Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-10-27
THE NORTH SEA INCIDENT.
Situation Critical-Wgr Spirit In
creasing-A Clash Imminent.

creaSing-A CLASH imminent.
London, Oct. 27--Admiral Rojest.
yensky's report on the firing on the
Gamecock fleet in the North Sea has
been received by Count Benckendorff,
the RussiNn Ambassador, and handed
to Foreign Secretary Lord Lansdowne.
The Admiral states he never had any in
teution of firing against the trawlers. II
stray shot hit any one OF the boats, il
was entirely accidental. The trawlers
we're early noticed by the Russian feet
as it passed Dogger Bank, and among
the trawlers the Russian officers observed
two steamers moving at high speed
which looked exactly like torpedo boats.
Rojestvensky concluded they were
japanese torpedo boats, and says it is
his impression his squadron fired only
against these two ships. One of these
foreign torpedo boats disappeared after
the firing. The other remained until
morning, waiting for its companion or
repairing, The Admiral denies that a
Russian warship was left behind for six
hours and never lowered q boat to assist
the injured. The Russian officers, he
says, were totally ignorant of any Shots
having struck trawler. In behalf of
himself and all his officers and men of
his squadron, he extremely regrets that
any trawers and fishermen suffered.
The Admiral asks what warship it was
that was noticed lowering near the scene,
and declares both ships he fired against
were Enthusiastically OF the warship type.
London, Oct. 27.-The Central News
has dispatch from St. Petersburg stat
ing that Admiral RoJes.vensky's report
on the North Sea affair has been re-
ceiyed, and that his explanation indi-
Gates the Russians will attempt to de-
fend their action by asserting japanese
torpedo boats were screened by the Brit
ish fishing feet. This explanation which
has been handed to British Ambassador
Harding asserts, he says, that two
strange torpedo boats were seen behind
the fishing vessels. These torpedo boats
made an attack on the Russian squadron,
wbereupon the latter, not having any
torpedo boats themselves, steamed away.
London, Oct. 27.-Premier Balfour
at midnight last night dispatched sum-
mons for a meeting of the cabinet today.
This act is the result of the failure of
Russia to send a satisfactory reply to the
British demands and is taken as a sym
tom CT an increasing aspect OF gravity to
the situation. All the members of the
cabinet are within reach of London,
except the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
Ansen Chamberlain, who is at present
in Italy. Count Benckendorf, the
Russian Ambassador. called at the
home of Foreign Secretary Lord Lans-
downe today with further dispatches.
The nature of these is not disclosed.
Count Beckendorf left the Foreign Sec
retary's home at noon and was followed
shortly thereafter by NJ. CambOn. Lord
Lqnsdowne then hurried to the Foreign
Office. The cabinet will not meet until
tomorrow noon so as to allow time for
all the members to reach London.
London, Oct. 27.-The Central News
asserts time limit has been placed on
Russia's reply, and that this limit ex-
pires tomorrow morning.
London, Oct. 27.-For the first time
since the British note was sent to Rus
sia government circles consider the An
glo- Russian situation serious. The APP
prehension is growing hourly, owing to
the failure of Russia to do as has been
demanded. The principal anxiety re-
yarding immediate danger is due to
possible attempt on the part of the Brit
sh feet to stop the Russian Baltic feet,
oidiug explanations. 1t is considered
probable that Admiral Rojestvensky
would not recognize the authority of the
English vessels and would resist, thus
a clash.
London, Oct. 27.-The Central News |
lsseris that Secretary of the American
Embassy Henry White has assured
Lord Lansdowne of Americas entire
and moral support.
Birmingham, Oct. q. The Post learns
hat French foreign Minister Delcasse
las offered his Offices as mediator be-
ween England and Russia should such
ervice be needed. He makes his offer
10 the ally of Russia and the friend OF
England.
Edinburgh, Oct. 27.-The home fleet
till lies ut anchor in the Firth of Forth
waiting orders.
Madrid, Oct. 27.-What is alleged to
e Admiral Rojestvensky's full report on
be firing on the fishing vessels in the
forth Sea, is published here today.
he statement. as published, reads
ny conscience is quiet with regard to
be North Sea incident 1 had been
armed that a squadron of Jspanese
)rpedo boats would attempt to destroy
~ ships. On my leaving Libau COM
lunications were sent to all countries
arning them that l would fire on I
very vessel which approached too close
, my squadron" 4
London, Oct. 27.--The London press |
)mments on the alleged explanation Of {
dmiral Rojestvensky, emanating from
Iadrid, are most caustic in tone, and '
re more beliicose in their intimations.
London, Oct. 27.-The st. Peters I