New-York tribune., 1904-10-28
THE ADMIRAL's ACCOUNT.

In concluding his telegram, Admiral Rojest-
vensky expressed in the most warm hearted way
the regrets OF the whole squadron to the fisher
men who had suffered, and TO the families Of the
victims
Rojestvensky's report telegraphed from
Vigo direct to the Emperor, who received it last
night It was communicated this morning to
Ambassador Hardinge by Foreign Minister
Lamsdorff himself. There Is reason to believe
that the British Embassy also acquainted
with information which reached the Russian au-
thorities some time ago of the arrival at and
subsequent mysterious disappearance from Hull
of twenty japanese. mention of which was made
in these dispatches on October %
It is pointed out that the original version Of
the incident as reclted by the captain Of the
trawler Moulmein comedies closely with Rojest-
vensky's. The captain said that while the
squadron was passing he suddenly noticed two
torpedo boats which approached so near that
he thought they intended boarding him. when
they sheered off. heading back for the squadron.
Almost Immediately after the squadron opened
fire. According to one account Of Rojestvensky's
report, it specifically states that there were no
torpedo boats with the squadron when the incl
dent occurred. II this is true. the statement Of
the captain of the Moulmein would completely
corroborate Rojestvensky.
NEW COMPLEXION OF AFFAIR.
In view Of the entirely new complexion placed
upon the incident by Rojestvensky's repog- 1t is
readily conceivable that Russia may make rep
reservations to Great Britain. and that the whole
course Of exchanges between the two govern
ments regarding the affair may be altered
Rojestvensky's version is likely to create quite
as much indignation in Russia as the fshermen's
version did in England Further inquiry would
seem to be indispensable in order definitely to
establish to the satisfaction Of both governments
that there has been no mistake. II It is con-
clusively proved that couple OF Japanese tor
pedo boats launched an attack upon the Russian
squadron from the English shores or from the
shelter OF the English fishing feet there is no
doubt that the British government will promptly
denounce this outrage and use every effort 90
punish the offenders.
The sudden turn given to the affair by Ro-
jestvensky's official report creates a most pc
culiar situation and the approaching develop
ments are-being watched with the, keenest in
terest.
The statement that Admiral Rojestvensky's
report declares that no torpedo boats were with
the squadron when the incident occurred IS
confirmed The report is brief and gives no de-
tails. but the Admiralty announced that It
would be given out without waiting for the
detailed report. which is expected by to-mor-
row. owing 10 wide divergence between the
two versions Of the affair it seems certain that
some sort OF an inquiry Is necessary 70 estsb-
lish the facts, but no steps In that direction
have yet been taken. The suggestion is made
that IN order 10 satisfy both parties, the In
quiry should be made by a mixed tribunal. II
is explained here that an inquiry would not in
yolve delay IN the voyage OF the squadron, as
The dispositions OF the officers could be taken.
AZ the Admiralty there is a feeling OF great
relief over Rojestvensky's explanation and re-
jcicing AT the fact that their confidence that
there was another side to the affair is vim
dicated.
II is stated that torpedo boats attacked the
leading Russian ship They disregarded the
signals 20 keep off when picked up by the
searchlights, and FIRE was opened on them.
Rojestvensky refers 20 and replies specifically
TO the reports In the British press showing that
he had the press accounts before him when he
wrote his report. Some of his language is sar-
castle. especially when speaking OF the appear
ance Of the torpedo boats from the direction OF
the British fishermen. conveying an intimation
which certainly viii arouse resentment in Eng
land. He declares that no other naval com
n'ander al sea under similar circumstances
! "onid have failed 10 open fre adds that he