The San Francisco call., 1905-02-26
PLACATES SLAV
ANDENCLISHMAN
North Sea Commissions De-
cision Regarded as in the
Nature of a Compromise
FLEET NOT ATTACKED
Supposed Torpedo Boats
Were Myths, but Admiral
Had Right to Be Cautious

PARIS, Feb. 25.-A decision In the
controversy between Great Britain and
Russia arising from the firing on the
Gamecock fishing fleet on the night of
October 21-22 by the Russian second
Admiral Rojestvensky, was officially
announced to-day by the interna-
tional commission OF inquiry.
Rear Admiral Charles H Davis, the
American representative on the COM
mission. is of the opinion that the gen.
vorable to Great Britain. as they sus-
tain the statement of fact as pre-
sented by that country.
The general impression among those
who heard Admiral Fournier, the presi-
ident Of the commission, read the deci-
sion WIS that 1t was q compromise,
Great Britain's contention that there
was no torpedo-boat in the vicinity
and that Rojestvensky was not justi-
fed in firing, having been approved.
and that Of Russia that Rojestvensky
acted according to his belief, even
though mistaken, and that his action
did not reflect upon his military valor
or sentiments of humanity, likewise
having been agreed to.
FINDING OF THE COMMISSION.
sion Of the commission to-day.
The commission is of the opinion
that the delay OF the Russian trans
port Kamchatka, following the break
ing down of her machinery, WAS per-
commander Of the Kamchatka signaled
to Admiral Rojestvensky during the
evening that he had been attacked by
torpedo-boats. The admiral there
fore had reason to believe he was at
tackled and gave orders for strict Wig
ilance against the possible approach
Of torpedo-boats. The majority of the
commission considers that Admiral
RoJestvensky's orders were not ex-
cessive In time Of war, particularly
under the circumstances, and that he
had every reason to consider the sit
uation very alarming.
THE commission" the decision
says, recognizes unanimously that
the fishing fleet committed no hostile
act and, the majority Of the commits
sioners being of the opinion that there
were not, either among the fishing
boats or in their vicinity. any torpedo
boats, the opening of fire by Admiral
Rojestvensky was not justified"
EXONERATES ROJEsTVENsKY.
The decision further says the Rus
sian commissioner did not share in the
latter opinion.
In any event." the decision contin-
ues, the commissioners are glad to
recognize unanimously that Admiral
Rojestvensky personally did all he
could, from the commencement to the
end, to prevent the trawlers being the
object of fire by the Russian squad
ron.'
Concerning the souadron's proceed
ing without assisting the damaged
trawlers, the decision says:
1.-The commissioners are unanimous,
under the circumstances preceding and
following the incident, that there was
such uncertainty concerning the dan
ger to the squadron as to warrant Ad-
miral Rojestvensky in continuing on
his route. However, the majority re-
grets that the admiral did not in
form the neighboring maritime powers
Of what had occurred"
The decision concludes as follows:
1.-The commissioners declare that
their views, as formulated, are not of
a nature to cast any dfsrespect upon
the military valor or upon the senti-
ments Of humanity of Admiral Rojest-
vensky and the personnel Of his squad
ron"
other interesting features Of the de-
cision are as follows:
Admiral RoJestvensky, after leaving
Reval, took the greatest precautions
to prepare his vessels to repulse tor
pedo attack during the night. whether
sailing or at anchor. The reports of
Russian agents regarding various tor
pedo-boat attacks seemed to justify
these.
ALARMED BY ROCKETS.
The direction the Russian squadron
followed was calculated to bring the