Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1904-10-29
ADMIRAL OF BALTIC FLEET
CLAIMS HE WAS ATTACKED

-.---a
REPORT OF ADMIRAL RoJEsT.
VENskY SAYS TORPEDO BOATS
THREATENED HIS FLEET.
MAY HAVE BEEN JAPS'
Report to the Emperor Causes New
sensatlon--Incident May Explain Re.
cent Appearance Of Japanese at Hull
England Is Preparing to Intercept
Russian Fleet.
London, Oct. 27.-The Associ-
ated Press understands that tho
new phase introduced into the sit.
uation by Rojestvensky's report
was almost the exclusive subject
of discussion at two conferences
between Benkendorff and Lans-
downe today. In consequence the
question of punishment is held in
abeyance. The general status has
improved to some extent this even
ing. 1t is considered not improb-
able that the whole matter may be
submitted to arbitration.
-
st. Petersburg. Oct. 27.-Vice Ad-
miral Rojestveasky's explanation of
the trawler incident is fully as sensa-
tional as the news of the firing upon
the fishing fleet. He declares that he
was attacked in the darkness by two
torpedo boats which came upon his
squadron from the direction of the
fishing fleet.
Says One Boat Was Sunk.
He opened fire and believes he sank
one torpedo boat, the other making
off for cover among the fishermen. AS
soon as he noticed the fishermen, Ro-
jestvensky says he ceased firing.
Explains Unusual Incident.
He proceeded on his way without
leaving any vessels behind and says
he believes the vessel which the fish
ermen reported remained on the scene
for six hours without Offering succor
to the drowning was the other torpedo
boat, either waiting for her consort or
repairing the damage inflicted by the
fire of his ships.
Admiral Expresses Regret.
In concluding his telegram Admiral
Rojestvensky expressed in the most
warm hearted way the regrets of the
whole squadron to the fishermen who
had suffered and to the families of the
victims.
Admiral Gets Report.
Roiestvensky's report was tele
graphed from Vigo direct to the en-
peror who received it last night II
was communicated this morning to
Ambassador Hardinge by Foreign Min
lister Lamsdorff himself
Japanese At Hull.
There is reason to believe that the
British embassy was also acquainted
with the information which reached
the Russian authorities some time age
of the arrival at and subsequent mys
terious disappearance from Hull o1
| twenty Japanese, mention of which
was made in these dispatches October
25
| Reports Agree.
1t is pointed out that the origina
version of the incident as recited b,
( the captain of the trawler Moulmei1
comedies closely with Rojestvensky' 8
The captain said that while the squad
ron was passing he suddenly noticed
i two torpedo boats which approached
so near that he thought they intended
boarding him, when they sheered off
heading back for the squadron. Al
most Immediately after the Requero1
opened fire.
No Torpedo Boats With Squadron.
According to one account Rojestven
skys report it specifically states ther,
were no torpedo boats with thu
squadron when the incident occurred
If this is true the statement of thu
captain of the Moulmein would com
pletely corroborate Rojestvensky.
New Complexion to Case.
In view of the entirely new com
Yplexion placed upon the incident b.
Admiral Rojestvensky's report it il
readily conceivable that Russia ma.
make representations to Great Britail
and that the whole matter between tn,
two governments regarding the affai
may be changed.
Indignation in Russia.
Rojestvensky's version is likely t,
create quite as much indignation il
Russia as the fishermen's vesion dit
in England. Further inquiries woul,
seem to be indispensable.
British Statesmen Deadiocked.
London, Oct. 27-Up to this hou
there is no sign Of an end to the dead
lock over the question of the punish
ment of the Russian officers responsi
BILE for the North Sea tragedy, so th
Associated Press understands, and a