New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-04
RETURN OF RAIDERS.
Enthusiasm at VIadiUostok Deer Re
suits of SeisareS.

Vladivostok, Aug. 3.-The reception Of the
cruisers Rossia, GromOboi and Rurtk on RETURN
ing from their last expedition was enthusiastic
Rear Admiral Jeszen was in signal cOmmunica-
ton with Vice-Admiral Skrydloff for ten hours
before the squadron reached port.
AS a result Of the cruise naval officers here be-
lieve that a check will be given to British and
American ship owners carrying contraband OF
war. or at least additional burdens will be inn
posed on Japan by an increase in freight and
passenger rates.
The officers of the squadron are indignant
because of the criticism of the British and
American press over the alleged "lawless acts"
of the cruisers. asserting that the complete de-
tails of the cruise will show that Admiral Jes-
zen displayed the greatest humanity aud acted
within his rights and instructions.
The crew Of the japanese vessel Okashtma
was sent on shore before the ship was sunk by
the Rossia. and the crews of two schooners
which we're too far from shore were taken on
board.
The steamer Camara, belonging 10 the Cullom
company, of London when stopped. was bound
for Mororan for coal. The officers say that she
had evidently brought contraband from Europe
10 Yokohama and was on the way to Mororan,
they auege. with the intention Of loading coal
for delivery al japanese ports or to the Japan
csc fleet The fact is pointed out that the Brit
Ish steamer Auanton. on the previous cruise OF
the squadron, was seized after leaving Mororan
Although the Camara could have been seized
she had not enough coal to get her to Fladi-
vostok and received the benefit If the doubt and
was released.
The Ktobuniu, a japanese vessel. although
subject to confsoation. was released because
there women on board.
The British steamer Knight Commander. when
signalled to stop. declined 10 do So even after
three shots had been fired across her bows. and
the officers say that her evident intention was
TO make effort to escape, which IN itself
rendered her liable under Russian naval
rules 70 have shot fred into her hull She
stopped however. at the fourth shot. and
was found 10 contain between three and
four thousand tons Of railway material from
Sew-York for Kobe and Yokohama The
captains documents were not in order. and the
captain said that his instructions had been sent
in advance by mail Both ship and cargo the
Russians believed. were undoubtedly subject 10
coniscation. AS the knight Commander had not
enough coal TO go 10 Vladivostok. Admiral Jeszen
was confronted with the alternative OF releasing
her. allowing tho cargo. as he believed. to reach
the Japanese. or OF destroying her. AS II was
plainly. in the opinion OF the admiral. of the
extraordinary cases coming under Russian prize
regulations. he assumed the responsibility Of
sinking the ship. although she was flying ueu-
trail nag.
All the passengers and crew Of the knight
Commander. together with the ships papers,
were taken off.
After passing TsuGaru Strait. homeward
bound. the squadron saw three coast guardshtps
and seven torpedo boats which. while keeping
out Of range tried 10 draw the Russians to the
mine fields and under the guns OF the japanese
batteries. but Admiral Jeszen declined to be
caught In this trap.
The cruisers landed here twenty-five Euro
peans including sixteen officers, thirty-two
Malays. Iorty-three Chinese and sixty three
Japanese.