The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

London. Oct, 29-ProfOund satisfac-
tions over the fact that an arrangement
has Feen reached and the entire Ger
taiatv that the result of the commits
sion of inquiry will be to discredit
Vice Admiral Rojesvensky's statements
anent the presence of torpedo boats
., ab*p~oNthaesr shri ct
among the North sea fishing fleet,
marks the comments of the LONDON
afternoon newspapers almost univer-
sally. The admirars story, it is point
ed out. has the great advantage that
it is capable of precise proof or dis
proof. The Russian admiral can only
make good his case by producing the
vessel whose presence he alleges was
among the trawlers, says the West
minister Gazette. This feeling that the
British contention will be upheld per-
vades all classes. and disposes the pub
lie to camly await the verdict.
The composition of the international
commission is the immediate subject
of communications passing through
St Petersburg and London. 1t has
been suggested that it shall be COM
Drised of five admirals, French, Rus
sian and English and two from SnlaI-
Ier powers, possibly Denmark and Hoi-
land. to be nominated by their reSpec-
tive governments. Nothing yet, how
ever has definitely been decided. No
American member has been suggested,
though there might be an open
ing therefor in the proposal that
one law jurist from neutral
power shall be included, in the
commission. Thus far no time limit
has been fixed for the end of the IT.
quiry After : fuller communication
with St. Petersburg. it is now under
stood upon the conclusion Of the in
quIrv now proceeding at V1go, all the
Russian ships will be allowed to pro-
ceed. only the material witnesses be-
ing detained.
The board of trade inquiry is likely
to be opened at Hull next week and will
be presided over by a naval officer.
probably Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge.
assisted by u leading lawyer, the case
being charge of the solicitor of the
Board of Trade. The inquiry will be
confined to ascertaining the circun-
stances from the fishermens point of
view and assessing the damage The
Russian embassy has not yet decided
whether to accept the governments in
vitation to send a report. A report Of
the evidence will be forwarded to the
International commission. The board
of trade inquiry will express no opin-
ion on the action of the Russian squad
ron.
After the excitement of the last few
days a complete lull now prevails in
dipomatic circles.
Mr.. Balfour is playing golf.
Lord Lansdowne and Ambassador
BenkendOrffff today further discussed
the composition of the international
commission, but no final decision was
reached. 1t is thought possible some
British naval officers may participate
in the inquiry going on at Vigo, simi-
lar TO the courtesy beng extended r
Great Britain as in it's offer to tn
Russian embassy to send representa-
tive TO the inquiry at Hull.
The foreign office thoroughly agrees
with the Russian understanding as II
the moral obligation to carry out the
findings OF the international commits
sion.
The admiralty today recinded its or
derS stopping all naval leave, and the
Pail Mall Gazette says that although
all danger of war has passed, a great
naval demonstration in the nature OF
practice is being planned as sequel tC
the hostile mobilization.