Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-24
ENC[ANDPROTESTS
Urgent Notes Sent to
Russia.
PROMPT ACTION TAKEN
Foreign Secretary Lansdowne
Confers With King Edward.
NORTH SEA INCIDENT
HOPE EXPRESSED OF AvERTING
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.
Authorities at st. Petersburg Dunn
Observation-Disclosures Expressed
to Give Ample Reparation.
NORTH SEA INCIDENT
HOPE EXPRESSED OF AVERTING
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

LONDON October "a, 4:52 p.m.-The
british government this afternoon sent
urgent rotes of protest to the Russian gov
ernment on the subject of the recent Rus
star attack on the British fishing fleet in
the North sea, through both Ambassador
Hardinge and the Russian ambassador in
London.
Foreign Secretary Lansdowne reached
London this afternoon. and, after gather
ing the latest details known at the foreign
office regarding the firing on the British
fishing boats by the Russian squadron, pro-
ceeded to Buckingham Palace. where he
had a long interview with King Edward.
The latter later telegraphed message OF
sympathy to the mayor of Hull
on returning to the foreign office Lord
Lansdowne further conferred with Sir
Henry King and subsequently addressed
strong protest to Ambassador Hardinge for
presentation to the Russian government.
Special stress is laid on the callousness dis
PLAYED by the Russians in not going to the
assistance of the fishermen. Lord Lans-
1owne asks that immediate redress shall
oe made.
1t is believed in government circles that
the Russian government will take the
earliest opportunity to give satisfaction,
and it appears to be expected that Russia
will explain the affair, adding that the
Russian officials had reason to believe that
there were mines or ships with mines in
the neighborhood where the fishing fleet
attacked.
An interview between. Lord Lansdowne
and Count Benkendorff has been arranged
for tomorrow.
In the absence of Count Benkendorff the
Russian charge d'affaires called at the for
eign office this afternoon to express deep
regret at the occurrence.
No Undue Excitement.
There is no evidence of undue excitement
or of any belief that international COM
plications will arise. Trading on the stock
exchange was slightly affected at the open
ing. but prices speedily recovered
The foreign Office this morning was
crowded with seafaring people connected
with the fishing fleet who are being exhaus-
lively examined by the officials, so that the
precise facts on which Lord Lansdowne
might base a protest later in the day might
be established.
Russian Officials Perplexed.
No instructions have been received at the
Russian embassy here and no communica-
tions are expected until Ambassador Har-
Petersburg The Russian ambassador here
Count Benkendorff. will not be in London
till nearly midnight, hence he cannot see
Lord Lansdowne until Tuesday. when it Is
expected Foreign Minister Lamsdorff will
have transmitted his instructions. Beyond
making apologies however. 1t was pointed
out at the Russian embassy that no ex-
PLANTATION could be given until the squadron
was heard from. Steps are on foot TO get
a communication to Rojestvensky, but
some DAYS may elapse before Rojestvensky
can send a report to st. Petersburg.
The Russian officials here are as much
perplexed as to the cause of the firing on
the fishing boats as are the British au-
thorities though they suggest it may have
been due to extreme nervousness conse-
quent on the reception of definite informa-
ton that japanese attempt would be
made on the squadron before 1t reached
open waters.
Idea of War Secuted.
The idea that war can arise over the af-
fair is secuted but 1t is admitted that 1t
will strain Anglo-Russian relations 10 a
point where diplomacy both sides will
be severely tested.
Lord Lansdowne is expected, in addition
to making the usual claim for indemnity
wounded and pensions for the widows OF
those killed, to demand most ample apol-
ogy and assurances that other British ship
ping which may fall in with the Russian
squadron shall not be submitted to similar
treatment These demands. 1t is believed
at the Russian and other embassies here,
will speedily be granted.
1t Is quite possible that in order to ac-
celerate matters Vice Admiral Lord Charles
Beresford, who is with the channel fleet at
Gibraltar almost in the path of the Rus
sian squadron. may be ordered to detach a
cruiser and communicate with Admiral
Rojestvensky. as was done In the case of
the Russian volunteer feet steamers
Smolesky and st. Petersburg.
Naval Force at Hand
Unusual activity prevailed at the admir-
atty throughout the morning, but owing to
the absence of Lord Selborne first lord of
the admiralty, no action was taken. A
strong squadron OF cruisers lies at Ports
mouth ready to sail at few hours notice.
The Mediterranean fleet is off Venice and
the home squadron is cruising off Scotland.
Thus in the quite unlikely event of Great
Britain making a naval demonstration her
forces are In peculiarly good positions
Sir Henry King. member of parliament
for the central division of Hull. went to
the foreign office today to assist In the rep-
reservations OF his constituents among
whom the most bitter feelings prevail
The affair though the sole topic of con-
yersation among all classes at the British
capital has not created the uproar which
might have been expected A small crowd
gathered 1T Buckingham Palace this morn
Ing where previously arranged council
of ministers held, and at which VIII
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