Connecticut western news., 1904-10-27
SANK BRITISH VESSEL
Russian Baltic Squadron Fired on Fishing Fleet In the
 North Sea.
TWO MEN KILLED, MANY HURT
London Stirred With Indignation at News of Wanton Attack by Russian Warships - Prompt Preparation and Apology Demanded - Particulars of the Distressing Incident.

News of Wanton Attack by Russian
 Warships - Prompt Preparation and
 Apology Demanded - Particulars of
 the Distressing Incident.
 The English foreign office and ad- miralty were on Sunday notified of an attack on the Hull fishing fleet by the Russian Baltic squadron, commanded by Vice Admiral Rojestvensky.
 Great excitement and indignation has been caused by the report The official information is that on the night of Oct. 21 the Russian squadron fell in with the Hull fishing fleet in the North sea. The first portion of the fishing fleet passed safely. Then thARussian ships turned their searchlights on the British vessels for some time and little later opened fire. The steam trawler Crane was sunk, and the de- capitated bodies of her skizper and mate have been brought to Hull The poatswain and other members of the crew were injured.
 The report says that the Moulmein arrived at Hull with her flag at half mast. Her skipper states that the trawlers were fishing about 200 miles east by north of Spurn head at l o'clock fin the morning. the weather be- ing hazy, when the outlines of several vessels, apparently warships sailing in a line, were dimly seen.
 While the crew were watching the warships searchlights were flashed upon them, in the glare of which the Moulmein's crew observed what they took to be torpedo boats approaching, apparently with the intention of board ing the Moulmein. They steamed away. however, and soon the fishermen were mortified to find they were being fired upon. First one and then another trawler was struck by flying shot. What seemed to be round shot went through the Moulmein's galley. The Mino, lying near by, also was struck with many shots, but fortunately the damage was above her water line, and none of her crew was struck.
 The bombardment lasted about twen- ty minutes. When it had ceased the fleet sailed southward, and some of the trawlers sent up rockets. The Moul- mein steered in the direction of the rockets, Soon cries were heard, and the Crane was found sinking with an other trawler taking off some of her crew. Those seriously injured -ifff tt4naffed were removed to mission ship and the bodies of Smith and Leggott were placed aboard the AIoulmein. The oth- CT men with minor injuries were put aboard the tra4EIar Seagull. en route for Hull.
 No motive can be assigned for the sian warships.
 Great Britain on Monday sent long and urgent note to the Russian govern ment, officially detailing the clrcum- stances of the amazing and unexplain- ed attack by the Russian second Paci- fic squadron during the night of Oct. 21 on British fishing boats in the North sea. Special stress is laid on the cal lousness displayed by the Russians in not going to the assistance of the fish ermen. The text of the note has not been given out, but it is officially stat ed from the foreign office that it con tains the significant announcement that the situation Is one which does not brook delay in the matter of ex- planation and reparation.
 Meantime, without waiting the Rus sian version of the affair. Emperor Nicholas, through Ambassador Har- dinge, has sent to King Edward and the British government a message con veying an expression of the profound est regret for the unfortunate affair, coupled with assurances that the fam lilies of the victims should receive the fullest reparation.