The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-11-02
SAW TORPEDO BOATS.
RUSSIAN ADMIRAL MAKES SEN.
SATIONAI STATEMENTS.
Rogestvensky Declares Two Torpedo
Crafts Came from the Direction of
h British Trawlers az If to Attack
His Squadron.

Vice Admiral Rojestvensky's expla-
nation OF the trawler incident Is fully
as sensational as the news Of the fir
ing upon the fishing fleet which set all
England aflame. He declares he was
attacked In the darkness by two torpe,
do boats which came Upon the squad
ron from the direction of the fishing
fleet. He opened fire and believes he
sank N OF the torpedo boats, the
other making of for cover among the
fishermen. AS soon as he noticed the
fishermen Admiral R~ojestvensky
ceased firing. He proceeded Oh his
way without leaving any vessel be.
hind, and says he believes the vessel
which the fishermen reported remained
OH the scene for six hours without Of
fering succor to the drowning was the
other torpedo boat, either waiting for
her consort or repairing damage in
ficted by the fire of his ships.
Roj~estvensky's report was telegraph
ed from Vigo direct to the Car, who
received it in the night. 1t was COM
municated in the morning to Ambassa-
dor Hardinge by Foreign Minister
Lamsdorff himself.
1t is pointed out the original version
Of the incident as recited by the cap
tain of the Moulmein, comedies close
ly with Rojestvensky's. The captain
said while the squadron was passing
he suddenly noticed two torpedo boats
which approached so near he thought
they intended boarding him, when
they sheered off, heading back for the
squadron. Almost Immediately after
the squadron opened fire.
Making due allowance for the broad
yellow streaks that rather literally col
or the news from London and st. Pc
tersburg, there is still left q situation
full of grave danger. Official England
was held under extreme restraint while
awaiting with none too great a reserve
or patience the definite action of Off
cial Russia-for the message of Car
Nicholas TO King Edward was nothing
more than a personal expression OF re-
greet. This strain was relieved some
what by the Russian Governments
note expressing deep regret wei the
occurrence and promising full repara-
ton as soon as an official report is re-
ceiyed from Admiral Rojestvensky. In
addition to this Ambassador Bencken-
dorff assured Lord Lansdowne that his
Government was so certain the occur
renee in the North Sea was an error
that 1t would promise full amends,
even in the absence of official knowl-
edge from Russian sources. Thus it
appears that-temporarily at least
the point of gravest menace, that is, in
ordinate delay on the part Of the Rus
sian Government, was rendered less
acute.
Although Russia made an initial
apology for the tragedy in the North
Sea, wrath In British official circles
continued undated. Open defiance
was expressed against the Cars Gov
eminent, and since the Calchas Incl
dent, and other seizures at Vladivos-
tok, together with the wanton destruc-
ton of the British steamers, the pub
lie craze for instant war found ex-
preston in acts of the officials. At
III diu at L vi lSlllOuln Tic JUS
tie incident to preparations of a hos
tile campaign was evident, and three
mighty ~squadrons were modified,
ready to sink the feet of ~Roiestvensky
and paralyze Russian commerce on the
high seas
1t was learned that the Russian en-
bassy in London received an urgent
telegram from st. Petersburg on Sun
day, several hours before the news Of
the North Sea tragedy reached Hull.
This message resulted in a hurry call
to Count B~enckendorff, the Russian
ambassador, to return from the CONT
nent, and he rushed to London without
his baggage. He was well en- route to
the capital before the news of the fir
ing was known in London. This fact
led to be suspicion hat Russia had
heard more than she would admit, and
was purposely keeping Admiral Ro-
~jestvensky out of reach. This belief
resulted in a more irritable feeling in
British cabinet circles, and these sus-
picions seemed likely to lead to an In
timation being sem to Russia that IL
she could not find Rojestyensky, the
British navy would. The three fleets
which have been ordered by the admir-
atty to be in readiness as a precaution-
airy measure comprise 100 vessels.
England seems to have acted with
commendable restraint in a situation
that would try the temper of any ma
ton. She did not lose her head. She
simply demonstrated to the world that
she was fully prepared to protect her
citizens and to teach respect fcr her
flag no matter where 1t may wave.