The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-13
MAY BE HELD IN PoHT. Oncer ef the Lena Says the Weasel May netaafn at san Rrnnciseo.

San Francisco. Sept. i2.--The state me1t that the Russian cruiser Lena Ileft vladivostok thirty-one, days ago and arrived here with foul boilers has aroused considerable speculation and discussion. The average time of a fairly fast steamer from the Russian port to San Francisco Is from twenty eight to thirty days. and 1t is pointed out that the Lena would not have been permitted to leave Vladivostok in such. a, condition that a months voy- age would virtually disable her. Lo- cal shipping men incline to the belief that the Lena has been out from VIadivostok longer than a month and has been so long patrolling the seas for Japanese merchantmen and other vessels carrying contraband that she was forced to put in here for renova- ton.
 Another surmise is that the Lena was so long without getting sight of a prize that she put in here for informa- ton concerning the movements of tho enemy.s vessels and for further in- structions. This step. is is claimed, she was clearly entitled to take undor the neutrality laws. affording her twenty-four hours stay and that the move was considered safe may be judged from the known absence of Japanese warships in this vicinity.
 Searched For the America.
 It is conceded in shipping circles that the main quest of the Lena was the steamship America which flies the Japs nese flag and which could be cap tured at any. place on the high seas. The America left Hong Kong for San Francisco three days ago richly laden It is a question now whether the America will cross the Pacific as she af nahIa advices and be informed of the dan ger awaiting her. Honolulu is another port of call where the America could find shelter The America company steamer that left Hong Kong via Yoko- hama is due her today and possibly es- capped search by the early arrival of the Lena.
 The presence of the Lena will have an influence for time on the char acter of cargoes sent from here to Japanese ports.
 Admiral Whiting has notified the Washington authorities of the arrival of the Lena and asked for instructions.
 At the conclusion. of a conference between Collector of the Port Strat- ton and the Japanese consul, Collector Stratton gave out statement in which he said
 ."I have decided not to allow the Japanese to go aboard the Lena 70 make examination. This matter is be- tween the United States and the Rus sian government and the United States will attend to 1t without asking as- sistance from anybody. I know the law and will enforce it. The neutral ity of the United States will be main tained without regard to any request or act of he Japanese consul"
 Goodrich Dimes on the Lena.
 Rear Admiral Goodrich lunched with Captain Berlinsky and other officers of the Lena on board the vessel. They could not be seen. Lieutenant Zoloff, speaking for the captain. stated that the main object of the Russian vessel in making this port was to have ab- solutely necessary repairs made on her engines and boilers. Her bottom is foul and will have to be cleaned fin dry dock The lieutenant said that the Lena's coal bunkers were far from be- ing depleted and he thought 1t would be unnecessary for her to coal at this port.
 The United States inspector of hulls and boilers have been ordered to make thorough examination of the Lena and on their report will largely de- pend the duration of the stay of tho vessel in thls bay. If 1t Is decided that repairs are required. they will be made as rapidly as possible. and 1t Is generally anticipated that this is what will be done. Collector of the Port Stratton has not received any definite instructions from Washington. but has wired full statement of the situation and an answer is soon expec- ted. In the meantime the collector. in view of the fact that the repairs are said to be imperative. has refused to