The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-11-04

GERS responsible for the North sea
tragedy, SO the Associated Press UNI
derstands. AS regards the British de-
mand for their punishment being an
infringement of Russias sovereignty
and rights, Ambassador Benck endorff
in his interview with Lord L;alsdowne
today, maintained that such punish
ment must be taken on the spontan-
cous initiative of the emperors gov
eminent and that a demand from any
foreign power that Russia shall pun
ish her officers cannot be entertained.
In any event it was impossible for
Russia to mete out punishment with
out having before it a statement of the
facts rs presented by it's own officers.
Benckendorff also pointed out that
the emperor's telegram was regarded
by all Russians less as a personal COM
munications to King Edward than as
an expression of the sentiment of the
whole Russian nation. There is no in
dicatiOn of Transformers Withdra wing
his demand, though the dispute has not
yet reached the ultimatum stage. 1t is
likely to do SO if today passes without
some recognition of punishment, in
| principle, by the emperorS government.
Russia's continued failure to comply
with the British demand in this respect
creates gloOmier feelings in diplomatic
circles, which are shared by Lans-
downe. Yesterday the impression was
that Russia would eventually agree to
this point. During the conference be-
| tween Benkendorff and LanSdoWne the
French ambassador called. thus con-
frming the prevalent belief that France
| is doing her utmost to promote a sat
| iSfactOry settlement.
All the cabinet ministers have been
instructed to hold themselves in readi-
ness in case a cabinet council should be
necessary. The definite impression pre-
| N n n if, cir In
has given both Russia and Great Brit
ain explicitly to understand that she
will not be involved should the dis
pUtants resort to hosiltes.
Benkendorff paid another visit to
Lord Lansdowne at o'clock this af-
! teruoon, presumably to discuss I2ojest-
Venslly's report. This caused consider
able bewilderment here, since, while
| the statement that the two torpedo
| boats were among the fishing fleet is
generally secuted, there is beginning
to be evidence of some disposition to
| believe in the possibility that there is
another side to the fishermens story
While no time limit for the receipt
of Russia's reply has been fixed, it is
generally understood today that the
route of the Russian squadron past
Gibraltar will be barred by the channel
squadron, commanded by Vice Admiral
Beresford
| AL 8 CLOCK lnlS AFTERNOON LORD 1IanS-
downe expressed his belief that peace
full settlement would be arrived at.
The foreign office regards the state
ment of the captain of the Swedish
steamer Aldebaran at Gefe, Sweden,
from Hull, Eng. as being very i'm
portant. as indicating that the Rus
slams had previously fired on de-
fenseless ship when there was no ques-
ton Of torpedo boats. 1t is understood
this point was brought before Ben
kendorff this afternoon.
Those who have been informed still
believe. however. that a pacific termi-
nation will be secured. Baron Hayashi,
the Japanese minister, said today:
II still do not think there will be a
war between Russia and Great Britain,
but the formers continued delay to
grant the demand for punishment
brings a war more and more within
the range of possibility. The idea of
Japanese torpedoboats being in the
North sea is not only unfounded but
absolutely ridiculous
The Associated Press understands
the new phase init oduced into the sit
uation by Rojestvenskys report was
almost the exclusive subject of dis
cussion at two conferences between
Benkendorff and Lansdowne today. In
consequence the question of punish
ment is held in allegiance. The general
situation had improved to some extent
this evening, and it is considered not
| improbable the whole matter may be
submitted to arbitration.