New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-29
STATE DEPARTMENT ACTS
Moderate Representations to Russia
on Seisure of the Arabia's Cargo.

Washington, July 2S.-The State Department
has addressed itself to the Russian government.
through Spencer Eddy. the American charge
daffares at ST. Petersburg. the seizure of
the cargo OF the Arabia by the Vladivostok
squadron The Hamburg-American company.
the owners of the ship. will undoubtedly appeal
to the German government to secure the release
OF it's ship and compensation for the delay in her
cruise and other items of loss.
The State Department officials decline abso-
lutely TO make any public statement respecting
the character OF the representations made to the
Russian government on the seizure. II is deemed
highly desirable 10 take conservative action and
above all. to avoid increasing the irritation
aroused in shipping circles over the recent seiz-
ures and sinking of vessels. Therefore Mr.. EDDY
has been. 1t is understood. instructed TO make
some moderate representations 10 the Russian
government. and these may be strengthened
later on II the development Of additional facts
seems 10 make this expedient.
AS the American -four aboard the Arabia was
not carried under the American flag. but was
on German ship. the case involves such
question OF discourtesy toward national colors
as the British hold exhibited toward the
knight Commander. which they base their
demand for apology and salute 10 the
British ensign. There is some reason TO believe
that 1t has been found difficult TO fix the owner
ship Of the American stores on the knight
Commander precisely. and much will depend on
whether they were shipped at the risk Of tina
consignee or the cousignor.
Mr. Eddy informed the state Department to-
day that the steamship Ardova, the British
vessel which was conveying stores for the Phil
ippine government when seized in the Red Sea.
was released two days ago. This confirms the
press report from SueZ.
Assistant Secretary Loornis has returned
from New-York. and. as Acting Secretary OF
State, is devoting himself with Assistant Secre-
tary Adee and Solicitor Penheld. TO the question
Of the seizures
st. Petersburg. July 2s-America is preparing
to take a strong position for the protection Of
neutral ships carrying American cargoes- This
Is indicated by the fact that America yester-
dav made an official inquiry OF Russia regarding
the British steamer Ardova, seized by the vol
unteer fleet vessel Smolensk in the Red Sea.
which had American government stores on
board The Ardova had already been released
when the inquiry made.
To-day the Foreign Office received COM
munication from the American government
asking whether the Arabia German ship
chartered by an American company, had been
released and adding that according TO infor-
nation i'm possession Of America the Arabia's
cargo OF flour etc. was bound for Hong Kong
While the communication did not take the
form OF a protest II is believed that. unless
the Arabia is released. a formal protest will be
lodged.
The government could only reply that IL was
completely without information. the Arabia not
vet having arrived at Vladiyostok. where il was
reported she had been sent In charge of prize
crew