The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-24

said the ambassador. 81 really cannot
permit myself to discuss so serious a
matter when wholly ignorant of the
facts and feeling in England. 1t seems
a deplorable accident, which, of course.
will be explained. Such a condition
must refrain from discussing its diplo-
matte effects and consequences. 1t is
not at all likely that L shall receive
advices on this matter at once. as it is
cable its ambassadors on matters not
directly relating to their posts"
Ice Breaker Damaged.
Copenhagen, Oct. 24.-The Russian
ice breaker Ermak has arrived in the
roads with her stern tube damaged.
Russians Make Denial.
Cherbourg, Oct. pa p. m.-The
larger ships of the Russian squadron
had not arrived here up to the time of
filing this dispatch. 1t was believed
that they have gone on westward in
tending to stop either at Brest or at
Vigo, Spain. The only torpedo boats
which proceeded with the squadron put
in here and three of these, it now de-
velops proceeded on their voyage at 10
o'clock this morning. Three others re-
main in the outer harbor taking on coal
from the Russian collier Kfetoy.
The Russians already here claim that
their squadron was navigating through
a thick fog the night of the 21-22 and
fired their guns IN neutral waters TOT
the purpose of keeping in touch with
each other.
The Russians here appear not to be
aware that any British fishing boats
were hit. They declare that no fishing
boats were sunk and that the torpedo
boats received a signal from Admiral
RojestVensky to be on the lookout as
the admiral feared there were Japanese
ships in the channel
Regret and Grief.
st. Petersburg, Oct 24.-5:54 p. m.
At the foreign office the sinking of
the British fishing vessels was de-
pIored. The authorities manifested the
greatest anxiety and expressed the
hope that the unfortunate affair will
be adjusted speedily and amicably,
while they believe that some eXplana-
ton which will throw light on the af-
fair will be forthcoming as soon as
Admiral Rojestvennsky can communi-
cate with St Petersburg, the authorl-
ties being unable to believe that his
ships fired upon the fishing boats with
The press reports are so startling
that NJ. Sazonoff, the Russian charge
d'affaires in London, in the temporary
absence of Ambassador BenckendorH,
was Instructed this afternoon to ex-
press to the British government the
intense regret and grief with which the
reports had been received and the de-
sire of Russia to voluntarily make full
squadron being responsible for the un-
fortunate occurrence involving the
loss of human life.
Willing to Make PREPARATION.
St. Petersburg, Oct. 24.-6:15 p. m.
1t was decided during the day to
prepare a semi-Official note expressing
the regret of the Russian government
and its Willingness to make full rep
aration as soon as the responsibility
IS fixed.
1f
the government will, it is hoped, mol
lily the British government and public
opinion in Great Britain and pave
the way for an honorable displomatic
adjustment.
An Imperial Apology.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 24.-6:31 p. m.
While Ambassador Hardinge did not
receive any instructions during the day
he called upon Foreign Minister
Lamsdorff this afternoon Informally
and impressed upon him the extreme
gravity of the affair Count LamSdOrff
expressed horror and regret at the
occurrence.
Count Lamsdorff will see the emper-
or tomorrow and there is good reason
to believe that the emperor may per-
sonally convey to King Edward not
only his regret if the reports should
prove true, but his determination to
institute searching inquiry and fix
the responsibility.
= 1t is rumored that the emperor per-
sorally received Admiral Rojestven-
skys report this afternoon at Cron-
stadt but at o'clock both the adj
miralty and the foreign office declared
the report had not yet reached them.
Japanese Find Nine Guns
General Oku's Headquarters, Friday,
Oct 81 p M via Fusan, Oct. 24-While
clearing the field near the villa ge of
Shakhe. the Japanese found nine aban-
doned Russians guns. Their condition has
not been reported. Both armies are rest
ing On their arms. Continuous skiruishes
are occurring between outposts and ma
trolls and the artillery is firing daily A
great battle is expected south of the Hun
river, where heavy field works have been
erected.
Great numbers of Japanese reinforce
mentS are arriving.
The Leading Lady-Every time 1 walk
along the Rialto meet half a dozen