The Western news., 1904-10-26
LONDON MUCH AS1ON|SHED
MORNING PAPERS ROAST CARS
MEN FOR RECENT ACTION.
Russians Displayed HeartIessness bv
Sinking Helpless Fishing Boats and
Leaving Victims to Shift for Them
seives-An Apology and Generous
Compensation to Victims Families.

London, Oct. 25.-Foreign Minister,
Lansdowne and NJ. Benckendorff. the
Russian ambassador, were both out of
town Sunday and all the government
offices in London were closed as usual
on Sunday, therefore no official view
could be CLEANED of the firing by Rus
sian warships upon a British fishing
fleet in the North Sea.
The first reports of the affair re-
ceived in London were regarded as
almost incredible. When, however,
cumulative evidence no longer left
doubt OF the accuracy of the reports.
astonishment became bewilderment as
to what possible motive could have
led Russian officers into such an ex-
traordinary and inexplicable course of
action which, unless a satisfactory
explanation is Immediately forthcom-
ing, is to be regarded only as an act
OF war. This is the view editorially
by all the morning papers. The worst
feature of the story, as viewed here.
is the heartlessness displayed by the
Russian fleet in steaming away with
out taking the trouble to ascertain
even whether their fire had inflicted
any damage and without any effort to
rescue the victims.
While admitting the necessity of a
suspension of judgment pending in
vestigation and explanation, the morn
ing newspapers are unanimous in de-
mandlng that the government instruct
Ambassador Hardinge to make the
strongest representations to the St..
petersburg government and obtain
reparation and apology and assurances
OF the Russian fleets good behavior
for the future. 1t is held that the
omission of the Russian fleet to stay
Its course down the channel to offer
any explanation makes the case look
exceedingly grave. and the only DOS
slble solution of the mystery that has
been suggested is that, excited by ru-
mors recently spread of Japans in
tentions on the Pacific squadron, in
the event of it's sailing, the Russian
gunners yielded to panic and supposed
the traWlers' rockets were the signals
OF an enemy's fleet. In view of the
decision in the Allanton case. it is re-
garded as quite impossible that the st.
petersburg authorities can be in any
way responsible for the incident.
Considering the circumstances in
the case the newspapers treat the
matter with commendable calmness,
but are firm in demands for imme-
date satisfaction. The Chronicle
says:
The next "a hours must settle it
one way or the other. Only two modes
OF settlement are possible. Either ex-
PLANTATION, apology and generous COM
pensation to the victims families or
an ultimatum''
The Standard says:
AN explanation should be promptly
and sternly demanded for the intoler-
able outrage. The Russian govern
ment should be informed that it is
expected to recall it's i'll starred fleet;
first, in order that proper investigation
may be had, and second. to keep it
out of harms way for the future"
The shippers of the Moulmein and
Mino, J. A. Smith and Solicitor Jack
son, arrived in London at O'Clock
this morning but beyond confirming
the previous story, they declined to
say anything before consulting the au-
thorities.
Admiral Freemantle, in the course
of an interview, said he was unable to
believe that it was the Baltic fleet
which fired on the Hull fishermen, but
if SO, he added, nothing but the most
apology would be satisfac-
tory.
Sir Frederick Pollock, an authority
on international law, said:
''If the facts are as stated, it is an
act of war. It must mean an ultimatum
or an apology within 48 hours or so.
1t will probably be found, however,
that some Russian commander lost his
head, suspecting Japanese designs,
and that he will be cashiered and an
apology ordered"