New-York tribune., 1905-02-26

preparation TO resist possible attack tss
naval officer could be criticised Tor haNllis ,-
ships ready. Either in time of war or III liz I1
of peace either in hostile waters or IN u1enors ,
waters warships are supposed 70 De ah"a'
ready for action within FIVE minutes ~.
commission holds that Admiral hoJestNehsN3
was responsible for the results or the nre ul,oH @
the fishine feet and 1T also holds that no tor
pedo boats or hostile vessels OF any klno MeIe
present among the fishing boats or IN tnaI oieit t
itv and that opening fire by Aomlrad hoJesI-
vensky was therefore, not Just1feo- a.,
The finding also shows that considering the ne
alarming reports which had reached MINI
other words the surrounding circumstances OF
the case-Admral Rojestvensky was 1uslliieu ia "a
not stopping after the incident, but the colnmls-
sion exoresses regret that he did not make al
opportunity for notifying the authorities al some
port on the English Channel, so that some as 3
sistance might have been sent to the dahlaSed
The commission also takes the view that, after
once engaging in fire. Admiral hooeslNeIlsA5 9 uli
ali he nersonaily could to prevent the fisher
men from being directly fired on. .o,.o-
Finally the decision says the commission takes
rleasr,re in stating that its conclusions were
not meant 10 reflect upon the military Valor OF
Admiral RoJestvensky.
In other words said Admiral Davis. all the
conclusions from the British presentation or
facts were sustained by the commission Thls
was naturally put in somewhat diplomatic Ian
glage But the fact of the findings being IA
rorabie 10 Great Britain is unquestionable. ac-
cording to Admiral Davis's view.
Commenting on the moral effect of the de-
cislon Admiral Davis expressed the belief that
the results ought TO be most salutary and in
the interest OF the general principle OF arbitra-
tion This principle naturally calls for some con-
cessions from both sides. In The present case
both governments will accept the result and
Russia will. doubtless. provide a money com
pensation to the victims relatives
According to Admiral Davis's view. Russia
can take a fair measure of satisfaction from the
finding, for, although it holds that error was
committed it was which was not dscredit-
able to the Russian navy. The fact must be
considered that the Russian squadron was MAX
ing q voyage of thousands, of miles on war
mission and reports indicated that the Jap
anese might make attempts against the squad
ron. This undoubtedly inspired an anxious, sus-
uicious state Of mind on board the Russian
ships Nothing in all the testimony, however
reflected in the slightest on the discipline or
efficiency of the Russian navy.
Admiral Davis goes to Dover on March 1.
where he will embark on the Red Star Line
steamer Finland. and landing in the United
States VIII go direct to Washington. He regrets
his inability 10 arrive in time for the inaugura-
ton Of President Roosevelt. His son, Midship-
man Davis, takes part in the ceremonies on the
staff of General -Chaffee
Admiral Fournier read the decision, the spec
tators following it rninutely. The general i'm
preston among the audience that the de-
cision was in the nature OF a compromise, as the
majority approved the British contention that
no torpedo boats attacked Admiral Rojestven-
sky's squadron. and that therefore his open
ing fire was not justified, and, as the majority
also approved the Russian contention that Ad-
miral Rojestvenst1y acted according TO his be-
lief. even though mistaken, that. therefore. his
action did not reflect upon his military valor or
sentiments OF humanity.
Admiral Fournier closed the commission with
a speech Of thanks to fits members. He said that
each OF them would return TO his country bear
ing as a recompense for his labors the legit
mate satisfaction Of duty well accomplished.
They left behind them profound impression of
esteem for the devotion in which the difficult
task had been performed.
Significant remarks were made by Sir Edward
Fry. representing Great Britain, and Baron
Taube, representing Russia. Both spoke in the
most amicable spirit and praised the commits
sion's work. Sir Edward said; -..-
This is one of the most important events ever
brought before international court. All
should feel gratied with the satisfactory results
attained.
The speaker closed with the quotation:
Peace hath her victories no less renowned than