No. 3.
St. Joseph, Mich., July 27—(Special)—Mr. H. Close of Chicago, who has been Sundaying in this city, reports seeing the Vladivostok squadron last evening three miles east of this city. Mr. Close was sitting on the shore thinking about the political situation, when some one near by called his attention to the squadron. He says that he saw it distinctly, but didn’t notice how many ships there were, or what direction they were going. Mr. Close states that he is going down again to-night to watch for the squadron. Intense excitement prevails. Little knots of bridal couples may be seen earnestly discussing the sensation.
No. 4.
Joilet, Ill., July 27—(Special)—Mr. Herbert X. Bughaus of this city came running into the city early this morning crying out that he had been pursued by the Vladivostok Squadron. He first saw it near the rolling mills and stopped for some minutes to count the ships. He counted six the first time, but a recount showed nine. A Russian admiral commanded him to surrender, but Mr. Bughaus retreated quickly followed by the entire squadron. Fortunately he reached the city safely, although terribly frightened. In an interview Mr. B. stated that he saw the ships while on his way home or to work, he is not sure which. Great excitement prevails.
No. 5.
Punta Arenas, Argentine Republic, July 27—(Special)—Izaak Walton Jones, a citizen of this city, reports having sighted the Vladivostok squadron three miles and a quarter off Cape Horn, about noon to-day. He first saw the fleet come down the east coast of South America, turn abruptly around the Horn and disappear rapidly up the west coast. There were three large ships and they were traveling thirty knots an hour. When last seen they were turning the corner two miles north of Valparaiso. Mr. Jones at once brought the news to this city, and, after renewing his supplies, will return to the cape where he is fishing.
No. 6.
Dundee, Scotland, July 27—(Special)—Mr. Jem Wethersby, first officer of the Peruvian bark Calisaya, arrived here this afternoon with the report that he found evidences of the Vladivostok squadron. At seven bells night before last, while doing his trick at the watch, he passed a large piece of wreckage which, he swears, was probably part of a vessel sunk by the what’s-its-name squadron. Mr. Wethersby has had much experience in swearing, having been a mate on a tramp steamer for twelve years. Late this evening we endeavored to get a complete story from Mr. W., but he was not to be found.
THE VLADIVOSTOK SQUADRON