River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-07-13
FLAG OF REBELS
is HAULED DOWN
MUTINEERS SURRENDER THE
KNIAZ PoTEMKIN.
THEY ARE PROMISED SAFETY
Give Up the Ship to Roumanian Au-
thorities Who Agree to Treat Them
as Foreign Deserters-Vessel
Turned Over to Kruger.


flag of st. Andrew once again floats
over the Russian battleship Kniaz
Potem1in and the torpedo boat which
have proved such terrors to the Black
sea communities for couple of weeks
past. The formal surrender of the
mutinouS crews actually took place at
one o'clock Saturday afternoon after
series of discussions and negotia-
tons between the Roumanian authori-
ties and the leaders of the mutineers.
Treated as Foreign Deserters.
Roumanian officers who boarded the
battleshir on her arrival here called
upon the crew to surrender, in which
case they would be treated as foreign
deserters, or else leave the port forth
with 1t speedily became apparent
that the Russian vessels returned to
this port with the intention of sur
rendering to foreign government,
and the crews soon announced their
acceptance of the Roumanian terms.
Not Allowed to Remove Treasure.
The mutineers desired to take off
the treasure which was on board the
Potemkin, but the Roumanian authori-
ties declined to acquiesce. The Rus
slams will gradually be conveyed to
any frontier they may select and will
then be liberated, the local officials
having given an undertaking to this
effect. The Roumanian flag, as well
as the Russian, has been hoisted over
the surrendered vessels, SO as to pre-
vent any attack on them in Rou-
manian waters by the vessels of the
Russian squadron, which are reported
to be in pursuit of the mutineers.
Delivered to Kruger.
Kustenji, Roumania, July 10.-Ad-
miral Kruger Sunday afternoon board
ed and took possession of the Russian
battleship Kniaz Potemkin, King
Charles of Roumania having sent in
structions to the commander of the Rou-
manian squadron that the vessel be de-
livered to the Russian authorities with
out raising difficulties. The torpedo
boat which accompanied the Kniaz Po-
temkin, however, left for Odessa with
out surrendering, declaring that she had
not mutinied, but that the Kniaz Pos
temkin had forced her to follow. Adj
miral Kruger arrived with his squad
ron during the morning, and after ex-
changing the customary salutes, init
mated that he had come to arrange for
the transfer of the Kniaz Potemkin. Adj
miral Koslinsky, commander of the
Roumanian squadron, boarded the Rus
sian battleship TcheSme and informed
Admiral Kruger that King Charles had
ordered him to turn the vessel over to
the Russian admiral. The formalities
of the transfer were completed in the
afternoon, and Admiral Kruger boarded
the Kniaz Potemkin.
In State of Disorder.
An inspection was made of the Kniaz
Potemkin, after the withdrawal of the
Roumanian guard Despite the efforts
of the Roumanians to get things in ship
shape, everything aboard the battleship
was still in state of wild disorder The
officers cabins were stripped of every
thing of any value, and bloodstains
were everywhere. There was sufficient
kin to have enabled the mutineers to
make desperate resistance. 1t is said
that during the last few days the yes
sci was navigated by two engineers ana
an officer with revOlvers at their heads.
All of the sailors wished to surrender
with the exception of Matuschenko, the
leader of the mutiny, who resisted for
some time and wanted TO blow up the
ship. Seven officers were prisoners
aboard the Kniaz Potemkin They were
in a pitiable condition from ill treat
ment They declare that Matuschenko
himself killed ten officers of the battle
ship.
Awaits Kruger's Report.
ST. Petersburg, July 10.-The govern
ment is awaiting a report from Admiral
Kruger before making representations
to the Roumanian government for the
return of the mutineers of the Kniaz
Potemkin. 1t was stated at the foreign
office that no official information Of the
attitude Of Roumania towards the mu-
tineeis had been received. While GO
diplomatic steps have been taken, the
foreign Office undoubtedly will make the
strongest representations against the
mutineers being treated as simple de-
serters, and demand their surrender
not only for mutiny, but also for the
murder of their officers the lombard
ment of Odessa and the Indictment to
a revolution. The vainglorious procla-
nation issued by the mutineers also
will weigh heavily against them. Their
crime is one which is considered most
odious by all nations, and it is thought
imperative that the sternest justice be
melted out to the ringleaders as an ex-