davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
Chased by Russian Warships.

Stockholm, october 27.-The skipper
of the Swedish steamer Aldebaran
from Hull, England, which arrived to-
day at Gefe, Sweden, says his vessel
was chased in the Skagerack during
the evening of Friday. october 21st,
by a foreign cruiser, apparently Rus
sian, which threw it's search light on
her. The cruiser, increasing her
speed, passed the Aldebaran and fired
a shot which had no effect. The Aide
baran, thereupon, hoisted her flag and
the cruiser again threw her search
light on the steamer and in a few min
utes later hailed shot all around the
Aldebaran without, however, hitting
her. The Aldebaran's skipper then
ordered the steamer to be stopped and
with his crew sought refuge below.
The foreign warship thereupon disap-
peared in the darkness.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

REPORT FROM ROJESTVENSKY.
Two Dispatches Made Public by the
General Staff.

st. Petersburg, October 2S.-The
naval staff publishes the following
two dispatches from Vice Admiral
Rojestvensky:
First dispatch.
The North sea incident was caused
by two torpedo boats advancing to
attack without the lights under cover
of darkness against the vessel leading
the d~etachment The detachment turn
led on its search lights and opened fire,
the presence of several small steam
boats resembling steam fishing boats
WAS discovered. The detachment en-
ldeavored to spare these and ceased
firing as soon as the torpedo boats were
lout of sight. The English press is in
ldignant because a torpedo boat left by
1.-THE detachment IN the spot until morn
ling did not aid the victims. Now there
twas not a single torpedo boat near the
detachment and none was left behind;
consequently the vessel remaining neal
1.-THE small steamboat was that torpedo
boat which was not sunk, but only
damaged. The detachment did not aid
1.-THE little steamboats, because we sus-
ipected them of completely on account
lof their obstinately cutting into the
iorder of the positions of our vessels.
Several of them showed no lights, and
iothers only very late.
Second dispatch.
Having met several hundred fish
ling boats, the squadron showed them
levery consideration except when they,
in company with foreign torpedo boats,
Iof which one disappeared while the
lcther, according to the fishers own
le~vidence, remained among them until
morning. They supposed it was a Rus
Islan, and were indignant because it
ibid not aid the Victims; but it was for
leigh, and remained until morning,
seeking the other torpedo boat, its
lconsort, either TO repair damage or
through fear of betraying itself to
Those who were not it's accomplice. If
there We're also or the spot fishermen
limprudently dragged into the enter
prise, l beg in the nam of the whole
squadron to express my sincere regret
TO the unfortunate victims Of circum-
stances under which no warship, even
lin time of deep peace, could have acted
otherwise"
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

growing out OF the North Sea incident,
IA hostile issue would be almost newt
fable. as the temptation of crush the
RUSSIAN naval power after such pro-
vacation could scarcely have been re-
fused by Great Britain. 1t is pointed
loue that IL is greatly 10 Frances inter
lest to preserve a and her efforts
I'm that direction obviously will be
strengthened by not committing her
self except at the last moment. So
Hong as Great Britain IS not sure
whether France will help Russia she
Twill not be likely 10 engage in war:
while Russia, with France neutral.
lwould. so IL is thought, at most of the
embassies here scarcely invite defeat.
lThe most probable solution of the ru-
Imors regarding Frances position Is
said by a high authority 10 be that she
has given both N~disputants TO under
stand that she does net desire 20 be-
come involved. bIt has reserved her
final decision.
| Ambassador Cambon was unceasing-
Ily active throughout the day. not only
in visiting Foreign Minister Lansdowne
and Abassador B~enkendorff. but other
Iof his diplomatic colleagues.
Baron Hayashi. the japanese minis
ter. after reading Admiral Rojestven-
|sky's report reiterated his statement
that ii was impossible that any Japa-
Inese torpedo boats could have been
where the Russian admiral thought
them. He declared tina Ro~jestvensky's
!own statement of indiscriminate fling
latter such slight investigation proved
that the Russian fleet was Likely to
menace the safety of neutral seas and
make international law merely a farce.
War between England and Russia, Bl-
IRON Hayashi frankly admitted, would
be greatly to Japan's advantage: yet
las a friend of England he would be
sorry TO See it come. though such a
war could hardly consist of more than
|one naval engagement. the result of
(which would be a foregone conclusion.
Exactly what method can be taken
10 investigate Vice Admiral Rojestvcl-
statement does not clearly APP
pear. The Russian embassy here can
throw no light upon the alleged pres
.enee of torpedo boats in the North
sea. The British admiralty has no
Information and fresh inquiry among
the trawlers elicits no new facts. The
Russian embassy thinks hat a further
and more elaborate inquiry is proceed
ing at Vigo where the testimony of the
participating in the affair is
being infinitely recorded.
NORWEGIAN SHIPS FIRED ON.
Copenhagen, October 27.-The master
of the Norwegian steamship SkaatoI
reports from London h he was fired
on by a Russian ship on Sunday in the
English channel. h firing ceased
when the Skaatol hoisted her flag.
Soon afterwards IS Russian men-of-
war. passed the Skaatol.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
EXPLANATION OF THE
NORTH SEA INCIDENT

