New-York tribune., 1904-10-26
RUSSIA'S REGRET SHOWN
in Britain AIIayed-
Three Fleets Held Ready.

London. Oct. 25.-The Inevitable delays ~ Dip
Iomatic procedure appear TO retard a completes
and satisfactory settlement OF the acute differ
ences between Great Britain and Russia arising
from the deplorable North Sea affair. King Ed
ward has received from Emperor Nicholas him
self telegram expressing the deepest regret
and a practical acknowledgement that Great
Britain's peremptory note win receive reply
oonceding every demand for apology for the act
of aggression against the British flag. comPen-
sation for sufferers and punishment OF the on
GERS responsible for what is everywhere con-
ceded to have been a gigantic blunder, and the
Russian Ambassador to the Court OF St. James
has expressed to the Foreign Minister Lord
Lausdowne. his sorrow and sympathy.
These developments. which came late in the
day. have auayed to some extent the deep re-
sentment in the public mind and the Admiralty
tonight gave evidence Of its appreciation Of the
necessity Of proving that it 3 prepared actively
to support the position OF the people Of Great
Britain and fulfil the expectations of the world
when il issued the following statement:
on receipt on october Fl Of the news OF the
North Sea tragedy preliminary orders Tor mutual
support and cooperation We're issued as a meas
,!~e of precaution from the Admiralty To ths
Channel. Mediterranean and Home fleets
The day has been one Of The busiest IN recent
years in diplomatic circles here The Russian
Ambassador. who reached London shortly before
midnight Monday. early caller az
Lansdowne House and had a long Interview
with Lord Lansdowne. after which the Foreigt
Minister drove TO Downing Street. conferred
with Premier BaIfour and others. and for the
rest Of the day was occupied with a mass os
matters pertaining to the affair Almost mo-
mentariIy the public expected some definite an
nouncement OF an official nature. but Iats this
evening the Foreign Office announced that no
further statement would be issued tonight It
is understood that this is because It is consid-
cred that it would be unwise in the present.
state of public feeling. to make any interms-
date proclamation concerning diplomatic pro-
ceedings IN view Of Great Britain's announce
ment 10 Russia that the matter would not brook
delay
Count Benckendorff, the Russian Ambassador.
was occupied until late tonight at the embassy
with a mass OF cipher dispatches. and it WIS an
nounced there that it would be physically i'm
possible to prepare formal reply in such a
short time.
While Great Britain IS stirred to It's depths.
there has not been the slightest evidence Of a
repetition Of the rowdyism of last night. which
is condemned on all sides. The suggestion that
Ambassador Benckendorsrs visis to Lansdowns
EOuse instead of to Downing Street was due 70
fears of mob violence Is indignantly denied at
the Foreign ONCE and az the embassy. In fact.
there was not the slightest sign of any gather
ing OF a hostile crowd at the Foreign once.
although the police precautions were most thor
ough. Count Benckendornf himself referred to
the incident of last night trivial. and did noe
appear to consider ii worth notice.
That King Edward correctly Interpreted the
feeling of the nation in publicly stismatizlug
the affair as .unwarrantable'' was shown by
the reception given him this morning when he
started for the race meeting at Newmarket. A
big crowd awaited his majesty. both at Buck
ingham Palace and at the railroad station and
the heartiness OF the cheering and the vigorous
waving OF hats and handkerchiefs with occa-
sionaI shouts Of Good old Teddy" from the
ultra enthusiasts made a remarkable demon
stration and afforded the King evident pleasure
The speeches OF members OF the Cabinet and
OF the House OF Commons to-day in different
parts OF the country voice the sentiment of
Great Britain. and the spirit IN which the ut
ttrances were met shows that for the moment
party differences have been laid aside and that
the country is sol'dly behind the government
Lord sslbourne. at the Pilgrims dinner to-night.