Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-11-01

peuSauon Tor ATTACK OF Wnrsbips on
British Fishing -EngIand's
Fleets Mobilize.
The Russian reply to Great Britain's
note on the North Sea tragedy was
received by the British Government
Wednesday. 1t expresses deep regret
at the occurrence and promises full
PREPARATION as soon as an Official report
is received from Vice Admiral Rojest-
yensky
Making due allowance for the broad
yellow streaks that rather literally col
or the news from London and St Pc
terSburg, there is still left situation
full of grave danger. Official England
was held under extreme resuaintwhile
awaiting with none too great a reserve
of patience the definite action Of Off
cial RuSSia-for the message of Gar
Nicholas TO King Edward was nothing
more than personal expression of re-
greet. This strain was relieved some
what by the I.ussian Governments
note expressing deep regret over the
occurrence and promising full repara-
ton rs s0oE as an official report is re-
ceiyed from Admiral Rojestvensky. In
addition to this Ambassador Bencken-
dorh assured Lord Lansdowne that his
Government was SO certain the occur
renee in the North Sea was an error
that it would promise full amends,
even in the absence of official knowl-
edge from Russian sources. Thus it
appears that--temporarily at least
the point of gravest menace, that is, in
ordinate delay on the part of the Rus
sian Government. was rendered less
acute.
Although Russia made an initial
apology for the tragedy in the North
Sea. wrath in British official circles
continued undated Open defiance
was expressed against the Cars Gov
eminent, and siAce the Calehas Incl
dent, and other seizures at Vladivos-
tok, together with the wanton destruc-
ton of the British steamers. the pub
lie craze for instant war found ex-
preston in acts of the officials At
Woolwich and at Portsmouth the bus
tie incident to preparations of a hos
tile campaign was evident, and three
mighty squadrons We're modified,
ready to sink the fleet of Roiestvensky
and paralyze Russian commerce on the
high seas
1t was Leaned that the Russian en-
bassy in London received an urgent
telegram from ST. Petersburg on sun
day, several hours before the news of
the North Sea tragedy reached Hull.
This message resulted in hurry call
to Count Benckendorff. the Russian
ambassador, to return from the conti-
nent, ana he rushed to London without
his baggage. He was well en- route to
the capital before the news of the fir
ing was known in London. This fact
led to the suspicion that Russia had
heard more than she would admit, and
was purposely keeping Admiral Ro-
jestyensky out of reach This belief
resulted in a more irritable feeling in
British cabinet circles, and these sus-
picions seemed likely to lead to an in
tlmation being sent to Russia that if
she could not find Rojestvensky, the
British navy would The three fleets
which have been ordered by the admir-
atty to be in readiness as a precautions
airy measure comprise 100 vessels.
There is nothing Immediately threat
ening in the orders to the Mediterra-
mean. channel and home fleets for mu-
tual support and cooperation" This
is simply precautionary measure. The
report that instructions have been is
sued for the mobilization OF $4,000
British naval reserves lacks vertical
ton, but even if this were true it
should not be construed as a direct
warlike move.
England seems to have acted with
commendable restraint in situation
that would try the temper of any ma
ton. She did not lose her head. She
simply demonstrated to the world that
she was fully prepared to protect her
citizens and to teach respect for her
flag no matter where it may wave.
Russia realizes this, and no doubt she
will follow her expressions Of regret
with performances that will satisfy
the BritOns and at the same time as
sure the world that henceforth Russian
war vessels viii be less erratic when
in the vicinity Of neutral ships