Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-04
TO AWAIT ADV|CES
No Decision Regarding Rus
sian Ships at Manila.
OFFICIALS CONFER
CONSULTATION WITH THE PRESI-
DENT ON THE MATTER.
Fuller Report From Admiral Train
Looked For-May Follow Course
in the Lena Case.

An important conference was held at
the White House late yesterday after
noon. the participants, besides the Pres
ident, being Secretary Morton and Attor-
ney General Moody. 1t related 60 the ar
rival at Manila of the Russian cruisers
Aurora, OIeE and Jemtchug, artd to the
disposition to be made of them. 1t was
determined to await fuller information
concerning the incident before definite
decision was reached
All three of the cruisers took part in
the naval battle in the Korean straits a
week ago. Two of them-the Oleg and
Jemtchug-were reported to have been
sunk by the Japanese fleet. The three
ships were damaged, but were able to
proceed under their own steam.
Rear Admiral Train, in command Of the
United States squadron now at Manila,
having heard rumors of the sighting of
Russian warships near the Island OF Lu-
Zon made an investigation with his squad
ron and discovered the damaged cruisers
making their way to port. The United
States vessels, after an exchange or sa-
lutes with Admiral Enquist, in command
of the Russians, escorted the three cruls-
erS to Manila.
Officials here received the first news of
the arrival of the Russian vessels at Ma
Mia from the Associated Press. Soon
afterward an official report was received
IL
miral Train. This was communicated
promptly to President Roosevelt, and the
conference yesterday afternoon was held
to determine upon course OIL procedure.
Rights of the Russians.
In the present circumstances vessels or
either of the belligerent nations would be
permitted to remain at a neutral port only
twenty-four hours, or, If the ships were un-
seaworthy, only long enough 10 enable them
to make necessary temporary repairs, in or
der that they might reach their nearest
home port. What, if any, request Admiral
Enquist may make concerning the DISPOSE
ton of the vessels is not known here.
He may ask that they be inferred at Ma
nila until the close OF the war. Such
a request would be granted by this
government. The cruisers then would pe
in a position precisely similar TO that OF
the Russian ship Lena, WHICH about ten
months ago was interned at San Francisco.
( When a complete report on the arrival OF
the cruisers at Manila shall have been made
by Rear Admiral Train 1t may be decided by
this government that the ships must be in
termed, as was the case in the Lena incl
dent. Instructions have been cabled to
Rear Admiral Train to consider what
steps 1t would be necessary for him to take
In case Admiral Enquist should request that
his vessels should be interned. Until full
report shall have been received from him
no further action will be taken by this gov
ernment.
1t is the opinion in official circles that the
cruisers will be dismantled and held at
Manila until the conclusion of hosiilities,
and that the request for their internment
will come from the Russian admiral as soon
as he shall have heard from the St. Peters,
burg government.
Will Care for Wounded.
Under the rules of war Admiral Trains
duty is plain. He will first care for the
wounded. taking them ashore If necessary,
and 1t Is probable he will quarter the Of
fcers at the naval hospital at Cslvite and
when the capacity of that institution is
taxed. the Philippine government will be
called on to offer facilities for the wounded
men. 1t was said this afternoon. however,
that everything possible would be done for
the comfort of the wounded. and Admiral
Train Is expected to offer the services of
the feet medical officers to assist In the
care of the wounded. 4M
Regarding the disposition of the vessels. IL
is generally expected that the Russian adj
mfral as soon as he can communicate with
his government, will ask permission to in
tern his ships at Manila. That will un-
doubtedly be granted, but in the meantime
they can under the rules be given the free
dom of the port for a limited pesiod The
department has every confidence Ia the abil-
ity OF Admiral Train to see to 1t that every
detail Of international law Is observed and
indeed, he will require no detailed fnstruc-
tions from the Navy Department. However,
II is expected the Russian government will
communicate its wishes on the subject
through Washington, and these will be
promptly forwarded to Admiral Train.