The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-26
NORTH SEA COMMISSION
 MAKES ITS FINDING PUBLIC
Members Of the Body Express Ap- provaI With the Agreement Reached--Means Much for
 Pacific Settlement. f


 decision of the international commission of Inquiry into the North sea incident was publicly announced at the closing session of the commission today. The decision lengthily sets forth the circum- stances and incidents and gives the opinion of the admirals on the various important incidents involved
 The decision says the delay of the Rus- sian transport Kamschatka, following the breakdown of her machinery, was perhaps the cause of the incident The commander of the Kamschatka signalled to Admiral Rojestvensky during the evening that he had been followed by torpedo boats. The admirals therefore had reason to believe he was attacked and gave orders for strict vigilance against the possible approach of torpedo boats.
 The majority of the commission con- siders that Admiral Rojestvensky,s or ders were not excessive in lieu of war, particularly under the circumstances. and he had every reason to consider the situation very alarming.
 No Torpedo Boats Present.
 s.rhe commission" the decision says, recognizes unanimously that the fishing fleet committed no hostile act, and the majority of the commissioners being of the opinion that as there were neither among the fishing boats nor in their vicinity any torpedo boats, the opening of fire by Admiral Rojestvensky was not justified"
 The decision further says tho Russian commissioner did not share in the lat ter opinion.
 s.In any event" the decision continues, sthe commissioners are glad to recognize unanimously that Admiral Rojestvensky personally did all he could from the commencement to the end to prevent the trawlers from being the object of the fire by the Russian squadron"
 Concerning the squadron's proceeding without assisting the damaged trawlers, the decision says:
 .vrhe commissioners are unanimous that under the circumstances preceding and following the incident that there was such uncertainty concerning the danger 10 the squadron as to warrant Admiral Rojestvenslry In continuing his route.
 However, the majority regrets that the Admiral did not inform the neigh boring maritime powers of what had oc- cured"
 The decision concludes as follows:
 '@The commissioners declare that their views as formulated are not of a nature to cast any di=-espect on the military valor nor upon the sentiments of human ity of Admiral Rojestvensky and the per- sonnel of his Squadron"
 Other interesting features of the de- cision are as follows:
 Took Greatest Precautions.
 Admiral Rojestvensky after leaving Reval took the greatest precautions to prepare his vessels to repulse a torpedo attack during the night whether sailing or at anchor. The reports of Russian agents regarding possible torpedo attacks seemed to justify the direction the Rus sian squadron followed as calculated to bring the last two divisions as events proved, in proximity with the customary fishing ground of the Hull trawlers num- bering about thirty and spreading over several miles,
 The evidence of British witnesses proved that the trawlers carried regulation lights, followed by the usual fishing rules and were directed by their commodore by means of conventional rockets.
 The leading divisions of the squadron, including Admiral Voelwersams, passed the trawlers unsuspectingly. Admiral Rojestvensky's division. the last, noticed glare flares, really fishing signal, which created alarm and then observed a vessel 
 ordered his ships to open fire on the re- suit of which rests his responsibility.
 The admirals signed the document in the following order: Won Spaun. Fournier, Doubassoff, Beaumont and Davis.
 Presented Brilliant Scene.
 The closing session of the commission presented a brilliant scene. The spacious salon office was crowded with prominent officials, members of the diplomatic corps, including the Russian, British and Am erican ambassadors, members of the Japa- nese legation, and of the army and navy Judges of the highest French courts and the wives and other relatives of members of the commission. Contrary to expec- tation the admirals forming the commits sion did not wear full uniforms but dressed in an ordinary civilian dress. Ad- miral Fournier, president Of the commis- sion. read the decision amid an impress siye silence. the spectators following it minutely. The general impression among the audience was that the decision was in the nature of a compromise as the majority approved the British contention that no torpedo boats attacked Admiral Rojestvensky's squadron and therefore his opening fire was not justified and that the majority also approved the Russian contention that Admiral Rojestvensky acted according to his belief even though mistaken and that therefore his action did not reflect upon his military valor or sentiments of humanity.
 Admiral Fournler Makes Speech.
 Admiral Fournier closed the commits sion with speech of thanks to its mem bers. He said that each of them would return to his country bearing as recom- pense for his labors the legitimate sats- faction of duty well accomplished. They left behind them a profound impression
 
 (contInued on Sixth Paoe)