The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-16
on their way to American ports for repairs

and provisions will prove untrue.
The theory that the Lena was sent to
San Francisco in order that Russia might
test the attitude OF the United States In
regard to the belligerents. through what
ever efforts might be made to protect Amer
lean neutrality, is still entertained In some
quarters here. 1t is admitted however,
even by those who have that idea that II
such was the intention of the Russian Gov
eminent the attempt to put It in force
was very clumsily made.
Officials of the State and Navy Depart
ments who had charge OF the Lena Incl
dent are frankly Of the opinion that the
attitude of the United States in the matter
was absolutely impartial.
While they are admittedly pleased that
the question Of fact involved in the reason
able time for repairs which until the
request from Capt. Berlinsky 10 disarm
and inferno his vessel was received was
the main point at issue--.was not brought
up for further decision, they are confident
that even had the United States been called
upon to deal with this more delicate phase
OF the situation neither of the belligerents
would have had just cause for complaint
VAIN SEARCH FOR MORE RUSSIAN SHIPS.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. flowing TO re-
ports that Russian cruisers were lowering
of the coast, lying in wait for merchantmen,
Admiral Goodrich sent the cruiser Boston
to sea this morning. partly to give her
recently repaired machinery test and
partly to determine whether there are any
Russian or Japanese cruisers in the offng.
The Boston proceeded west OF the Faral
lones for fifty miles, keeping in touch with
the flagship New York by wireless tele-
graph. but up to late hour nothing sus-
picious had been sighted.
The Boston will return to port in the
morning, and tomorrow she and the gun
boat Bennington will sail for Magdalena
Bay for target practice. The New York
and Marblehead will remain here indef-
nitely, as the Navy Department has been
aroused to the necessity OF keeping war
vessel at this port II the Lena had ar
rived day later none Of Uncle Sans ships
would have been here. and there would
have been no way OF enforcing the Govern
ment's orders.
Admiral Goodrich received orders this
afternoon to have the Lena taken to the
Mare Island Navy Yard and dsmanted.
All OF her ammunition and, the breech
plugs OF her guns will be landed, thus max
ing her harmless. She may be permitted
to make such repairs as necessary to keep
her In condition, but no additions to her
armament will be permitted.
What disposition will be made Of the
Lena's officers and crew is still uncertain,
but it is generally believed here that they
will be interned with the ship. They will
be treated as though the ship were lying
at anchor under normal conditions in
friendly port. All ordinary courtesies have
been exchanged between the Lena's officers
and those Of the American squadron This
afternoon the ward officers Of the Lena
were guests at dinner on board the New
York of the fagship's ward room officers.
Insurance rates here are still high and
shipping men are uneasy. They say the
mystery Of the Lena's visit has not been ex-
planned, and they fear depredations by
other Russian vessels.
NovIKs CREW ON LENA.
LONDON, Sept. ia despatch from
Toxic says it is believed there that the
cruiser Lena, now in San Francisco har-
Dor. called at Korsakoff. after her depart
ure from vladivostok. and took on hoard
the crew Of the cruiser Novik, which was
driven ashore at that place on Aug. 81 by
ships Of Admiral Kamimura's squadron.
TOXIC, Sept. 16.-Keen interest is token
in the case Of the Russian transport lena.
her despatch to the American port was
intended to test the attitude OF the United
States on the questions Of international
law involved.