The Washington times., 1904-10-25

when he is most deeply moved. Nobody
detests war with hatred more genuine
than his has been during the last few
years. Yet he would have applaUded
his government today If he had been
told that British fleet had been sent
out with orders 10 capture or destroy the
Russian Baltic squadron.
Ii is pointed out 10 him that iu any
other age than this such action would
nave been q foreEOne conclusion More
than one British statesman within the
memory of living Euglishmeu would
have resorted 10 IT, II Is a question ID
The minds or many whether this pQi-3
would not be the best even in these days
Of geuLler craftsmanship.
All Europe Appalled,.
Not England alone. but an Europe Is
aghast ard appalled, by the difficulties
OF the situation. This last and greatest
outrage by Russia C0nfr0uIs the world
with a dilemma for which international
law provides no solution A great ma
tion nagrantly dehes all rules, first OF
diplomacy and then of war. She makes
pretense when 10 suits her of conform
ing 10 the usages of international iut,N-
course, apologies when % pi1ases uvI
10 do so. and passes on 10 fresh in-
suit
International comfy prescribes that
apology and pecuniaVy TeparaJI0n should
uuced the process 10 q farce. and dlplO-
macy Is asking helplessly what is 90 be
done.
Complication of OHenses.
1t is not alone therefore the sinking OF
the Hail fishing boats which Is seri-
ously disturbing the ChanCelleries of Eu-
rope. The incident cannot be REGARDED
as an isolated one. Other compiica-
Jions. as bad, or worse, are regarded as
possible. even probable.
The Russian government is democrat
lied and desperate. The sending out OF
the Baltic fleet equipped VITA a per
sonnet unframed ana INCOMPETENT is in
itself an act OF folly, OF which its FIRST
exploit is only a demonstration. There
Gre no TWO opinions ON TINS point I'm ans
European capital.
III is net Tor a moment believed that
The Hull outrage was committed DELHI
erately. Russla's opportunities for i'm
yolving Great Britain i'm order 10 escape
the humiliation OF defeat at the hands
of japan alone have been many. It Is
almost universally believed that me eE-
PLANTATION OF the attack is crazy panic.
begotten OF rank ineXperience and alco-
hol-
England's Duty.
But the feeling is strong throughout
England that mere apology and payment
OF a money indemnity VIII not be AIDE
Quate. The opinion is already widely
expressed that Great Britain owes il
not only 20 herself but 10 civilization 10
compel the Russian government 10
recognize and obey ordinary rules OF
deceucy I'm the family of nations.
There is good reason Tor believing that
Lord LausdOWue's instructions 10 An
baEsadOr HaTdiuge are 10 demand firm
U.s. the removal Of the officers responsible e
FOR airing upon the Iragy lers. Il is mol
yet clear whether Admiral hOgesLVeusky
was In touch with the division or the
fleet which attacked the fishermen
some attempt has been made TO deny
thar he was within signaling distance
E1Is responsfbilitv however. IS complete.
Great Britain may Wei demand tLar the
fleet shah not proceed under such reCk-
less command
II Russia Is Not Prompt.
Everything now depends upon the
prOmptnezs and the tone OF the Russian
apology II she cavils AT any feature
of the British demands the situation vii.
speedily become serious A sharp, swift
crisis might lead 10 a speedy settlement
OF che whole war siLua Ui8u-
III Great Britain should seize the Baltic
Meet and lombard CrOustadr. as sac
would be JUSTIFIED In doing by nearly an
historical presidents, the Far East VaI
might be brought TO an end and AL
outstanding questions between England
ana Russia might be settled and tht
Car might have peace. 10 his own ulti-
mate advantage, before the end OF the
year. This is the view openly takeI
In London today by many Euglishmeu
Who lament the absence Of "a strong man
In Downing Street.
VIII Probably Apologize and Pay.
The trend Of European opinion as q
whole. however. is 10 the effect tina.
Russia viii apologize and pay. and tina
The war viii 60 laundering ON for sci
another year and DO win be- puucLua Uel
by more thau one unfortunate Incl
dent which may al any moment lead
20 more dangerous complications thar