The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-13
We GUARD RUSSIAN CRUISER,
CLOSE WATCH SET on THE LENA
IN SAN FRANCISCO HARBOR.

Was Inspected by American Engineer and
Found TO BE UnseAworthy and Boilers
In Bad Shapo-Jap Onlcials Demand
That the Warship He Ordered to Leave
and That They Inspect Her-They'rs
Told That We Can Settle the Matter
without Help-State Department Has
Delicate Problem Not to Often Either
Bellig erent-Danger 70 Our Ships.
SAN Francisco, Sept. l2-The Russian
cruiser Lena, which put into this port yes
terday, and whose commander requested
that he be allowed to make extensive re-
pairs, was inspected late this afternoon
by Lieutenant Commander W. C.. Herbert
feet engineer Of the Pacific squadron
acting under the orders Of Admiral Good
rich.
He carefully inspected the vessel and
found that the boilers were in such bad
shape that the vessel could make only ten
knots with them and would not be sea-
worthy in a storm.
Herbert's report was wired to Washington
tonight and will probably lead to the grant
ing of special stay here for repairs. II
is understood that Herbert limited that the
condition Of the boilers was due partly to
crowding on more steam than the machinery
could stand.
Capt Berlinsky OF the Lena made formal
application this morning to Admiral Goodrich
who is in command Of the Pacific squadron,
for the privilege Of keeping the cruiser in
the harbor for an indefinite period in order
that urgent repairs may be made to the
boilers and engines Of the vessel. In q
talk with the Admiral he was very diplo-
matte and evasive and intimated that the
stay Of the Lena here might be prolonged
for weeks, as he declared she was absolutely
trustworthy.
Because the Lena arrived here on Sunday,
Admiral Goodrich decided that 1t was only
just that the twenty-four hour period
allowed by International law should begin
this morning and not expire until Tuesday
morning.
Admiral Goodrich the first thing this
morning provided a guard for the Lena,
90 that no one may approach the vessel
without scrutiny. The torpedo boat Paul
Jones, which can make twenty-eight knots,
IL anchored near the Lena, and there Ia also
an armed launch that holds up any craft
that approaches.
Oficers In charge Of each vessel have
been given strict orders to see that neu-
trality laws are not evaded AID that no
ammunition or torpedoes reach the Rus
sian Only provisions and necessaries will
be permitted to pass the guard hae.
Should the Lena attempt to escape she
could be overhanled easily by the Paul
Jones. Admiral Goodrich said this even-
ing:
-The matter OF the Lena lies wholly in the
hands Of the Washington authorities
have wired full resume of the situation and
have notified the Department that my
squadron will not leave port until ordered
TO do 80. expect further Instructions be-
fore morning.
JAPANs PEREMPToBY DEMAND.
Consul Uyeno OF Japan was the first
caller on Collector Of the Port Stratton
this morning. He was evidently laboring
under much excitement and made a
peremptory demand in the name of his
Government that the Lena be required
TO leave port at the expiration OF twenty
four hours.
Mr.. Stratton replied that should repairs
be found necessary this time would be eS-
tended. Then Consul Uyeno became
greatly excited and in loud voice de-
manded that an investigation Of the Lena
to determine her unseaworthiness be held
by himself and competent Japanese ex-
perts. In the name Of the Japanese Gov
eminent he demanded the right to decide
whether the Lena had defective boilers
or whether this was q mere Russian SUBJ
terfuge to gain time.
THE United States Government IL act.
ing in this matter" said the Collector
curtly, "and does not propose to delegate
any OF the offices and duties OF a neutral
Power to belligerents."
When tho Japanese Official persisted the
Collector became angry and told Uyeno
plainly that the United States would brook
no suggestions and no interference from
Japan. The Japanese Consul left In rage,
but claimed down later and when seen at
his office this afternoon said:
Il have perfect confidence in the sin
certify Of the naval and other authorities
OF the United States. Whatever they de-
eide in regard to the Lena will satisfy the
Japanese Government. Our people here
are greatly excited over the presence Of the
warship in the harbor, but no attempt will
be made to injure her.
DIDN'T MEET ZAP SQUADRON.
1t was learned to-day from a mem Der
Of the Lena's crew that the cruiser formed
part Of the vladivostok squadron. and that
while the squadron sailed down through
the Japan Sea and reached the waters
near Port Arthur the ships did not dare
try to enter because Of the presence Of
the powerful Japanese fleet.
Only continued foggy weather saved
the squadron from fight or capture. On
Its return the ships were scattered and
the Lena made her way to this port by
the northern great circle.
Either she came here to dismantle and
remain for the remainder Of the war or
else she came with the set purpose OF watch
Ing for Oriental steamers with oontraband
on board. The latter is the more plausible
theory. II she leaves after repairs she
Will be able to cruise around beyond the
three mile limit and hold up and search
every vessel for the Orient that leaves
haYA