The Oskaloosa herald., 1904-10-27

ton and explanation, the morning news
papers are unanimous in demanding
'tnat the government instruct Ambassa-
DOR Hardinge to make the strongest rep
resentations to the st. Petersburg gov
eminent and obtain reparation and apoI-
ogy and assurances of the Russian Paci-
nc heet's good behavior for the future.
1t is held that the omission of the Rus
sian fleet to stay it's course down the
channel to offer any explanation makes
the case look exceedingly rave, and the
only possible solution of the mystery
that has been suggested is that, excited
by JUNIORS recently spread of Japan's
Intentions on the Pacific squadron, in the
event OF its sailing, the Russian gunners
yielded to panic and supposed that the
trawlers' rockets were the signals of an
enemy's feet. In view of the decision
in the Alianton case it is regarded as
quite impossible that the st. Petersburg
authorities can be in any way RESPONSE
BILE for the incident. Considering the
circumstances in the case the news
papers treat the matter with commenda-
Bile calmness, but are firm in demands
for immediate satisfaction.
Astonishment in Washington.
Washington, Oct. 24.-Astonishment
that the Russian commander should
have Cesnpaitted such a blunder as to
fire on inoffensive fishing vessels as re-
ported in dispatches from Hull prevails
in official circles. At the same time
these officials are prompt to express the
opinion that the Russian government
will promptly disapow the act and apol-
ogize when the facts are fully known.
The tragedy, it is realized, adds to the
complications which the Baltic feet al
ready has encountered ever since it was
determined that the vessels should 60
to the far east. No information OF Fri
day nights occurrence has reached
either the state department or the Rus
sian embassy. At the latter place the
officials were quick to say that the firing
on the fishing vessels, no doubt, was a
mistake, for which the Russian govern
ment will make a prompt reparation
and apology. 1t was due unquestionably,
they think, to a Misrepresentation as to
the character of the vessels fired on,
the Russian admiral probably thinking
they were submarine boats belonging to
Japan. The Russian government has
been conducting an investigation into
reports that Japanese submarine boats
would aim to intercept and destroy the
vessels of the Baltic fleet ON its way to
the east for this reason unusual
vigilance was imposed on Vice Admiral
Rojestvensky. The latter is known to
be a painstaking and careful officer.
Russian officials say the whole affair is
a regrettable and deplorable mistake.
Merchantmen Searched.
Portsmouth, Oct. 24.-The report is
confirmed here that vessels of the Rus
sian Baltic feet stopped and searched
merchantmen off the Isle Of Wight.
Fleet Passes Dover.
London, Oct. 24.-The Russian Pacific
tBaltic) fleet, comprising seven battle
ships and four cruisers, passed Dover
in three sections between 6 o'clock Sum
day morning and 2 o'clock in the after
o and later passed Eastbourne. They
were watched by large crowds from
shore. Nothing has been seer of the
torpedo ~fiotilla, which, however, may
have passed during the night. as Lloyd's
at noon reported four Russian torpedo
boats passing st. GATHERINGS point,
apparently boarding a steamer bound
east"