During the past few days the Chinese newspapers have given prominence to the fact that three Russian vessels have arrived at Woosung, having on-board a Jarge number of "refugees," and that the Chinese authorities have taken special precautions against members of the party landing: n Shanghai.
The facts of the case were state ed on Wednesday to a representdtive of the "North-China Daily News," by the secretary of Lieutenant-General Gleboff, the officer in command of the vessels. There are three ships, the strs. Okhotsu, Mongugai and Statstchinik, transports once the property of the late, Imperial Ruseian Government, and they have on board 842 men, practically the last of the Russian Army of the old regime. There are no women or children on board. For some time past these men have been in Korea, engaged on irrigation and other public works, and their services no longer being in demand there, have put in to Shanghai for a temporaly stay. ' The ultimate destination of the ships has not yet been decided—probably they may proceed to Europe—but at present plans are "'in the air," so to speak.
SHIPS IN NEED OF REPAIR, The General and his men are very unhappy about the Chinese authorities' decision to refuse them a landing. It is pointed out to us that these men are not political refugees, and they are not here for the purpose of seeking charity. They have on board sufficient foodstuffs, with the exception of meat, to last them for four months, and sufficient funds to provide for all needs over a considerably longer period, so that they will not be under the necessity of approaching local charity organizations. General Gileboff states that it was necessary for him to call at Shanghai to have repairs made to the boilers of the Mongugai, which are badly leaking, and also to have minor repairs attended to on the other vessels, the three of which should be made seaworthy in about one month's time. In the special circumstances, he asks' that the authorities might reasonably allow his men to come ashore for necessary rest and change, and also in order to equip themselves for their further tra-vols. Weare assured that if permission is given for the men to Jand, guarantees can be given that none of the party will be left behind in Shanghai when the vessels depart 'a month or so hence.
"These being the facts, the foreign and Chinese community here will readily sympathize with General Gleboff in*his appeal for special consideration. At the same time, there are many who will consider the action taken by
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.