A correspondent of the Novae Vremya at Vladivostock, had caused a sensation in Russian naval circles by disclosing information about the German steamer China crossing a double row of mines blocking the approaches to Port Possiett without detonating one. The mines were supposed to be of the best quality received from Russia and they were laid down by experienced officers who had reported that it was impossible for even the smallest fishing smack to enter the harbour without being blown to pieces. None the less they were a dismal failure when tested by the China and the Russian Admiralty instituted a searching investigation into the affair.