Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1904-11-02
STORM CENTER IS MOVED
British Lion Getting Close After the Russian
Bear. and High Feeling Prevails

! against which the government may
End it hard to stand out in the possi-
bile event oc Foreign Minister Lans-
downe Withdrawing the demand that
Russia guarantee punishment before
inquiry is instituted.
Had Admiral Roiestvensky's report
not arrived. it is probable the dispute
would have been settled one way or
the other. Its terms, however, are
generally held to prevent the presenta-
tion of the ultimatum which Great
Britain undoubtedly intended to send.
Although Lord LanSdowne has frank
ly said that the circumstances report
ed by Admiral Roje5tvensky 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 cen
tcmplated
In the present temper of the British
nation it is not at all likely that pre-
laXcd 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
forfcitirg in some degree the good
will Of France and certainly that OF
Germany. If she proceeded to substi-
tutc 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 scarcely have been
refused by Great Britain. II is point
/ cd out that il l.; greatly TO Frances
/ interests to preserve peace, and her
1
! 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
| VIII not be likely 10 engage in war:
! while Russia. with France neutral.
would, so 1t is thought at most Of the
/ embassies here. scarcely invite defeat
! The most probable solution of the I'll.
/ morS regarding Frances position is
/ said by 4 high authority TO be that
/ shc has given both disputants TO un-
/ derstand that she does not desire to
become involved. but has reserved her
! final decision. Ambassador Cannon
| was increasingly active throughout the
( day. not only Wishing Foreign Minis
/ tcr Landsownc and Ambassador Ben
kcndorf. but other Of his diplomatic
colleagues.
Swedish Ship Fired On.
Stockholm. BY Cable.-The skipper
! Of the Swedish steamer Aldcbaran.
from Hull. England. which arrived at
Gene. Sweden. says his vessel was
chased in the Skagcrack during the
evening OF Friday, October 81, by a
foreign cruiser, apparently Russian.
which threw scarchlights on her. The
cruiser increasing her speed. passed
the Al9crbaran, and fired a shot
winch had no effect. The AldCbaran
thereupon hoisted her flag and the
cruiser again threw her scarchlieht
on the steamer. AMI = few minutes
later haited shot all around the Alder
narah. without, however. hitting her.
The Aidebaran's skipper then ordered
! inc steamer TO be etopDcd aud win,
his crew sought refuge below. rho
foreign warship thcreupon GlsaDpcar-
'ci IN the darkness.