The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-11-03
STORM CENTER IS MOVED
British Lion Getting Close After the Russian
Bear. and High Feeling Prevails

against which the government may
find it hard to stand out in the possi-
BILE event of Foreign Minister Lans-
downe withdrawing the demand that
Russia guarantee punishment before
inquiry is instituted.
Had Admiral Rojestvensky's report
not arrived. it is probable the dispute
would have been settled one way or
the other. It's terms, however, are
generally held to prevent the preSenta-
ton of the ultimatum which Great
Britain undoubtedly intended to send.
Although Lord Lansdowne has frank
ly said that the circumstances report
ed by Admiral Rojestvensky are to
him inconceivable, the Foreign Minis
ter is not prevented from seeing that
new light has been thrown on the
Outrage" and that diplomatic usage
now compels less urgent action than
the British government at first con-
templated.
In the present temper Of the British
nation it is not at all likely that pre-
parations for hostilities will be re-
laxed or that the popular outcry will
be diminished by Admiral Rojestven'
sky's report; but it is understood that
Great Britain would run the risk OF
forfeiting in some degree the good
will of France. and certainly that OF
Germany, if she proceeded to substi'
tute warlike for diplomatic steps, OF
which intention, so it is stated at the
Russian embassy, there is no indica-
ton in Lord Lansdowne's communica-
ton.
The attitude of France is held to be
Of the highest importance. 1t was
said by the representative of another
great power, that If France had given
definite assurances that she would not
support Russia in the event OF war
growing out of the North Sea incl
dent, a hostile issue would be almost
inevitable, as the temptation to crush
the Russian naval power after such
provocation could scarely have been
refused by Great Britain. 1t Is point
ed out that it is greatly to Frances
interests to preserve peace, and her
efforts in that direction obviously Will
be strengthened by not committing
herself except at the last moment.
So long as Great Britain Is not sure
whether France will help Russia, she
will not be likely to engage in war;
while Russia, with France neutral,
would, so it is thought at most OF the
embassies here, scarcely invite defeat.
The most probable solution of the ru-
mors regarding Frances position Is
said by high authority to be that
she has given both disputants to un-
derstand that she does not desire to
become involved, but has reserved her
final decision. Ambassador Cambon
was increasingly active throughout the
day, not only visiting Foreign Minis
ter Landsowne and Ambassador Ben
kendorff, but other Of his diplomatic
colleagues.
Swedish Ship Fired On.
Stockholm. BY Cable.-The skipper
of the Swedish steamer Aldebaran,
from Hull. England, which arrived at
Geae, Sweden, says his vessel was
chased in the Skagerack during the
evening Of Friday, October q, by a
foreign cruiser, apparently Russian,
which threw searchlights on her. The
cruiser. increasing her speed, passed
the Alderbaran, and fired a shot;
which had no effect. The Aldebaran
thereupon hoisted her flag and the
cruiser again threw her searchlight
on the steamer. and few minutes
later hailed shot all around the Alder
baran, without, however, hitting her.
The Aldebaran's skipper then ordered
the steamer to be stopped, and with
his crew sought refuge below. The
foreign warship thereupon disappear.
ed in the darkness.