Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-10-25
SINKING OF THE FISHING
BOATS.

"The situation is one which does not
brook delay" is the forcible manner in
which Great Britain in an urgent note
IN the Russian government demands an
explanation and reparation for the at
tack by the Russian Baltic feet upon
British fishing boats at night in the
North Sea. King Edward himself in a
message of sympathy TO the mayor OF
Hull terms it 1.-The unwsrrantable &C
ton" of the Baltic feet commanders.
The Car and his official advisers are
awaiting a report from the admiral oil
the feet, who is responsible for the terri
Bile blunder. 1t is said at st. Petersburg
that the Emperor will personally express
his regret to King Edward, and that an
apology and reparation will be made.
Should the British, however, demand
the punishment of Vice Admiral Rojest-
yensky or the recall of the feet the sit
uation may become strained even to the
point of rupture.
The only explanation thus far offered
by Russian officials is that the molten
sive fishing boats we're mistaken for hos
tile vessels. The Russian Admiral had
been cautioned to look out for japanese
spies and secret japanese attacks.
The temper of the English people is
reflected in the London newspapers.
The Pail Mali Gazette suggests that
British warships accompany the Russian
fleet to steady the nerves of the Russian
Admiral by clear intimation that the
first shot fred at a British vessel will be
regarded as an act of war.
The excitement in London among the
masses found vent upon the arrival OF
Count Benckendorf, the Russian am
bassador, an ugly crowd about the Vic
toria Station hooting him and attempting
to break the windows of his carriage.
German officials pronounce the act
of the Russian Admiral "a prOdigious
blunder."
In official circles in Washington the
affair has excited the apprehension that
it might result in worldwide entangle-
ments. Count Csssini, the Russian am
bassador, says it has been learned that
the japanese have been planning to in
flict damage upon the Russian squadron
before it reaches the far East, and the
commander coming upon the fishing
feet at night probably mistOok the boats
for japanese destroyers.
ToDAY's DISPATCHES.
London, Oct. 25.-It is stated this
morning that the situation growing out
of the Smelling of the British fishing ves-
sells in the North Sea, by the Russian
Baltic fleet, has already been adjusted 10
principle. Russia has agreed to make
every amend within reasol. She desires,
however, to hear fully the report of her
own officers. The main danger at present
lies in the possibility of the st Peters
burg authorities failing to fully realize
the red heat OF English opinion, and, as a
result, resorting to dilatory and evasive
tactics in adjusting details. The remain
der of the fishing feet has been fully ac-
counted for. Many, however, in their
haste TO get beyond the range of the Rus
sian guns cut away their nets and other
valuable gear, all of which Russia will
be expected to made good. Premier Bal
four arrived in London early this morn
ing. AS soon as his train reached the
station he hurried to his Office where he
answered a mass of kilograms which had
collected there. Hethen conferred with
Foreign Secretary Lansdowne, and a
little later drove to Buckingham Palace,
weere he had an audience with King Ed
ward. After his visit the King left f.
Newmarket. This latter fact is taken to
indicate that the crisis has passed the
acute stage, inasmuch as, otherwise, His
Majesty would undoubtedly have remain
ed in London.
St. Petersburg, Oct 25.-The Russian
official coterie is chagrined over the
North Sea affair. They are especially
upset by the biting sarcasm OF the Ger
man comments on the incident. 1t is
understood the matter has been placed
entirely in the hands of the Car and
that his majesty has already made de-
cision for full apologies and indemnity.
The eating of humble pie is just now Pc
culiarly unrelishable and will probably
serve to greatly intensity the anti-Eng-
lish feeling in government circles. The
newspapers today print bare details OF
the affair and comment on it in guarded
manner. The Novo Vremya takes the
most frank position in the matter and
says at was our own fault and every
means should be taken TO repair the in
jury"
London, Oct. 25.-Quotations on the
Stock Exchange maintained firm tone
as a result OF the belief that an amicable
arrangement had been arrived at with
Russia.
London, Oct. 25.-Count Bencken-
dorff, the Russian ambassador, had
conference today with Lord Lansdowne
at the latter's home. Premier Balfour
was present. The meeting was held at
the foreign secretary's home, instead of
at the foreign Office, to avoid any chances
OF hostile demonstration against the
Russian Ambassador. For this same
purpose, the police are especially guard
ing the Russian Embassy.
London, Oct. 25.--It is now under
stood that England's note to Russia
relative to the firing on the British
vessels contained three demands,
namely: First-Ang apology by the
Russian government second-Adequase
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