San Francisco Call, Volume 97, Number 90, 28 February 1905 — PAROLE BREAKERS PUNISHED. [CHAPTER]

PAROLE BREAKERS PUNISHED.

Runaway Officers of the I^na Mast

Return to Mare Island.

ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 27. — Yielding to the demands of the United States, Russia has not only ordered the officers of the cruiser Lena who violated their parole to return to San Francisco, but has reduced them one grade as punishment. The only excuse offered was their youth. WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.— The announcement that the Russian Government has directed three naval officers who broke their paroles and escaped from the Lena at San Francisco to return to that ship was received with gratification at the Navy Department, principally because Admiral MeCalla, who is directly responsible for the detention of the Lena's personnel, will be relieved from what otherwise might be the disagreeable necessity of abolishing the shore leaves tor the Lena's officers and crew in the future. The action alao relieves the State Department from making explanation to Japan for permitting a breach of neutrality such as might be properlycharged if Russian sailors interned under conditions imposed in the Lena case were allowed to escape.