The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-26

erous hospitality, and requested Admiral Fournier to express the commissioners sense of gratitude to President Loubet and Foreign Minister Deleasse.
 Admiral Davis Talks.
 Admiral Davis was seen tonight by the correspondent of the Associated Press and discussed the conclusions of the commission and the general effect of the decision. The admiral did not desire this to appear in the form of an interview, but the following can be accepted as having his approval:
 ''rhe general results of the findings are favorable to Great Britain since they sustain the statement of facts as pre- sented by Great Britain
 Today Admiral Davis sent a cable dis patch to Washington summarizing the decision and advising the authorities that it was favorable to Great Britain. As evidence of this, Admiral Davis said that in the first place the commission finds that Admiral Rojestvensl1y was respon- sible for the incident and it's conse- quences, and in the second place the commission finds that there were no hos | tile vessels among the fishing fleet or | anywhere in that vicinity.
 l Taking up the detailed report Admiral Davis showed that it's essential features are as follows:
 
 jestvensky in keeping his squadron in a state of preparation to resist a possible attack. This is entirely natural. No naval officer could be criticized for hay
 Ing his ships ready. Either in time of war or in time of peace, either on hos tile waters or in friendly waters, war ships are supposed to be always ready for action within five minutes. Conse- quently no naval officer would criticize anOt her. for heinz ready h
 Was Responsible for Results. The second point of the decision is that | the commission holds that Admiral Ro- | jestvensky was responsible for the results of the fire upon the fishing fleet, and it also holds that no torpedo boats or hos tile vessel of any kind was present among the fishing boats or in that vicinity, and that opening fire by Admiral Rojest- vensl1y was therefore not justified l The finding also shows that considering the alarming reports which had reach 1 ed him, in other word, the surrounding | circumstances of the case, Admiral Ro- | jestvenslSy was justified in not stopping | after the incident but the commission | expressed regret that he did not make an opportunity for notifying the authori-
 ties at some port on the English chan 1 mel, so that some assistance might have been sent to the damaged fishing fleet The commission also takes the view that after once engaging in fire, Admiral Rojestvensky did all he personally could 1 to prevent the fishermen being directly | fired upon.
 Finally, the decision says the commits | sion takes pleasure in stating that it's conclusion were not meant to reflect upon the military valor of Admiral Rojest- vensky.
 Favorable to Great Britain. In other words, said Admiral Davis all l the conclusions from the British presenta- ton of facts, were sustained by the com mission. This was naturally put In some- what diplomatic language But the fact of the findings being favorable to Great Britain. is unquestionabe according to Admiral Davis view.
 Commenting upon the moral effect of the decision Admiral Davis expressed the belief that the results ought to be most salutary, and in the interest of the gen eral principle of arbitration. This princi- pie naturally calls for some concessions from both sides. In the present case both governments will accept the result and Russia will doubtless provide a money consideration to the victims relatives Throughout the proceedings the utmost harmony prevailed, and never did the 1 slightest unpleasantness occur. The de- | bates often weer vigorous, but never acri- {, monious.