Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1904-10-28
LONDON MUCH ASTON|SHED.
MORNING PAPERS ROAST czAR's
MEN FOR RECENT ACTION.
Russians Displayed Heartlessness by
Sinking Helpless Fishing Boats and
Leaving Victims to Shift for Them
selves-An Apology and Generous
Compensation to Victims Families.

selves-An Apology and Generous
Compensation to Victims Families.
London, Oct. 25.-Foreign Minister
Lansdowne and M. Benckendorff, the
Russian ambassador, were both out of
town Sunday and all the government
offices in London were closed as usual
on Sunday, therefore no official view
could be CLEANED of the firing by Rus
sian warships upon British fishing
feet in the North Sea.
The first reports of the affair re-
ceived in London were regarded as
almost incredible. When, however.
cumulative evidence no longer left
doubt of the accuracy of the reports.
establishment became bewilderment as
to what possible motive could have
led Russian officers into such an ex-
traordinary and inexplicable course of
action which, unless a satisfactory
explanation is Immediately forthcom-
ing, is to be regarded only as an act
of war. This is the view editorially
by all the morning papers. The worst
feature of the story, as viewed here.
is the heartlessness displayed by the
Russian fleet in steaming away with
out taking the tror lie to ascertain
even whether their fire had inflicted
any damage and without any effort to
rescue the victims.
While admitting the necessity of a
suspension of Judgment pending in
vestigation and explanation, the morn
ing newspapers are unanimous in de-
manding that the government instruct
Ambassador Hardinge to make the
strongest representations to the st
Petersburg government and obtain
reparation and apology and assurances
OF the Russian fleets good behavior
for the future. 1t is held. that the
omission of the Russian feet to stay
its course down the channel to offer
any explanation makes the case look
exceedingly grave, and the only pos
sible solution of the mystery that has
been suggested is that, excited by ru-
mors recently spread of Japan's in
tentions on the Pacific squadron. in
the event of its Sailing, the Russian
gunners yielded to panic and supposed
the trawlers' rockets were the signals
OF an enemy's feet. In view Of the
decision in the Allanton case, it is re-
garded as quite impossible that the st.
petersburg authorities can be in any
way responsible for the incident.
Considering the circumstances in
the case the newspapers treat the
matter with commendable calmness.
but are firm in demands for imme-
date satisfaction. The Chronicle
says:
'"The next 24N hours must settle II
one way or the other. Only two modes
OF settlement are possible. Either ex-
apology and generous COM
pensation to the victims families or
an ultimatum."
The Standard says:
An explanation should be promptly
and sternly demanded for the intoler-
able outrage. The Russian govern
ment should be informed that it is
expected to recall its ill starred fleet:
nlsI' III order tnat proper investigation
may be had, and second, to keep it
out of harms way for the future"
The shippers of the Moulmein and
Mino, j. A. Smith and Solicitor Jack
son, arrived in London at 8 o'clock
TINS morning, but beyond confirming
the previous story, they declined to
say anything before consulting the au-
thorities.
Admiral Freemantle, in the course
OF an interview, said he was unable to
believe that it was the Baltic feet
which fired on the Hull fishermen. but
II SO, he added, nothing but the most
complete apology would be satisfac-
tory.
Sir Frederick Pollock, an authority
on international law, said
If the facts are as stated. It is an
act OF war 1t must mean an ultimatum
or an apology within As hours or so.
1t will probably be found, however.
that some Russian commander lost his
mead, suspecting Japanese designs,
and that he will be cashiered and an
apology ordered"
Al~kI -