The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1905-03-08

moncrs being the opinion that there neither among the
fishing boats their vicinity any torpedo boats the opening OF FIRE
by Admiral Rojcstycnsky was not JUSTIFIED.
The decision further the Russian Commissioner dd not snare
in the latter opinion
recognize unanimously that Admiral Rocsycny personally did
all he could from the commencement to the end to prevent the a"
@ being the object OF fire by the Russian squadron
Concerning the quadrons proceeding without assisting the damag
ed traWlcrs the decision says:
The Commissioners unanimous under the circumstances
ccdng and following the incident that there such uncertainty con
S conn ~, his ro ~, 9wey the majority regrets that the Ad
ma did inform the eghborng maritime powers OF what had oc
The decision concludes as follows;
Thc Commissioners declare that their views formulated are not
sentiments Of humanity Of Admiral Rojcstyensy and the personnel OF
his squadron"
Other interesting features OF the decision follows
Admiral Rocvens after leaving Reya took the greatest precau
tons prepare his vessels pusc torpedo attack during hcNght
whether sailing or at anchor The reports OF Russian agents regarding
various torpcdo-boat attacks seemed to justify these.
The direction the Russian squadron followed was calculated to bring
the last divisions events proved in proximity OF the customary
fishing ground OF the Hull rawlcrs numbering about thirty and
that the trawers carried regulation lights followed the usual hsg
rules and directed by their commodore by OF conventional
rockets The leading divisions Of the squadron including Admiral
Vockersams passed the awes unSusPectng Admiral RocS
ycnss division the last noticed green flares really fishing signal
which created alarm and then observed vessel topping the waves
Admiral Roeyens ordered his ships to open fire. on the result Of
which his responsibility
The Admras signed the document in the following ORDER Won
lSpaum Fourier, DoubasoH, Beaumont and Davis.
The closing session Of the commission presented brilliant scene
officials members Of the diplomatic corps including the Russian Brit
s and American ambassadors members Of the Japanese Legation
yNHSN
the and other relatives OF members OF the commission contrary
expeaon the Admrals forming the commission did full
uniforms, but appeared in ordinary civilian dress.
Admiral Fourier president Of the Commission read the decision
amid impressive silence spectators following infinitely The
general impression among the audience that the decision was in
the nature OF compromise the majority approved the British con
cnton that torpedo boats attacked Admiral Roescns squad
ron and that therefore his opening fire not justified and as the
majority approved the Russian that Admiral Rojesyenky
according his belief though mistaken and therefore his
action did reflect his military yaor sentiments OF humanity
Admiral Fourier closed the commission with speech OF thanks to
its members lie said that each Of them would return to his country
bearing rccompnsc for his abors the legitimate satisfaction Of
duty well accomplished They left behind them profound impression
Of for the devotion which the difficult task had been performed
significant exchange OF remarks made by Sir Edward Frye
representing Great Britain and Baron Taube representing Russia