The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-10-28
is A HARD KNOT
FOR DIPLOMACY
SITUATION is COMPLICATED
By THE CONVENTIONS OF THE
RUSSIAN ADMIRAL.

AAOiihtAAs ONAs Gts~-gilG VI lhG AhOSt
complicated diplomatic situations in
recent history and one that is attended
with the most dangerous possibilities
for the peace of the whole of Europe
exist tonight with no sign of inn
mediate solution
The tension that arose when the dis
pute between Great Britain and Rus
STA resolved itself into the simple ques-
ton whether Russia would or would
not guarantee in advance that some
punishment should be administered to
the offending officers of the Baltic
squadron has been modified by the in
PRODUCTION of an entirely new set OF
contentious contained in Vice Admiral
RoJestvenslSy's report, yet even the
most astute diplomats, who recognize
temporary improvement in con-
ditions, are puzzled by the complica-
tions that so curiously cause 1t. How
ever, there is Tonight at the embas-
sizes of the powers not concerned in
the dispute a very strong conviction
than in recourse to war
The foreign office, apparently as
puzzled as the on-lookers, pursues the
policy of silence, and the British press
is almost totally uniformed. The
voluminous exchanges daily occurring
between London and st. Petersburg.
continue the statement that no reply
from Russia has been received adding
to the implication that Russia is in
tentionally ignoring the British re-
presentations. 1t is this misconception
which is chiefly responsible for the
stirring up of popular agitation
against which the government may find
1t hard TO stand out in the possible
event of foreign Minister Landsdowne
withdrawing the demand that Russia
guarantee punishment before inquiry is
Instituted.
RojestvensISy's Report just In Time.
Had Admiral Rojestvensky's report
not arrived, it is probable the dispute
would have been settled one way or
the other tonight. It's terms, however,
are generally held to prevent the pre-
sentation Of the ultimatum which Great
Britain undoubtedly intended to send.
Although Lord Lansdowne has frank
~ said that the circumstances report
ed by Admiral Rojestvensky are to him
inconceivable, the Foreign Minister is
not prevented from seeing that new
light has been thrown on the out
t.a4 twI~
compels less urgent action than the
British government at first contem-
plated.
In the present temper Of the British
nation IL is not at all likely that prepa-
rations for bostilities viii be relaxed,
or that the popular cutlery will be d.
minished by Admiral Rojestvensky's
report; but 1t is understood that Great
Britain would run the risk of forfeit
ing in some degree the good will Of
France and certainly that OF Germany
II she proceeded to substitute warIike
for diplomatic steps. Of which inten-
ton, so It is stated at the Russian en-
bassy tonight. there is no indication in
Lord Landowners communication.
Attitude OF France.
The attitude Of France is held to be
Of the highest Importance. II was
said to-day by the representative OF
another great power that II France
had given definite assurances that she
would not support Russia in the event
of war growing out OF the North sea
incident, a hostile issue would be al
most inevitable. as the temptation TO
crush the Russian naval power after
such provocation could scarcely have
been refused by Great Britain. II Is
pointed out that II is greatly to
Frances interest to preserve peace,
and her Efforts in that direction OBJ
viously will be strengthened by not
committing herself except at the last
moment. so long as Great Britain
is not sure whether France will help
Russia. she Will not be likely 10 en-
gage In war; while Russia, with
France neutral would. so II Is thought
at most Of the embassies here. scarce
ly invite defeat.
The most probable solution OF the
rumors regarding Frances position is
said by high authority 10 be that
she has given both disputants to un-
derstand that she does not desire TO
become involved. but has reserved her
final decision.
Ambassador cambon was unceas-
ingly active throughout the day, not
only IN visiting Foreign Minister Lans-
Communal on FIfth PaEe. -