The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-09-12
NEUTRALITY
WILL BE
ENFORCED

Washington, Sept. 12.-It Is said at the
state department concerning the Russian
vessel Lena now at San Francisco that in
international law there is no difference
recognized between a transport and a
battleship though there seemed to be an
intimation conveyed in the San Francisco
despatch that the captain OF the Russian
ship thought otherwise and was disposed
to claim exemption from the rules OF
war applying 10 naval ships
That being the case IL is probable that
the government here will follow closely
the course pursued by Germany. France
and China in cases where Russian naval
vessels sought shelter in their harbors.
The first thing to be done is to find out
the exact condition of the Lena and
whether or not there actually exists need
for repairs. III IL should appear that the
vessel is really seaworthy she must go
10 sea at once or at least within "a hours
OF notice 10 our officials of her arrival In
port
She may take on a supply of coal but
only sufficient 10 move her TO the near
est home port and IL will be part of the
understanding upon which this coal Is
furnished that IT is to be used for no other
purpose. American ports must not be
made the basis OF hostile preparations
against either OF the belligerents
Vladivostok and Port Arthur are the
nearest Russian ports to San Francisco,
but 1t Is possible that our government will
recognize the fact that they are actually
closed by blockade TO the Lena and thus
sanction the departure OF q ship for Rus
sia southwark by way OF the west coast
OF South America. Cape Horn and the
Atlantic ocean. In the event that re-
pairs are found TO be actually necessary
the time allowed for them will be figured
by our government experts and when they
are completed, though 1t is understood
that they must not proceed beyond a
point just sufficient to make the vessel
seaworthy, she will be allowed 10 de-
part for Russia, IL she takes coal In San
Francisco, or whence she pleases If she
goes out under her own coal supply.
II is believed at the navy department
that the conditions will not be allowed
TO shape themselves so that the Lena can
go out of San Francisco harbor to prey on
American commerce even though this is
carried In japanese bottoms. In fact the
impression prevails that the Lena will
be tied UP at San Francisco until the
end OF the war. the crew remaining
aboard II the Japanese government does
not object. and this is not likely In view
OF the precedent established yesterday In
the case of the Askold or they will be
comfortably quartered at the training sta
ton on Yerba Buena island In the middle
of the harbor.
II is believed that the Russian captain
will not be adverse 10 this lnternment.
as he is probably n refugee and without
hope OF being able TO keep the seas and
escape the penalties OF neutralitys laws
until some opportunity affords for him 10
carry the Lena safely through the Japan
ese blockade into Vladivostok
Minister Takahlra is not expected 10 re-
turn TO Washington until this afternoon
Meanwhile a telegram has been received
at the Japanese legation here by Mr.
Hioki. first secretary from Kisaburo
Uyeno. the japanese consul at San Fran
cisco, reporting the arrival OF the Lena
and giving substantially the same ex-
PLANTATION Of her presence as was con-
tained in the news dispatches printed this
morning. IL is expected that Minister
Takahira will make this statement the
basis for representations TO the state de-
partment.