The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-25
Might Justify the Strongest
Measures by England.
COUNTRY DEEPLY MOVED.
All Europe Appalled, at This Latest
Russian Outrage.
Much Depends Now on the PrOmptness
and Tone OF Apology by the Cars
Government-sharp, Swift Crisis Might
Follow Any CayiIlinE NJ British
Demands-Must he Made TO Recognize
and Obey the Rules OF Decency In the
Family OF Nations outlook for Peace.

DeInunub-uubt DC Uauc ~ NCeobhSC
and Obey the Rules OF Decency In the
Family OF Nations--Ou outlook for Peace.
Special Gable Despatch 10 THE Sun.
LONDON Oct. 24.-It Is but justice to the
English people to say that no other great
country would have manifested the self
restraint which has been shown here in
the face of Russia's wanton outrage. In
the case of almost any other great Power
fleets would have been moving and armies
would have been mobilizing within twenty
four hours Of the news Of the sinking Of
the North Sea trawlers.
England stays her hand-perhaps wisely
A bold and far-seeing Government might
adopt different policy for the ultimate
good, not only of the British Empire. but
of the world al large.
Let there be no question about the feeling
of the British people. Their anger is deep,
grim and lasting. No apology will wipe
! it out; no reparation will assuage it. No
sudden national emotion in this generation
has equalled it in intensity.
But John Bull Is least demonstrative
when he is most deeply moved Nobody
detests war with a hatred more genuine
than his has been during the last few
years. Yet he would have applauded his
Government to-day it he had been told that
a British fleet had been sent out with orders
to capture or destroy the Russian Baltic
squadron.
1t Is pointed out to him that in any other
age than this such action would have been
foregone conclusion. More than one
British statesman within the memory OF
living Englishynen would have resorted
to 1t. 1t is question In the minds Of many
whether this policy would not be the best
even in these days OF gentler statesman
ship ..
ALL EUROPE APPALLED,.
Not England alone, but all Europe is
aghast and appalled, by the difficulties of
the situation. This last and greatest out
rage by Russia confronts the world with a
dilemma for which international law pro-
vides no solution. A great nation f1agrantly
defies all rules, first Of diplomacy and then
OF war. She makes pretence when it suits
her Of conforming to the usages Of inter-
nationl intercourse, apologies when it
pleases her to do 30, and passes on to a
fresh insult.
International comfy prescribes that
apology and pecuniary reparation should
cancel the offence. But Russia has re-
duced the process to farce, and diplomacy
is asking helplessly what is to be done.
1t is not alone therefore the sinking of
the Hull fishing boats which is seriously
disturbing the chancelleries Of Europe.
The incident cannot be regarded as an
isolated one. Other complications, as bad,
or worse, are regarded as possible, even
probable. The Russian Government is
demoralized and desperate. The sending
out of the Baltic feet equipped with a
personnel unframed and incompetent is in
itself an act OF folly. OF which it's first e1-
plot is only q demonstration. There are
no two opinions on this point in any Euro
pean capital.
IL If not lot II InOtHent DeleNeu tHdt tne
Hull outrage was committed deliberately.
Russia's opportunities for involving Great
Britain in order to escape the humiliation
of defeat at the hands Of Japan alone have
been many. 1t is almost universally be-
lieved that the explanation of the attack is
crazy panic, begotten of rank inexperience
and alcohol.
ENoIANp's DUTY.
But the feeling is strong throughout
England that mere apology and payment
Of money indemnity will not be adequate.
The opinion Ia already widely expressed
that Great Britain owes it not only to her
self but to civilization to compel the
Russian Government to recognize and
obey ordinary rules of decency in the family
of nations.
There is good reason for believing that
Lord Transformers instructions to Am
bassador Hardinge are to demand firmly
| the removal OF the officers responsible for
firing upon the trawlers. II ia not yet
clear whether Admiral Rojestvensky was
/ IN tOuCn WltH tHt NirlOI Vi meet WnlCn
attacked the fishermen. Some attempt
has been made to deny that he was within
signalling distance. His responsibility
however is complete Great Britain may
well demand that the feet shall not pro-
coed under such reckless command
If RUSSIA DOES NOT ACT PROMPTLY.
Everything now depends upon the prompt.
ness and the tone Of the Russian apology
II she cavils at any feature OF the British
demands the situation will speedily become
serious. A sharp, swift crisis might lead to
speedy settlement Of the whole war situa.
| ton,
II Great Britain should seize the Baltic
' fleet and lombard Cronstadt, as she would