Honolulu star-bulletin., 1917-03-12
ARRESTS MADE AT
KOREA MARU ARE
CAUSING TROUBLE
Police Seek to Explain Why
Men Said to Be Consular
Officers of Russia Were
Handcuffed and Quickly
Released


Honolulu police we're stirred to a
furry OF explanations this morning
regarding the temporary arrest and
Handwriting OF two Russian consular
men passing through here on the Ko-
rea Marlt Sunday, March 4. comment
ed on by an Associated Press des-
patch received here and which states
that the Russian government has de-
manded a complete investigation OF
the affair
The exact text OF the message is:
Investigation demanded Russian gov
eminent arrest Handwriting two Rus
sian consulars Honolulu passengers
.Maru. Honolulu consul instructed re-
tort fully"
Considerable attention was paid to
the affair when IL first came to light
last Monday through an exclusive
story In the Star Bulletin. That story
stated that Deputy Sheriff Asch had
refused to embroil the local police de-
partment In an arrest which might
bring on international complications.
Police Statement Was Ambiguous
In HIS explanation of the affair to
the StarsBulletin at that time, how
ever, Asch did not explain that the
Russians had actually been arrested
and put In irons by one of his men,
to be later released by his order, but
merely stated that he had refused to
detain them In Honolulu after he had
sized I'D the situation generally.
Now Making Full Report
Although DR.. Augustus Marques, the
Russian consul In Honolulu. has re-
ceiyed no official request or order
similar 70 the Associated Press report
and officially knows nothing Of It, in
event Of receiving such q demand he
has unofficialIy requested that Asch
prepare for him q fun account ofsthe
Today tie deputy and q stenogra-
pher are preparing ! detailed chrome
logical statement. and q verbal ac-
county which the deputy says Is es-
sentially what win be inclnded in the
report to the consul was given the
Star-Bulletin as follows:
Two Russians came to the police
station Sunday afternoon, March 4,
for some purpose from the Korea
Maru. but could not speak English;
went away. and returned about
o'clock with q young Russian they
had picked up who Interpreted their
wishes.
Asch Orders Assistance
They told Capt. Kamahu, in charge
at the receiving station, that they
were Russian officials and wished to
arrest three other Russians on the
same ship who had stolen six million
sSbles tower $4,000 ,000) from their
&vernment: that they had been in.
f6rmed In Petrograd by q telegram
from Vladivostok and had traced the
men to Honolulu
Capt. Kamahn called Asch, received
orders to lend the men assistance;
went TO the ship to take the men OF
in company with Policemen NJ. D. Bar
boza and Isaac 1aea. met with some
opposition from local customs officials
about bringing aliens ashore with
their baggage. and telephoned Asch
again. ~
Asch went Immediately to the pier,
to be government officials. for their
credential (which they could not pro.
dnce: asked for the telegram they
we're alleged to have received. which
they also could not produce, question.
ed q known Russian government Off
cial on the same boat. who knew moth,
ing about the affair. called up Dr.
Marques, who. likewise. had no infor.
nation. and ordered the three men
released.
Didn't See Handouts
Although the deputy says now that
he did not see the handouts or know
that the three Russians were In irons
at the time, he admits that such was
the case Asch says Capt. Kamahu
ordered the handouts put on and
gives as the only possible reason fol
lContinued on page three)