There is reason to believe that the
British embassy was also acquainted
with information which reached the
Russian authorities come time ago
of the arrival at and subsequent mys-
ferrous disappearance from Hull of
twenty japanese, mention of which
was made in these dispatches October
18th. 1t is pointed out that the origi-
nal version of the incident was also
recited by the captain of the trawler
MoulInein comedies closely with Ro-
~jestvensky's. The captain said that
while h squadron was passing he
suddenly noticed two torpedo boat
which approached SO near that he
thought they intended boarding him.
when they sheered off, heading back
from the squadron. According to the
same accoun OF Rojestvensky's report
it specifically states that there were
no torpedo boats with the squadron
when the incident occurred. If this
is true the statement of the captain
of the Moulmein would completely
corroborate Rojestvensky.
In diplomatic circles Rojestvensky's
report created the keenest interest.
The feeling is that the situation de-
mands impartial investigation 10 de-
termine the facts to the satisfaction
of both parties and to the world gen.
orally. The mystery is not considered
to be cleared up. One of the things
particularly pointed out is the fact
that Rojestvensky's report was written
after he had seen the fofeign accounts
of the affair.
The admiralty is unable to explain
why, after being attacked, he wanted
four days before reporting and that he
hen toe pains to reply to the allega-
tons of the press. In some quarters
this is regarded as suspicious. OF
course the government accepts the
report in perfect good faith. but if
an inquiry should prove that the re-
port was prepared to shield himself.
the most severe punishment would be
meted out to him. If, on the COZ
trary, it is proved TO be correct, it
will place Great Britain in an awkward
position. In either event the situatio"
light be rendered more acute and
the feeling among h diplomats is
that pending a solution of all the ques-
tons in doubt the greatest tact and
moderation should be observed by the
statesmen and newspapers of both
countries.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

ed to sail from vigo during today.
Perhaps the o significant devel-
opment Is the cabinet meeting. which
is called for noon today. While the
call was issued prior TO the receipt Of
Rojestvensky's report. which changed
h situation considerably and ap-
pears to place some OF the burden OF
proof upon Great Britain. the meet
ing undoubtedly marks the reaching
OF a serious stage.
There is no sign OF an end to the
deadlock yer the question OF the pun
ishment Of the Russian officers respon-
sible or the North Sea tragedy as
The Associated Press understands. AS
regards the British demands for the
punihment, being an infringement OF
Russia's sovereignty and rights, Am
bassador Renkendorff. in his interview
with Lord Lansdowne today maintain
ed that such punishment must be tax
EN- on the spontaneous initiative of
the emperor's government. and that n
demand from a foreign power that
Russia shall punish her officers cannot
be entertained In any event 1t was
impossible for The Russian govern
ment to mete out punishment with
out having before ii a statement OF
facts as presented by its W officers.
Count Renkendorff also pointed out
that the emperor's telegram was re-
garded by all Russians less as 2 per-
sonal communication to King W
than as an expression of the sentiment
of the whole Russian nation.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
FOR WAR.
Great Activity Reported from all Dock
Yards-Demand for Punishment of
faipNd

London, Oct. 2S.-Notwithstanding
e diplomatic check in consequence
of Admiral Rojestvensky's report, it
is evident that Great Britain is pre-
pairing for the possibility of war. Ire
mendous activity is reported from all
dock yards where vessels under re-
pair are being made ready for sea.
under urgent orders from the admir-
|alty. At Cardiff it is stated that adj
miralty agents are securing great
quantities of coal for Gibraltar. Ports
mouth, Malta and other ports, and
paying high freights. The Mediter-
|ranean feet is Fastening in the direc-
ton of Gibraltar. and it is announced
that the channel squadron, with decks
cleared, Will leave Gibraltar early
this morning. its alleged object being
"a sham attack on the rock" The
home fleet. likewise, is concentrating.
In fact almost the entire British navy
is pointing in the direction of the Bal
tic feet. a portion of which is expect
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
ADMIRAL ROJESTVENSKY'S EN-
PLANTATION.

