The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-27
In a Deadlock.

In a Deadlock.
London, Oct. 27.-1:42 p. MP
to this hour there is no sign OF an
end to the deadlock over the ques-
ton of the punishment of the Russian
officers responsible for the North sea
tragedy, so the Associated Press I'm
derstands. As regards the British de-
mand for their punishment being an
infringement of Russia's sovereignty
and rights Ambassador Benckendorff,
in his interview with Lord Lansdowne
today, maintained that such punish
s-ment must be taken on the 4sponta-
neous initiative of the emperor's gov
eminent, end that a demand from
foreign power that Russia shall pun
ish her officers cannot be entertained.
In any event it was impossible for
the Russian government to mete out
punishment without having before it
statement of facts as presented by
its own officers.
Count Benckendorff also pointed out
that the emperor'S telegram was re-
garded by all Russians less as a per-
sonal communication to King Edward
than as an expression of the sentiment
of the whole Russian nation.
There is no indication of Lord Lans-
doWne Withdrawing his demand and
though the dispute has not yet reached
an ultimatum stage it is likely to do
: so if today passes without some recog-
milton of punishment in principle by
the emperor'S government. Russia's
continued failure to comply with the
British demand in this respect creates
Sloomter feelings in diplomatic circles
which shared with Lord Lansdowne
yesterday the impression that Russia
would eventually agree to this point
Swedish Steamer Fired Upon.
London. Oct. 27.-The correspon-
dent at Lloyds at Gelfe Sweden, tel-e
graphed that the Swedish steamer,
ErrTI
was fired at by a supposed Russian
warship in the Skagerock at 10 o'clock
in the evening of October 81, but sus-
tanned no damages.
England Is Prepared.
New York. Oct. 27.-Clerks at the
very busy, working at high pressure
until late in the night, cables the
Heraid's London correspondent. The
nrst lord of the admiralty gave the
officials special instructions to send
with all haste to himself and the var
lous heads of departments Immediate
ly on receipt of certain kilograms from
the continent.
About a dozen of the experts remain
Cd IN attendance until a late hour ready
10 inform the other departments OF
state state ifnrnedlateiy on receipt of definite
news. The admiralty was in commune
cation with Portsmouth, Chatham and
Devonport during Wednesday evening
and special instructions were given
remain
throughout the night.
HAN dozen cabinet ministers were
Within call, most unusual thing be-
lore the commencement OF the annual
series of November cabinets
The government has not consulted
other powers with regard to any con-
certed action
The oEerhauling of warships at the
home naval stations. which mas been
IN progress for sometime past is being
naStened by working overtime Never
petore nave vessels in The reserve feet
been more IN a condition of prepared
ness.
Says Fishermen Fired First.
Paris, Oct 27.-A dispatch from, |
Nigo published here today gives an
other interview with Prince KerataIIi /
an officer on board the Russian hatfia-
ship Imperator Alexander III. giving
further details of the North sea incl
dent He says:
The transport Aredaur (AnatoI y
was entering the waters off Hull when
she suddenly observed herself To he
surrounded by numerous boats. which
she took for torpedo boats The trans
port gave a signal of alarm TO. the re-
mainder OF the fleet and the Russian
battIeShipS thereupon surrounded the
unknown boats, cutting off their es-
cape They were ordered to make
known their nationality but answered
only by evolutions. The admiraIs
ship Immediately ordered them to be
fired upon and then continued ifs
route without being alarmed as to the
results of the cannonade because il
was believed the encounter was with
torpedo boats bought by the japanese
Ia England"
Prince Keretelli added that before