Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-06-29

Odessa, June 28.-Tho red flag of
revolution is hoisted at the masthead
Of the Kniaz Potemkine, Kussia's most
powerful battIeship m the Black sea.
which now lies in the harbOr in the
hands of mutineers.
The captain and most of the officers
were murdered and thrown overheard
in the open sea and the ship is COM
pletely in the possession of the crew
and few officers who have thrown in
their lot with the ,nutinecrs.
The guns Of the Kniaz Potemkine
commanded the city and in the streets
masses of striking work:nen, who. yes
terday. fled before the volleys of the
troops, are now inflanmed by the
spectacle OF open revolt on board an
imperial warship, and are making a
bold front against the military.
All day long firing has been heard in
many quarters of the city. A number of
barricades have been erected and tu-
mutt and disorder reign.
The main squadron Of the Black sea
fleet, consisting Of the battleships
Georgei Pobiedonosotz George the vic
torious) Trisviatitelia. Rostilav and
Ekaterina II, with two cruisers. are ex-
regular naval battle is in prospect.
The rioters are in a most defiant
mood and are not inclined to surren-
der without fighting.
Reports Of the mutiny which occurred
while the battleship was at sea, are
difficult to obtain, as the mutineers re-
fuse to allow communice ton with the
shore; but 1t Is ascertatne1 that 1t arose
from the shooting of Il sailor who was
presenting on behalf Of the crew COM
plant against bad food. According to
one version this sailor, whose name
was Omiltchuk. objected to the quality
Of the "borchtch" or soup. and was inn
mediately shot down by mess officer
The crew then rose and seized the ship
and the officers. eight Of whom were
spared on condition that they would
Join the mutineers. The others were
killed and their bodies thrown over
board.
After a period of vacillation the
Kniaz Potemkine headed for Odessa
and arrived here. last night. accom-
panied by two torpedo boats. Early to-
day, the body of Omiltchuk was
brought ashore in one of the battle
new mole. where it was exposed in
semi-state all day. 1t was visited by
thousands of persons, many OF whom
placed coins In basket at the head
Of the body towards a fund to defray
the cost OF the funeral, which the sail
ors propose to hold. tomorrow. and
which the strikers will make the oc-
casion of a great demonstration.
An inscription on the breast of the
dead sailor states on behalf of the crew
that Omiltchuk died for the truth be-
cause he presented a joint complaint OF
the crew.
The authorities have made no at
tempt to remove the body. the sailors
having served notice that the ship
would open fire on anyone seeking to
interfere with it. A police agent visit
ing the spot was killed by strikers.
During the day a red flag was hoisted
on the Kniaz Potemkine and members
of the crew rowed from ship to ship in
the harbor forcing the stoppage of all
work thereon. Food was supplied them
by sympathizers on shore who pillaged
the maritime storehouses.
The strike is now general in the city
and the rioters are growing in num-
bers and boldness. There were ex-
changes of shots all day but the num-
Der Of victims cannot be stated.
This evening. a bomb was thrown in
Cathedral place, killing its thrower and
q policeman.
A telegram from the mayor of Odes-
ga, who is at Moscow. imploring the
citizens to restore order, has been post
ed throughout the city.
during the day one of the torpedo
boats which accompanied the Kniaz
Potemkine came into the harbor and
seized the Russian steamer Esperanza.
The steamer was laden with 1000 tons
of coal, which the battleship has taken
On board. 9aF
i The governor has telegraphed for a
squadron to be sent from Sebastopol