St. Petersburg, October 2T.-Vice
Admiral Rojestvensky's explanation OF
the trawler incident is fully as sensa-
tional as the news of the firing upon
the fishing fleet, which set all England
ahame. He declares he was attacked
IN the darkness by two torpedo boats
which came upon the squadron from
the direction of the fishing fleet. He
of the torpedo boats, the other max
ing off for cover among the fishermen.
As soon as ne noticed the fishermen
Admiral Rojestvensky ceased firing.
He proceeded on his way without leay-
ing any vessel behind and says he be-
!eves the vessel which the fishermen
reported remained on the scene for six
hours without offering succor TO the
drowning men was the other torpedo
boat. either waiting for her consort or
repairing damage inflicted by the fire
OF his ships.
Il IS stated that torpedo boats at
tackled the leading Russian ship. They
disregarded the signals to keep Off
when picked up by the search lights
and fire was opened on them.
Rojestvensky refers to and replies
specifically to h reports in thu Brit
ism press, showing that he had the
press accounts before him when he
wrote his report Some Of his Ian
guage is sarcastic. especially when
speaking of the appearance of the
torpedo boats from the direction OF
the British fishermen, conveying On
animation which certainly will arouse
resentment in England. He declares
that no other naval commander at sea
under similar Giro instances would
have failed to ooen fire. and adds that
he courts the fullest inquiry and ug-
gests hat a court of inquiry could
be held at Vigo.
In concluding his telegram, Admiral
Roiestvensky expressed in the most
warm hearted way the regrets OF the
whole squadron to the fishermen who
had suffered and to the families OF the
victims.
Rojestvensky's report was tele-
graphed from vigo direct to the En-
peror. who received it last night. 1t
was communicated this morning to
Ambassador Hardinge by Foreign
Minister Lamsdorff himself.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
~ROjeSVenSky'S Report on
The Occurrence is
Sensational.
SITUATION is
COMPLICATED

The Russian Admiral Declares that he
was Attacked by two Torpedo Boats.
He Opened Fire and Believes nc
Sank one of Them-ReDortS in the
British Press are Referred to and
Answered-In Diplomatic Circles the
Report Created the Keenest Inter-
cst-The Foreign Office I'm London
Pursues the Policy of Silence, but
Preparations for HostiIities will not
be Relaxed-The Attitude of France
Is Held TO be of the Highest I'M
DOrtancc - Ships of the British
Channel Fleet are Cleared for Ac-
ton for the Purpose, it is Believed,
of Barring the Route of the Russian
Squadron ut GibraItaP-Thc~ Situa-
ton Demands an Impartial Investi-
CATION Before the Mystery is Clear
eel un.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

Vice Admiral R~ojestvensky's expld-
on British trawlers. while it is received
with Incredibly by the people and
press of Great Britain. has probably
turned the current of diplomatic nego-
tiations into a new channel.
The British foreign office is in cour-
tesy obliged TO accord an investigation
into circumstances narrated by the
Russian admiral, reinforced as it is
by the. testimony of subordinate officers
Of the squadron and by the report of
the Danish minister of marine, conf
m~unicated to the Russian government,
that vessels were known 10 have been
chartered at Hull and in Sweden by
the Japanese government for the pur-
pose of attacking the Baltic squadron
during it's passage OF the North sea
and English channel. There are on
the one side stories of Russian shiUs
firing upon vessels of several neutral
nations, and on the other of incidents
tending to establish Admiral RojesI-
Vensky's report that there were armed
hostile vessels in the vicinity of at
least the Hull fishing fleet. Pending
developments in diplomatic exchanges.
the British admiralty is showing the
utmost activity in bringing fleets with
in the course of the Russian squadron.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

Mukden, Oct. 27.-The artillery fir
ing on :he Russian left. which began
yesterday and lasted during the night,
has spread south.
The weather has again cleared up
and is much better for active opera
tons. The days are warm and sunny,
but the nights are cold and some
OF the Russian troops whose winter
o~vercoats have not arrived are suffer-
ing from the cold.
Suspicious movements Of the Japa-
nese have been observed west OF the
railroad. The Chinese say positively
that the japanese r preparing TO
turn the Russian right or through
a vulnerable point of the lines
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
Public Demonstration at Hull.

