The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-10-26
Emperor Nicholas Cables Regrets
10 King Edward
ENGLAND MAKES DEMANDS
Kinq Edward Is Greeted With Great
Enthusiasm BY People Because
of Message Sent to the
Mayor of Hull.

St. petersburg, OCTOBER 70, : d, H..
Vice-Admfral Rojestvenskfs reason for
firing into the British fishing fleet re-
mains as great a mystery as ever.
At midnight the admiralty announced
that no official report had been received.
Meanwhile without waiting for the Rus
sian version of the affair. Emperor Mich
olas, together with Ambassador Hardinge
has sent to King Edward and the British
government a message expressing the pro-
foundest regret for the unfortunate af-
fair coupled with assurances that the
families of the victims should receive the
fullest reparation. The British govern
ment also shows moderation in the note
which Sir Charles Hardinge presented
to Foreign Minister Lamsdorff this after
noon
While it awaits explanation for an act
which it charaeterizes in strong language
as unjustifiable, unjust and inhuman, it
makes no threats. fixes no time limit for
response and contains no demands, the
note specifically stating that Great
Britain's demands are reserved pending
receipt of an explanation.
Shows Consideration BY England.
The willingness of Great Britain to
await the Russian explanation before for
mulating demands shows consideration
for the situation in which Russia has been
placed by a deplorable blunder. At the
same time this consideration has an om-
nous ring about it, only serving to en-
phasze the gravity of the situation, the
language of the note admitting of no
doubt that when the demands are ulti-
mately presented, Great Britain intends
to insist upon full compliance with them.
From diplomatic standpoint the very
fact that Great Britain has not shown
her hand, strengthens her position. What
the nature of the demands will be, must
necessarily be a matter of speculation
until Admiral Rojestvenskls report ar
rives, but IL the important allegation in
the note is established, namely, that the
squadron actually changed formation be-
fore opening fire, it would seem to fix
the responsibility upon Rojestvenski, and
whoever the author of the offense may be,
1t is regarded as certain that Great Brit
ain will demand among other things his
punishment. 1t is also considered certain
that failure to promptly comply with the
demands will be Immediately followed by
Ambassador Hardinge's recall.
Confidence In Peaceful Settlement
Although some nervousness is pereept-
ible In diplomatic circles, generally
speaking, there is the greatest confidence
both among the diplomats and high Off
cials of the government thIt the affair
will be amIcably adjusted. 1t is felt in
deed, that the very gravity of the situa-
ton may prove its salvation by impos-
ing the utmost care and dehberation up
on both sides. The emperor's action
this afternoon foreshadowed by the As
sociated Press dispatches made on the
night following his interview with Count
Lamsdorff. IS regarded as an expression
of his purpose to meet any reasonable
demand of the British government and
do everything possible to avoid cause of
a quarrel.
1t is known that the emperor was
greatly grieved and shocked when he
heard the news at Cronstadt Monday af-
ternoon To member of the court the
Associated Press learns he has already
expressed a determination to punish
whoever is responsible for the error.
A tour of the embassies and legations
this evening showed that the sentiment
was almost unanimous that Russia would
make every reputation, and that the Incl
dent would be adjusted amicably unless
reasonable, which it was not thought
would be the case. Newrtheless, the
greatest activity was manifested at all
the legations Dispatches were coming
and going. end the foreign office was be-
seiged with under secretaries and minis
ters. all eager for information The
scenes gave forcible reminder of those
Immediately preceding the severance of
diplomatic relations with Japan.
Similar Scenes of Activity.
At the Admiralty there were similar
scenes of activity. The corridors were
full of newspaper correspondents and
raval attaches awaiting information re-
garding Rojestvensky's report but the
sdmiralty had nothing to offer In expla-
ration of the extraordinary silence 1t is
felt this delay is one of the most serious
features Of the situation While the
British note has no time limit for the re-
ply, 1t is regarded that the protracted de-
lay of the admiralty's report will do
more than anything else to to indame
British opinion, and render final adjust
ment difficult. The admiralty still clings
to the hope that the official report may
place the affair in a more favorable light.
though reluctantly the officials are dis
posed to admit that it may have been a
case of panic started by some nervous
officer.