New-York tribune., 1904-10-26
BRITISH NOTE CLEAR.
Russia Has No Doubt of EngIand's
Intention to Eract Penalty.

ST. Petersburg. oct. 26-Again at midnight the
Admiralty announced that the admirais report
Of the North Sea affair had not been received
The willingness of Great Britain to await the
Russian exclamation before formulating demands
shows consideration for the position in which
Russia had been placed by a deplorable blunder
A the same time this consideration has
ominous ring about II. only serving to emphasize
the gravity OF the situation. the language OF the
note admitting of no doubt that when the de-
rnands are ultimately presented Great Britain
intends 10 insist upon full compliance with them
From the diplomatic point of view the very fact
that Great Britain has not shown her hand
strengthens her position.
What the nature of the demands will be must
be a matter of speculation until Admiral Ro-
jestvensky's report arrives. but if the important
allegation in the note is establisned-namely.
that the squadron actually changed formation
before opening fret would seem TO fix the re-
sponsibility upon Rojestvensky; and whoever
the author Of the offence may be. ii is regarded
as certain that Great Britain will demand,
among other things. his punishment. 1t is also
considered certain that failure to comply
promptly with the demands will be Immediately
followed by Ambassador Hardinges recall.
Although some nervousness is perceptible in
diplomatic circles. generally speaking there is
the greatest confidence both among diplomats
and high officials OF the government that the
affair viii be amicably settled. 1t is felt in
deed. that the very gravity Of the situation may
prove its salvation by imposing the utmost care
and deIiberation upon both sides The Emperor's
action this afternoon is regarded as an express
sion Of his purpose to meet any reasonable de-
mand Of the British government. and do every
thing possible to avoid cause of q quarrel It
is known that the Emperor was greatly grieved
and shocked when he heard the news at Cron-
stadt on Monday afternoon. To member Of
the court it is learned. he has already expressed
determinatioG to punish those responsible for
the error.
The delay in negotiations is felt to be one
of the most serious features Of the situation
While the British note fxes no time limit for
Russia's reply it is argued that the protracted
delay Of the admirars report will do more than
anything else to inflame British public opinion
and render final adjustment difficult. The Ad-
miralty stin clings to the hope that the official
report may place the affair In a more favorable
light though the officials disposed to admit
reluctantly that it may have been a case OF
panic started by some nervous officer.
It is known that when the squadron was at
Libau there was the strctest order given to
guard against attack One OF the squadron's
DOCTORS returning the feet in a small boat
after the prescribed hour. 10 o'clock at night,
was fired on by marines The doctor continued
ahead however. and boarded the ship Admiral
Rojestvensky personally reprimanded him in
the severest OF terms and said that had the
doctor retired under fire he would have been
court martialled. AS it was. he was put in
irons for ten days
An unofficial statement made at the Admiralty
last night is to the effect that the government
before the squadron sailed. was informed that
twenty japanese had recently reached Hull
from a German port, and were believed to have