Hull, England, October 27.-The fun
eral today of two of the victims of the
North sea tragedy was made the oc-
casion of a great public demonstra-
ton. The civic officials attended the
ceremony and hundreds Of wreaths,
including one from King Edward were
placed on or about the collins. Bust
ness was practically suspended and
the hags were half masted On the ships
in the harbor. Thousands of people
lined the route to the cemetery.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
Evidence as to Relations
Between the HuS-
band and Wife
MANY WITNESSES

We're Exnmined. Among them Miss
Crawford. n Sister OF the Late Mrs.
ment OF the Defendant Toward his
Wife was Inconsiderate and Unkind.
Willie NcCue is Treated as an Ad-
verse Witness by the Common
wealth. this Development Causing n
Sensation-At the Request of Jurors
Two Former Witnesses were Recall
New Witnesscs-No Women were
Present at the Trial.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
An Artillery Duel.

Mukden, Oct. 27.-There was an ar
tillery fight on the night of the 26th
on the north shore of the Shakhe river
directly south of Mukden. The can
n~onading, which was heavy, was con-
tinued today. The Russians are at
lacking. IL unsuccessful they will
fight right up to the walls of Mukden.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
Indicted for the Naples Lynchlng.

Huntsville, Ala, Oct. N.-Thomas III
Higgs. a hotel man. has been arrested
and placed under 5000 bond on a
charge OF conspiracy IN b 1ynching
OF Horace Naples. Robert Powell. son
OF ex-Sherin Powell. said TO have been
indicted by the United States grand
jury on the same charge. VIII surrender
today.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01
FIGHTING SOUTH OF MUoDEN.
A Village Reported as Captured by
the Japanese--An Artillery Duel.
Tuesday Night-Seats on Sale MOn-
day Morning

Mukden. Oct. 27.-Ffghting began at
10 o'clock last evening south of Muk-
den. The Japanese have advanced to
the village of Jerdagan, which they
are reported to have captured after
a fight lasting until this morning.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

Tt must be very depressing to Dowie
to hear hat little New York is stiI
alive although his visit is long forgot
ten.-Atlanta Journal.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-11-01

St. Petersburg. Oct. 2I.-General
Sakharoff teIegraphs that nc general
fighting occurred October 2sth-
The Savannah morning news., 1904-11-05
MINISTER OF WARS FACE SLAPPED
IN THE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES
Syveton, After Accomplishing This Feat, Ran Be-
hind Members of His Party for Safety.

Paris, Nov. 4.-To-days sitting of
the Chamber of Deputies was one of
the stormiest and most heated in re-
cent years, the excitement culminat-
ing when Gabriel Syveton, a promi-
nent Nationalist deputy, stepped up 20
Gen. Andre, the Minister of War, and
slapped his face.
After accomplishing this feat Syve-
ton retreated rapidly to the upper
most row of seats, taking refuge be-
hind members of the opposition.
A tremendous tumult ensued, dep
uties of all parties crowding upon the
floor of the House, where a free fight
was soon in progress.
Speaker Brisson left the chair. thus
suspending the sitting Eventually
order was restored and. the sitting
being resumed, Syveton's temporary
exclusion was voted. The offender,
however, refused to quit his seat, and
It became necessary again to suspend
the sitting while he was removed by
a military guard.
1t is probable that this misconduct,
which occurred just before the final
division, materially contributed to
strengthen the position OF the cabi-
net, which at one time seemed very
critical, for after securing a majority
Of only two on a preliminary question
the government finally carried vote
Of confidence by overwhelming ma
1ority.
The Savannah morning news., 1904-11-05
AMBUSH CAUGHT THE
C0SSACKS OF THE DON.

