The Secretary of State to the Russian Ambassador.

Personal.]

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I beg to advise you that I am informed by the Secretary of the Navy that he has received a letter, dated October 28, 1905, from the commandant of the Mare Island Navy-Yard, in which he states that the Lena left the yard on the 26th of the same month for San Francisco, with a navy-yard pilot on board.

It affords me sincere gratification to inform you that the commandant testifies to the uniformly excellent conduct of all on board the Lena during her internment. The association of her officers with those on duty at the navy-yard has been very agreeable to the latter, who have endeavored to make their visit a pleasant one; and it has always been a pleasure to see the members of the crew, who have had the use of the island for exercise and amusement, at the yard and station.

I am, etc.,

Elihu Root.