The Adventures of the Str. Chefoo After having been detained by the Chinese naval authorities since her arrival at Woosung on January 5, the str. Chefoo has just received notification of her release but stands a chance of being involved in a lawsuit to decide the question of her ownership.
The str. Chefov, flying the Russian flag, and having on board a large number of refugees, arrived at Woosung several days after Admiral Stark's fleet. Certain complications arose and the vessel was prevented from entering har-hour. The Chinese naval authori—ties commandeered her and hoisted the Chinese flag in place of the Russian which was at the masthead. Several marines were placed on board to guard the vessel,. which was subsequently removed up stream near the Kiangnan Arsenal. Since that time she has been under the vigilance of the Chinese fleet.
The vessel is understood to be a private vessel, said to be the property of Count Keysuling, a former Russian subject who is now a naturalized citizen of Latvia.
Many applications had been made by Count Keysuling to Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Navy (Admiral Tu Shih-kuei), through the local Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, for the release of the vessel in order that she might pass through the usual formodities of a vessel entering Shanghai. Tha Count is said to have aipplied for a pass to allow the vessel to come into port for repairs.
Chev. "S. K. Chen, secretary to the Commander-in-Chioef and Counseller to the Ministry called to Nanking in connexion with the affair and it. was through his efforts that an order was finally made for the release of the vessel, the Commander-in-Chief having given his consent to this and issued orders for the marine detachment to be withdrawn. The Commissioner of Customs has also been notified io the effect.
The troubles of the vessel, however, do not appear to have ceased for it is reported that the. local agents of the Russian Volunteer Fleet are shortly to institute legal proceedings against Count Key-suiing in connexion with the ownership of the vessel.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.