THE PIRATICAL CRUISERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2677, 5 July 1905, Page 33

THE PIRATICAL CRUISERS.

♦ , LONDON, June 27. The cruiser Perseus has been ordered to convey the Czar's orders to the commander of the Dnieper. Captain Stone, of the Ikhona, protested against the destruction oi the provisions that were removed from his ship. Dynamite and cartridges were exploded in the engine room from a boat, but this proving ineffectual quickfirers were used. The mail bags were opened, and some letters abstracted. June 28. Sir C. Hardinge, British Ambassador, has renewed his representations to Count Lamsdorff re the sinking of British ships, i Count Lamsdorff has replied that the Admiralty has not yet communicated a memorandum on the subject. Notwithstanding the verbal assurances given in 1904, and the reply to Sir C. Hardinge's representations concerning the St. Kilda, Russia apparently considers the question ' should be submitted to a prize court, contending that Russia is justified in sinking foreign vessels under certain specified circumstances. . Admiral Rozhdestvensky was primarily responsible for the sinking of British vessels, as he ordered his auxiliary cruisers to sink all neutrals carrying contraband. The Russians are trying to reopen a discussion of the principle of sinking neutrals owing to the prospect of heavy damages. A protest has been lodged in the case of the Tetaros, The officers of the Terek, addressing Captain Stone, justified the destruction of the Ikhona on the ground that they were unable to convey the ship to port* '

The Terek's officers disbelieved the statement of the captain of the Perlak that R-ozadestvenskf's fleet had been destroyed. June 30. The Terek on the 22nd sank the Danish steamer Princesse Marie, bound' from Europe to China and Japan. She was insured in London for £70,000 at war risks. There was a large insurance on the cargo. There was no contraband on board. The crew have landed at Batavia. July 1. H.M.S. cruiser Perseus, authorised to instruct four Russian auxiliary cruisers to proceed to Libau, has already warned the Dnieper. Advices from Batavia state that the Terek has been disarmed. CAIRO, July 2. The converted cruiser Dnieper landed the crew of the fit. Kilda, which she recently sank, at Port Said.