Courier Democrat., 1904-11-03
TWO COUNTIES AGREE TO SUB.
NIT NORTH SEA AFFAIR TO
A COMMISSION.
PREMIER eALFouR OUTLINES
METHOD ADOPTED FOR SET.
rL,Ne DISPUTE.
SPEAKS HIGHLY OF RUSSIAN At
TlrUpE BUT AssAlLs Ao-
MiRAL's REPORT.

London, Oct. ee.-A!l danger OF a
rupture between Great Britain and
Russia has been averte6 and the set
tlement of the many points in dispute
regarding the attack by the Russian
Second Pacific squadron on the Brit
ish travle-s in the North sea, Oct. q,
has been referred 10 arbitration OF an
International commission. Mr.. Baifour
spoke Friday night al joint meeting
of Conservative clubs at Southampton,
where he broke the silence that had
long peryaded and had brought the
people OF the United Kingdom TO a
pitch OF desperation. and gave rise TO
misconceptions, which 3Ir. Baltour eA-
plaiaed.
The Russian ambassador, said Nr.
Eal:our, has authorized a statemen,
TO the following effect"
The Russian government, on learn.
ing OF the North sea incident, at once
expressed its profound regret and also
promised most liberal compensation.
The government has ordered the de-
ten,ion at Viso of that part of the
feet which was concerned in the incl
dent, in order that the naval autaori-
ties might ascertain what officers were
responsible for it; that those officers
and any material witnesses would not
proceed on the voyage to the Tar East;
that inquiry would be instituted into
the facts by an international conmls-
sion, as provided BY The Hague con-
vention.
That, Mr. Balfour interpola.ed, had
nothing TO 60 with arbitration; it was
the constitution of an international
commission in order to find out the
facts and any person found guilty
would be tried and punished adequate
ly. The Russian government under
took that pTecaution would be taken
to guard against recurrence OF such
incidents. Special instructions on this
subject would be issued.
Two Distinct Inquiries.
Preliminary to this court, said Mr.
Balfour. there would be the cosoner's S
inquest at Hull over the dead Usher
men. board OF trade inquiry and an
inquiry by Russian officials, al Eiso.
The board OF t.ade inquiry would be
specially constituted by the British
governuent to include representative
men. ne RlSs.aE e!2pass! Las reeo
asked to send g eP.esentai:Te a.d
give assistance.
Apology aa5 compensation having
already been offered. nothing :e@.a:ns
but 10 determine wo.la accoi-t IS
correct, RojestTens:s: 5 or the lrav-c-z.
Nj. Da!fou.- pain: said that Taa:s
day evening Russia aad Great Britain
seeMet. TO be Oh. the brink OF war. and
yet gave TIE :raakest praise 20 the At
ti,ude preserved throughout y: the
emperor AMI Russian government.
While the premier was unable 10
praise the pacific attitude Of the gov
eminent TOO highly, he bitterly as
sailed Roiestvensky' report. Geclar-
ing that it was an insult TO Great
Britain as a neutral nation, and ridi-
culed its probability.
The immense audience received Elr.
Balfour's announcement Of the settle
ment OF the affair with unbounded en-
thusiasm. which was echoed through
out the kingdom when the. evening eA-
tras appeared and set suspense at rest.
In both Russia and Great Britain
the prevailing feeling is that of relief
that there no longer seema to be dan
ger of var bet fWeen the daffhns