Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-03
COSTA RICAN VESSEL
Is SEIZED BY BRAZIL
Mystery OF Maria QucEada, Whose
Trannfer WINS Queationed, Has
been Cleared Tn.
Especial to The Tlmes-Dispatch.l

Especial to The Times Dispatch.]
NEWPORT NEWS. VA, March .
Speculation as 10 the fate OF the Costa
Rican steamer. Maria Ouesada, former
- the Norwegian steamer Gladstone
which was last heard from when she
slipped out OF Port l-anondc,, Costa
ltica, under cover of darkness &c avoid
capture ny French and British cruisers.
was cleared up to-day with the arrival
here OF four men. members of her crew
They left the vessel in Pernambuco.
Brazil, where she is now being held by
the brazilian government. She was
seized by the authorities at PerEam-
buco because che flew the Norwegian
flag. although of Costa RIcan registry.
GESUINENESS OF SHIPS
TRANSFER IS QUESTIONED
The Maria Qucsada came to this port
as the Norwegian steamer Gladstone,
II was announced that she had been
sold TO a prominent ship owner from
Uruguay, and would be registered as a
ship of that nationality. The genuine
ness OF the transaction was questioned
while the ship was being overhhauled
and RENTED at the local ship-yard. and
her master was prohibited from taking
her out of port until the matter had
been cleared UP. the action being taken
by Collector of Customs Norman r.
Hamilton. Later 1t was announced
that the ship would be put under the
Costa Rlcan nag. ana she was allowed
TO leave port.
The story OF her voyage was told by
the men who arrived here this morn
ing. These men were Mate Christian
sen Bentsen. Seaman a. C. Hartford.
Carpenter Walling and Donkcyman J.
Olsen. Rentsen told the story of his
trip with the Maria Ouesada. He said
that as soon as the ship left Hampton
Roads all lights were put out and the
trip down the coast made in darkness.
After arriving in Port Lamonde. the
master learned that no was being
sought by French and British warships
who suspected that the vessel was
loaded with sunniies for German war
ships In the South Atlantic. When
learned OF the fact orders were given
to raise anchor without noise and the
ship slipped quietly out of harbor at
o'clock In the morning. BY making
long detour to the north the steamer
managed to elude the warships.
NAME Is PAINTED OFT
AND "GLADsTONE" RESUMED
While at sea the name Maria Que
sada was painted out and the ship re-
sumed the name OF Gladstone. The
Norwegian flag also was run up to the
masthead. All went well until the sup
ply of water ran low, and it was de-
cIded to put into the port OF Pernam-
buco. Here the Norwegian consul
learned that tho ship was flying the
Norwegian flag. although OF Costa
Rican registry. He complained to tho
Brazilian authorities, and they imme-
diately seized the ship. Her crew was
taken off and sent to the United States
on an outgoing liner.
While the destination Of the Maria
Quesada was kept even from the mate
the presence Of marked maps of the
territory in the South Atlantic where
it was known German warshIps were
stationed. led the men to believe that
tho vessel was carrying supplies TO
German men OF war.
Until the arrival here to-day Of Mate
Bentscn and the other members OF the
crew. 1t was generally believed that the
Maria Quesada had been captured by
hostile warships.