Mukden, Nov. 4.-There was brisk
exchange of artillery fire here yester-
day extending from the village Of
Linchintoun eastward on both sides Of
the railroad, but the firing ceased at
noon. The Japanese are continuing
their concentration opposite the Rus
sian center. The Japanese positions
along their whole line are strongly
fortified and they are now entrench-
ing along the Hun river to the west
ward.
On Monday, on the Russian extreme
right, a squadron of Don Cossacks
charged a battery of Japanese artil-
lery near Lidantoun. The Cossacks
went forward at a gallop through
field of uncut millet against the fire
of the battery and had almost reached
the guns when couple of companies
of Japanese infantry rose up and pour
ed in several volleys, compelling the
cavalrymen to ride out of the field at
an even faster pace than they went
in. The Cossacks lost about twenty
five men,
The Savannah morning news., 1904-11-05
BIG FIRE SWEEPS
SECTION OF Triton
NOT LESS THAN s125,ooo
WILL BE THE Loss CAUSED BY
THE FLAMES.

Fire Broke Out in the Afternoon in
the Three-StOry Building of Phil
lips SIack-Three Men Were Hurt
in Fighting the Flames, which
Were Not Checked Till Night-List
of the Business Houses and Per-
sons Who Suffered Losses.
Triton, Ca, Nov. 4-Tifton citizens
have been wild with excitement this
afternoon over the burning of one of
the best portions of the town.
The fire caught in the handsome
three-story building of Phillips Slack,
about 2:30 o'clock this afternoon. The
first floor was occupied by S. G. Slack
& Co., who carried a heavy stock of
hardware; one storeroom. occupied by
DIR. George Judkin; the second floor,
occupied by the Ensign Lumber COM
pany, Gress Manufacturing Company,
Hettler Lumber Company, ]. ]. l..
Phillips Lumber Company, DR.. o. Lee
Chestnut, dentist; Boatwright & Full
wood, lawyers; F. s. Harrel, lawyer;
third story, occupied as sleeping
apartments by some of the lumber
men and families in the building.
This building, the E. P. Bowen
building, which was occupied by the
Tifton' Drug Company, Triton Tele-
phone Exchange, Postal Telegraph
Company, C. w. Ethridge, Bowen
Opera House and E. P. Bowen; the E.
H. Tiff building, occupied by O'Neal
& Parker, Kent furniture store, c. w.
Rickerson, the offices of the secretary
of the Georgia Sawmill Association
and G. w. Warren, were all totally
destroyed. Hotel Regent, the beauti-
full residence of Mayor Timmons,
Browns studio. residence of C. B..
Holmes on Love avenue were destroy
ed by the flames.
1t is impossible to get at the loss
tonight, but it is estimated that it
will not be less than $125,OOO, partly
covered by insurance. Very little was
saved by any of the losers.
The fire is still raging, though about
under control.
BY hard work the Triton Grocery
Company. First National Bank. and
postofiice building, which caught at
one time, were saved.
As to how the fire started is not
known. 1t began in the cellar of the
Phillips Slack building.
Three men were painfully hurt in
lighting the flames.
The Savannah morning news., 1904-11-05

At midnight the officials Of the
Chamber of Deputies. assembled in
Speaker Brissons private cabinet, were
discussing the course of action to be
taken regarding Deputy Syveton.
Deputies who witnessed the assault
upon the Minister OF War say that
Gen. Andre was wholly taken by sur
prise and was struck with such vio-
lence that he would have fallen had
not Premier Combes stepped forward
and supported him. Gen. Andres
face was much swollen and was cut by
a ring worn by Syveton.
Speaker Brisson notified the judi
cial authority that an assault had been
committed within the precincts of the
chamber.
Gen. Andre. whose reply was con-
tinually interrupted by the noise of
the opposition and ministerial cheers.
said Waldeck- Rousseau, when he APP
pointed him Minister of War, four
years ago. confded to him the exist
ence OF an underground movement
which had for its purpose the setting
of the army in opposition to the civil
power. When he set to work to COM
bat the influence of political agitation
he met with great resistance, and It
was impossible to obtain information
from official sources, news of acts
openly hostile to the republic only
reaching him through indirect chan
nels. A spirit of intolerance prevailed
in the army and during maneuvers one
colonel actually replaced the tri-color
by flag bearing "Royalist Insignia
Here Gen. Jacquey exclaimed, You
are lyingl" but amidst immense enthu-
siasm. he withdrew the charge under
threat Of the speakers censure.
The Chamber passed a vote Of conf
ence 343 to 1856.