The
swift torpedo boat Paul Jones, which can make
and there is also an armed launch. which holds
UP any craft that approaches the Russian ship.
The officers in charge OF both vessels have re-
ceived strict orders 10 that the neutrality
laws are not evaded and that no ammunition or
torpedoes reach the vessel. Only provisions and
necessary articles viii be permitted to pass the
guard line. Should the Lena attempt 10 es-
ospe. she could he easily overhauled by the
Paul Jones
JAPANESE DEMAND REFUSED
The matter OF the Lena lies wholly in the
hands Of the Washington authorities" said Ad-
miral Goodrich this evening. Il have wired the
full situation. and have informed the depart
ment that my squadron will not leave port until
ordered to do So I expect further instructions
before morning"
Consul General Uyeno. OF Japan, was the nrst
caller OF Collector stratton this morning He
was evidently laboring under much excitement.
and he made peremptory demand in the nano
Of his government that the Lena be required TO
leave port at the expiration OF twenty-four
hours
Mr.. strattou replied that should repairs be
found necessary this time would be eXtended'
Then Consul General Uyeno became greatly ex-
cited. and in loui voice demanded that the IN
vestigation OF the Lena TO determine her un-
seaworthiness be turned over TO himself ana
other
Japanese government he demanded the right to
decide whether the Lena had defective boilers
or whether this was merely a Russian surfer
fuge to gain time.
"The United States government is acting in
this matter" said the collector. curtly and
does not propose to delegate any of the duties
OF a neutral power to belligerents."
When the Japanese persisted. the collector be-
came angry. and told Mr.. Uyeno plainly that
the United States would brook no suggestions
and no interference from Japan. The Japanese
Consul General departed in a rage but he
caIrned down later.
L have perfect confidence in the sincerity of
the naval and other authorities of the United
States" he said this evening Whatever they
decide in regard the Lena will satisfy the
japanese government. Our people here are
greatly excited over the presence OF the war
ship in the harbor. but no attempt will be made
to injure her
The Lena remains at anchor off the Union
Iron Works AS yet nothing has been done to-
ward placing her in drydock. and intention
has heen disclosed Regarding her future move
ments.
Roar Admiral Goodrich took luncheon with
cantain Berlinsky and other officers OF the
Lena on board the vessel. They could not be
seen Lieutenant Zotoff, speaking for the cap
tain, said that the main object in making this
mort was 10 have absolutely necessary repairs
made 10 the ships engines and boilers. Her
hotfono is foul and will have TO be cleaned in
drydock He said that the Lena's coal bunkers
Il would be unnecessary for her to coal at this
port sa
mite instructions from Washington, but has tel
eeranhed full statement Of the situation. and
an answer is expected soon. In the mean time
fha coIlector in view OF the fAct that the re-
nairs are said TO be imperative. has refused TO
order the Lena from the harbor within twenty
four hours without full investigation Inc
Lena fs anchored between the four army trans