Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-01-21

4 q
the preservation Of the Integrity
Of China, has been formally and
warmly accepted by Great Britain
and all the non-beIlIgerent powers
to which It was addressed.
Paris, Jan. 20.-The French govern.
Ment and other powers have received
communication from the American
government which If approved by the
powers, will exert far-reaching effect
In preventing the territorial breakup
Of China, when peace Is eventually
made between Russia and Japan.
American initiative in this direction
Is distinct from the recent note rela.
tive to Russia's protest against China's
alleged breach of neutrality This lat,
ter note treats of the continuation OF
China's neutrality in the pending war
but the other communication treats Of
Chinese territory after the war Is con-
cluded.
TO Keep "Open Door,"
This step is based upon informa-
tion reaching the United States gov
ernment that some of the powers are
apprehensive that the eventual consid-
GRAFTON of peace between Russia anil
Japan will lead to claims on portions
Of China's territory. The American
communication tends to avert the pos
sibility OF such claims being made
thus insuring the continuance Of the
present policies of the open door and
territorial integrity Of the empire.
The French, British and Italian
governments have approved the Ameri-
can communication. II the other pow
ers approve, 1t will constitute notable
understanding that the powers will not
make claims of Chinese territory
when peace ultimately is concluded
North Sea Inquiry.
Aside from outlining the case as it
will be presented by England and Rus.
sia, very little has been done by the
international commission now holding
sessions here for the purpose Of in
Quiring into the North sea incident.
British Case is Outlined.
The principal charges of the British
statement follow:
"On the night In question there were
not any warships whatever in the
neighborhood Of the fishing fleet, ex-
cept those Of the Russian navy.
No warships had been seen by the
fishing boats since long time previ-
Gus:
None Of the boats making up the
fishing feet carried any kind of mater
ial Of war
No Japanese warship Of any kind
whatever was at that moment in the
North sea.
"There we not any Japanese upon
the fishing boats.
"The Russian fire continued after
their searchlights clearly showed the
vessels were peaceful fishing boats.
None of the Russian ships gave or
even offered assistance
.The fire killed two men, wounded
six, sank one boat, and damaged five
Others"
The statement concludes that the at
tack was without any provocation up
on pacific fishing boats pursuing their
usual and rightful avocation
Insists Japs Were There.
The following are the principal
points Of the Russian reply:
AT about midnight the flagship
Kniaz Souvaroff saw the outlines of
two small boats which approached
with great speed with all lights ex-
tinguished directly toward the battle
ship.
When the two suspicious boats
came within range Of the Russian
searchlights they were recognized as
s torpedo pOaIS. IQereupOn the battle-
ships opened fire.
Thereafter number of small fish,
Ing boats not showing the REQUIRED
lights were observed. Precautionary
measures were adopted nevertheless
There was a strong feeling Of danger
upon the battleships and the imperious
duty of protecting themselves against
the attack Of torpedo boats obliged a
continuance of the fire despite the evil
dent risks Of hitting not only the fish
ing boats but also the ships Of the
squadron itself, which had arrived
within the zone of fire.
In the meantime the two torpedo
boats drew off and shortly after disap-
peared Fearing that some of the fish
ing boats were damaged, yet being GER
tain that all danger from the two tor
pedo boats or possibly others was not
completely removed, Admiral Rojest-
yensky considered it indispensable for
the entire squadron to continue its
route without stopping.
Admiral Rojetsvensky while taking
into account the damage caused to in
offensive fishermen, subjects Of a neu-
trai power, was nevertheless compelled
to use all the means in his power to
destroy the torpedo boats which at
tackled his squadron
stoesseI Leaves Shanghai.
Shanghai, jan 20.-General Stoessel
and a large number of paroled officers
and others who arrived here January
10, left today for Marseilles on their
way home to Russia.