The San Francisco call., 1904-10-28
)DToU CUDo DknMn FOR The PORT OF VO WITH THEIR DECKS CLEARED
jill I0l Oll IHUiu FOR ACTION THREE GIANT SQUADR CONERGNG

LONDON. Oct. 27.-One Of the
most complicated diplomatic situa-
tions in recent history and one tnat Is
attended by the most dangerous pos
sibilities for the peace OF the whole
of Europe exists tonight, with no
sign of immediate solution. The ten
sion that arose when the dispute be-
tween Great Britain and Russia re-
solved itself into the simple question
whether Russia would or would not
guarantee in advance that some pun
ishment should be administered TO the
offending officers of the Baltic squad
ron has been modified by the intro
duction of an entirely new set OF con-
tentions contained in Vice Admiral
Rojestvensky's report; yet even tne
most astute diplomats, VINO recos-
nize a temporary Improvement IN con-
ditions, are puzzled by the complca-
tions that so curiously cause It, How
ever, there is tonight at the embas-
sizes of the powers not concerned IN
the dispute a very strong conviction
that a way out will be found other
than in recourse TO war.
The Foreign Office, apparently as
puzzled as the onlookers. pursues the
policy Of silence and the British press
is almost totally uniformed. The
between London and St. Petersburg
continue, the statement that no reply
from Russia has been received adding
to the Implication that Russia is ig-
noring the British negotiations 1t is
this misconceptiOn which is chiefly
responsible for the stiffening up Of a
popular agitation, against which the
Government may find it hard to stand
out in the possible event of Foreign
Minister Lansdowne withdrawing the
demand that Russia guarantee pun
ishment before inquiry is instituted
SITUATION LESS URGENT.
Had Admiral Rojestvenskys report
not arrived it is probable the dispute
would have been settled one way or
the other tonight It's terms, how
ever, are generally held to prevent
the presentation of the ultimatum
which Great Britain undoubtedly in
tended to send. Although Lord Lans-
downe has frankly said that the cir
cumstances reported by Admiral Ro-
jestyensky are to him inconceivable,
the Foreign Minister is not prevented
seeing that new light has been thrown
upon the outrage" and that dipIO-
matte usage now compels less urgent
action than the British Government
at first contemplated.
In the present temper of the Brit
ish nation it is not at all likely that
preparations 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 Ger
many If she proceeded to substitute
warlike for diplomatic steps. of which
intention, it is said at the Russian en-
bassy tonight, there is no indication
in Lord Lansdowne's communication
ATTITUDE OF FRANCE.
The attitude Of France is held to be
of the first Importance: 1t was said
to-day 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 incident,
a hostile issue would be almost newt
able, as the temptation to crush the
Russian naval power after such prov
ocation could scarcely have been re-
fused by Great Britain. 1t is pointed
out that it is greatly to Frances in
terest to preserve peace, and her ef-