Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-27
EQUALLY SENSATIONAL.
Rojestvensky's Story Of the North Sea
Tragedy-Expressed Regrets.

NPAS SSSS0 AsO6 ASIS.
ST. PETERSBURG, October 27-2:26 pm.
Vice Admiral Rojestvensky's explanation
of the trawler incident is fully as sensa-
tonal as the news of the firing upon the
fishing fleet which set all England ahame
He declares he was attacked in the dark
ness by two torpedo boats, which came
upon the squadron from the direction of
the hshing fleet. He opened fire and be-
iieVes he sank one of the torpedo boats.
the other making off for cover among the
fshermen. AS soon as he noticed the fish
ermen Admiral Rojestvensky ceased firing
He proceeded on his way without leaving
any vessel behind, and says he believes the
vessel which the fishermen reported re-
mained on the scene for six hours without
onering succor to the drowning men was
the other torpedo boat, either waiting for
her conSort or repairng damage inflicted
by the fire of his ships
In concluding his telegram Admiral Ro-
1estvensky expressed in the most warm
hearted way the regrets of the whole
ssquauroii TO the nshermen who had suf
Tered and to the families of the victims
Report Telegraphed Emperor.
Rojestvensky's report was telegraphed
from Viso direct to the emperor, who re-
ceiVed 1t last night. 1t was communicated
TINS morning to Ambassador Hardinge by
Foreign Minister Lamsdorff himself. There
iCdSoH " DellcNe tndC the British M
bassy was also acquainted with informa-
tlon which reached the Russian authori-
Ties some time ago of the arrival at and
subsequent mysterious disappearance from
Hull of twenty Japanese, mention of which
was made in these dispatches October %
1t Is pointed out that the original version
or the incident as recited by the captain
of the trawler Moulmein comedies closely
with Rojestvensky's. The captain said that
while the squadron was passing he sud
denly noticed two torpedo boats which ap-
preached so near that he thought they in
tended boarding him. when they sheered
on heading back for the squadron AL
most Immediately after the squadron
opened fire.
According to one account of Rojestven-
skys report 1t specifically states that there
were no torpedo boats with the SQUADRON
when the incident occurred. If this is true
| the statement of the captain of the Moul-
mein would completely corroborate Ro-
jestvensky.
Course of Exchanges May Be Altered.
In view of the entirely new complexion
placed upon the incident by Rojestvensky's
| report 1t Is readily conceivable that Russia
| may make representations to Great Britain
and that the whole course of exchanges be-
| affair may be altered.
| Ro1estvenskys version Is likely to create
quite as much Indignation in Russia as the
fishermen's version did in England. Fur
l
| sable In order to definitely establish to the
| satisfaction of both governments that there
| has been no mistake.
| II 1t Is conclusively proved that a connie
| of japanese torpedo boats launched an at
! tack upon the Russian squadron from the
! English shores, or from the shelter of the
| English fishing fleet, there is no doubt that
| the British government will promptly de-
| nounce this outrage and use every effort to
| punish the offenders.
The sudden turn given to the affair by
| Rojestvensky's official report creates a most
| peculiar situation, and the approaching de-
| velopments are being watched with the
| keenest interest.
Warships at Vigo.
| VIGO, Spain, October 27-The Russian
warships Imperator Alexander III. Kniaz
Suvaroff. Borodino and Orel, and one trans.
port are at anchor off the town. The coal
ing steamers continue alongside of them
but the work of coaling has not yet begun.
! as the Spanish authorities have not given
| permission to do so. The Russian admiral
is endeavoring to secure only such coal as
| Is absolutely essential to enable him to
| proceed TO Tangier, Morocco.
France Serves Notice Of Neutrality.
LONDON. October PA very definite
| impression prevails in diplomatic circles
| here that France has given both Russia
and Great Britain explicitly to understand
that she will not be involved should the
disputants resort to hostilities.
Squadron Divisions Ordered to Unite.
FIUME, Hungary. October 27.-The divf-
sion of the British Mediterranean squadron
now here has received urgent orders from
the admiralty to unite with the division
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