New-York tribune., 1904-10-31
CREDIT DUE TO FRANCE.
VI. DeIcasse's Successful Efforts to
Keep AngIo-RusSian Peace.

ST. Petersburg, Oct. 3O-The world may ac-
cord to Emperor Nicholas the credit OF having
proposed an honorable solution of the North
Sea incident, but The Associated Press learns
on high authority that this diplomatic triumph
belongs to NJ. Delcasse. the French Foreign
Minister. When the Yellow Book of France and
the Blue Book of Great Britain covering this
incident are issued some interesting diplomatic
history will be disclosed. The gravity of the
situation was keeniy appreciated in the French
capital. The peace OF the republic involve "a
as a rupture between Great Britain and Russia,
which might have put Great Britain and Japan
in the position of making common cause against
Russia, would inevitably have resulted in an
appeal to France to fulfil her obligations under
the Dual Alliance
NJ. Delcasse, therefore. at the outset went ear
nestly to work friend of both countries to
find an equitable basis OF adjustment The op-
portunity came when Admiral Rojestvenskys
report raised a direct issue OF fact. According
to The Associated Press's informant, NJ. DelcassI
at once suggested inquiry to establish the
facts through International commission
der the Hague Convention. Offering the sug-
gestiOn simultaneously to both governments.
through Ambassador Cambon to Foreign Min
lister Lansdowne. and through Secretary Bou-
tiron, in Ambassador Bompard's absence. to
Count LamsdOrff.
The idea found instant favor both here and
in London, and on Thursday night the Russian
and British propositions. identical in effect,
crossed each other the way to the respective
capitals There was. however. this difference
between them: Lord Lansdowne's instructions
to Ambassador Hardinge authorized him to sub
NIT the proposition on behalf of the British
government. whereas Count Lamsdorf's in
structions were tentative, as Count LamsdOrf.
although he knew the Emperor was favorable
to the plan. had not yet secured the absolute
consent of his majesty, to whom he arranged to
submit the matter finally on Friday afternoon
In the mean time on Friday morning the Brit
ish proposition duly reached the Russian For
eein Minister at Tsarskoe Selo. and Friday
afternoon the Emperor gave his hearty approval.
without waiting to return to St Petersburg.
Count Lamsdorff telegraphed to Ambassador
Benckendorff specific authorization as follows:
In a desire 10 bring everything that occurred
in the North Sea into the clearest light possible.
our monarch considers ii beneficial to submit
the affair to international commission of in
curry on the basis OF the Hague Convention, for
thorough investigation. Your excellency is d.
rected by imperial command to propose this
means of settlement OF the question to the Brit
ish government
The British proposition. presented earlier In
the day. remained unanswered Exactly what
took place in London when Ambassador Benck-
endorff presented the Russian proposition in the
name of Emperor Nicholas is not known. except
that Lord Lansdowne did not insist upon the
question Of precedence. appreciating. doubtless.
that Russia being. fguTatively. the offending
party. had the better right to offer to Submit
the determination OF the facts to an impartial
tribunal. The Emperors proposition. settling
the matter in principle. was therefore accepted.
and the same evening Count Benckendorff tele-
graphed to Count Lamsdorff as follows:
1 have communicated your exceencys tele-
gram TO Lord LlansdoWne. The British govern
ment accepts the proposal 20 submit the North
Sea incident. in all its extent. to examination
by an International commiSsIRQ as provided for
by the Hague Convention.
The Emperor this afternoon received in audi
ence Sir Charles Hardinge the British AInhassa-
dor. Ct Tsarskos selo. The Emperor and the