The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-29

boring Japanese sailors and warships With
out Russia and, indeed, the civilized world
knowing 1t.
Admiral Rojestvsnsky's story was pure
fancy. The truth would be made manifest
when the inc uiry, which the Car welcomed
took place.
Russia had not at any time moderated
the gravity Of the crisis or failed to do what
she could to diminish it. Russian dipio-
macy moves very slowly, but he thought
the difficulties had been got over.
The Russian Government. without delay
had exprr ssed deep regret and also, even
at the outset, had indicated that any wrong
door oui hit to be punished.
II could not for a moment be supposed
that throughout the route from st. Peters
burg to vladivostok and In narrow ways,
like the English Channel and the Red Sea,
an Admiral should be allowed to pass under
such circumstances as the North Sea Incl
dent, unscathed. unchallenged and I'M
punished. Was that, Mr.. Balfour asked.
a position possible for Great Britain as
neutral to tolerate2
RUSSIA TO AVOID LIKE OCCURRENCES.
He was glad to say that Russia agreed
with Great Britain in this and was giving
orders to prevent a recurrence OF the
tragedy, which filed all hearts with sorrow,
and. most Of all, with feeling something
akin TO indignation. Count Benchen-
dorff. the Russian AMI assador. had au-
thorized the statement that Russia. upon
hearing of the incident. Immediately ex-
pressed profound regret The Car had
telegraphed to King Edward a similar
statement.
Russia had promised to make tho most
liberal compensation. She had also Or
Gered the detention Of the Baltic feet and
also Of the officers responsible and material
witnesses.
THE AGREEMENT.
England and Russia had agreed that an
international comm isson, as provided for
by trio Hague convention, should inquire
into the facts. The persons found guilty
by this tribunal would be tried and punished
adcc uately. Russia had shown an enlisht-
ened desire that truth and Justice should
prevail. Mr.. Balfour said the commission
had nothing to do with arbitration, but
| would be constituted simply to ascertain
the facts.
ENaLANp's DEMANDS MODERATE.
In conclusion Mr.. Balfour said that TIE
fact that matters had turned out 20 fal
satisfactorily was due, he hoped, partly
! t. the Justice and moderation of Great
Britain's requests, and also to the farsightco
wisdom Of the Gar who had shown hin sell
an enlightened judge OF what was right
between nations. treat Britain had ap'
pealed simply 10 justice and to the principles
which ought to govern the relations betweer
nations, and had not appealed in vain. She
had done all that was possible, consistent
with national honor to avert war, and had
been met in like spirit by Russia.
1t would be too much to say flat the in.
oident was closed. but he thought he was
not too sansuine in hoping that reason
and Justice will still prevail and the ca
lamity of war be sverted. II it were, Lie
promised his hearers flat it would be
avoided without disLonor.
RoJEsrvEEsaY's EXPLANATION
Tie speech was constantly applaudec
and seemed to wholly satisfy those WI {
l.eard it. There was much ironical laugl tel
wien Mr. Balfour reoited Admiral Ro'
jeetvensky's explanation. The Prime Min.
ister made much appreciated point by
reading from the Russian sailing direc'
tions the following:
THE inexhaustible quantities Of fish OF
the Dogger Bank attract hundreds O
fishing boats, which render navigation
difficult, especially at night. Neverthe
less, said Mr.. Balfour, the Admiral wen
thirty miles out Of his course to the Dog
ger Bank" This statement convulsec
the meeting.