New-York tribune., 1904-09-12
RUSSIAN WARSHIP HERE
Cruiser at San Francisco on Request
of Consul General
IBx rnLEGaApH TO TINE TRIBUNE. ]


San Francisco, Sept 11.-There was much ex-
element here this afternoon when the lookout
at Point Lobos reported Russian cruiser en-
tering port. She proved to be the converted
cruiser Lena, direct from Vladivostok. and she
put in here. according to her captain. because
her boilers were so defective to make the yes
sci practically helpless. She will be dismantled
and may remain here month. The cruiser is
under the command of Captain Berlinsky. and
carries "a guns 4SS and Is officers. Com
mander Rytsehoff. who speaks English gave tbs
following explanation of her presence here:
About three weeks ago the Lena was ordered
TO proceed from Vladivostok to SaE Francisco
in response To urgent request from the Rus
sian consul general at San Francisco that a
war vessel be sent here. What his reasons for
this requesl were do not know but tonight
the captain is to have a conference with him.
We came by the great northern circle. passing
the Aleutia: Islands. but we are OUT OF coaI
and the boilers are III such a terrible condition
that they mus. be thoroughly overhauled be-
fore we go l., sea again understand that the
ship Will he dsmantlcd. and that it may be
necessary to remain here month before re-
pans are completed.
Immediate,v after the Lena dropped archer
off the Union Iroc Works Captain Rerlinsky
left the warshio bul the object OF his visit
ssho.e was not announced An officer OF the
cruiser said tha. the Lena left Vladivostok or
q cruising expedition hoping to capture some
of the transpaCifc vessels carrying contra
ban3 o. war. II was admitted that the vessel
most eagerly sought for the steamship
America, OF the Togo Kisen Kasha. which
company sent he- from this port several weeks
ago for the Orient. The America arrived safe
ly at Hong-Kon on September .
B. A. Harnett, manager OF the japanese
Steamship Line. who was promptly warned OF
the arrival OF the Russian cruiser. cable1 10 his
company in Yokohama to hold the America
Maru until the cruiser departs. The America
Maru is now between Shanghai and Nagasaki.
on her way TO this city. Mr.. Harnett's theory Is
that the Russian cruiser was sent out from
Vladivostok a rowing commission TO sec il
she could capture any japanese vessels lie re-
CARDS the trouble with the boilers as a ruse TO
permit the vessel TO stay here and dsmantle
Then. at g days notice she could resume her
guns ard sail out, ready TO hold up any Jap
anese ship
This theory is horne on; by the fact that she
ordinarily makes nineteen knots. but al a pinch
can steam tweEty-three, which would allow her
10 overhaul any vessels of the japanese line as
well most Of tine Pacific Mall and Occidental
and Oriental steamers. She is of 1925 tons
and AS feet long. OF her twenty-four guns
three are s-inch twelve 6-inch. eight finch and
one 3-inch. Those who boarded her late this
afternoon say that everything is in good order
and that her guns all looked effective She was
formerly in passenger traffic between Odessa
and Kronstadt. and six months ago was
verted into q cruiser Pilot McCuIoch. who
brought her into port. says that chains were
wrapped around her hall. indicating that soHie
of her plates were loose.
Admiral Goodrich. Of the Pacific squadron. in
formed Washington OF the cruisers arrival and
received prompt orders to hold his squadron
here until the departure Of the Russian vessel.
His squadron comprises the New-York. the Bos
ton, the Marblehead and the Bennington. The
vessels were all ready TO leave here for Punta
Arenas in the morning.
The japanese quarter is buzzing like a hive of
bees tonight the brown men being intensely
cited over the arrival OF this representative OF
their enemy's navy. The japanese are inclined
to the theory that the dismantling of the cruiser
is only a ruse to keep her here until oppor.
tunity occurs TO prey upon some richly laden
japanese steamer