The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-09-12
RIGHTS OF
RUSSIAN
CRUISER

san Francisco Cal. Sept. l2-The state
ment that the Russian cruiser Lena left
Nladivostok 81 days ago and arrived here
with foul boilers. has aroused consider
able speculation and discussion.
The average time OF a fairly fast steam
or from the Russian port to San Francisco
is from rs TO so days and IL Is pointed
out that the Lena would not have been
permitted 10 leave Vladivostok in such
condition that a months voyage would
virtually disable her
Local shipping men incline 10 the be-
lief that the Lena has been out from
Vladivostok longer than a month and has
been so long patroling the high seas In
search OF Japanese merchantmen and
other vessels carrying contraband that
she was forced 10 put IN here for renova-
tion.
Another surmise Is that the Lena was
so long out without getting sight OF n
prize that she put In here for informa-
tion concerning the movement OF the
enemys vessels and for further instruc-
tions.
This step, IL is claimed, she was clearly
entitled TO take under the neutrality laws.
affordlng her "a hours stay and that tho
move was considered may be judged from
the known absence OF Japanese warships
In this vicinity.
1t is conceded In shipping circles that
the main quest OF the Lena was the
steamship America. which flies the Jap
anese flag and which would be open to
capture at any place on the high seas.
The America left Hong Kong for San
Francisco three days ago richly laden.
II is a question now whether the America
will cross the Pacific, as she will prob
ably call at Guam for cable advices ana
be informed OF the danger awaiting her.
Honolulu Is another port of call where the
America could find shelter. The Pacific
Steamship companys steamer Korea.
from Hong Kong via Yokohama, Is due
here today and possibly escaped search
by the earlier arrival OF the Lena
The presence OF the Lena will have IN
influence for a time on the character OF
the cargoes sent here 10 japanese ports
Admiral Whiting notified the Washing
ton authorities on the arrival of the 1"na
and asked instructions.
The Chronicle says that the sailing
orders OF the American squadron nov IN
this port have been cancelled by dis
Tatch from the navy department TO Rear
Admiral c. T. Goodrich. instructing lin 10
await further orders.
The squadron. which consists OF he
cruisers New York Boston and Marple-
head. the gunboat Bennington and the de-
strcyer Paul Jones. were under orders
get practice,
Tho sudden change OF orders. Il - said
is due TO the unexpected arrival % the
Leua
Washington, Sept. 12-The navy depart
ment today received dispatch from Rear
Admiral Goodrich. commandant OF the
navy yard at Mare Island, stating that
the Russian transport Lena had arrived
there and that her commanding officer
claimed that his ships engines and boilers
were In need OF repairs
Later in the day the telegram will be
referred TO the state department for
action.
Washington. Sept. l2-Secretary Morton
has telegraphed Rear Admiral Goodrich.
commander-in-chiefo OF the Pacific station
directing him 10 detain the Pacific SQUAD
ron at San Francisco and to inquire OF
the commander OF the Lena what his in
tentions are.