THE BALTIC FLEET.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1413, 19 November 1904, Page 3

THE BALTIC FLEET.

LONDON, November 10. Carr, vice-admiral of the Gamecock fisting fleet, deposed that the second division.-of the Russians commenced firing at 350 yards. He kept sending up green rockets, indicating that t(hey were fishermen. The Russian searchlights made the scene like daylight, enabling them to see everything aboard the trawlers, even the names and numbers of the vessel. The incident ruined trade for a" fortnight. No strange vessels or foreigners were seen except Russians. Replying to the Russian Consul, Carr said he saw no signal to stop'before firing. Jf isritish warships signalled to stop he would under stand. Captain Fredericks, of the Board of Trade, deposed that the Russians were miles oF either oi the projier courses. H« admitted, in reply to the Russian representative, that it was reasonable to be off the proper course if there was reason to believe the presence of an enemy. November 17. It is reported that the Russian Admiralty refused to recognise the North Sea Commission as being empowered to determine the responsibility and fix the degree of blame for the outrage. They believe that they have nothing to fear, and argue that if Russia does not fire the first shot Britain never will. The 'Telegraph's' St Petersburg correspondent says that after a long and strong struggle the Admiralty have gained the upper hand and Count Lamsdorff has consented to veer round and repudiate the agreement with Lord Lansdowne respecting the commission of iuquiry and that the only way out seems to be a disavowal of responsibility and the recall of Count Benckendorff from London. The matter has been referred to the Czat. Router's St. Petersburg correspondent says Russia proposes only a few verbal alterations in the British draft convention relating to the Commission. The 'Daily Telegraph' suspends judgment, awaiting an official announcement. The Baltic lleet left Dakar on the 16th. The supplementary Russian wiuadron, consisting of two armored, three auxiliary cruisers and five turpedoers is in Danish waters proe-ed-ing to join Rozhjeslvensky. It is semi-officially announce in St. Peters-burg that Count Lamsdorff assured the American Ambassador that Russia was willing to join President Roosevelt's conference since it is not intended to influence the course of events in the Far East. Diplomatists believe it niav be convened in July, l'.lOa.