AN EXTRAORDINARY OUTRAGE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7942, 25 October 1904, Page 4

AN EXTRAORDINARY OUTRAGE

Particulars are published to-day of a crowning act of criminal negligence or deliberate outrage by Russia's Baltic fleet, beside which all her other breaches lof international law fade into insignificance. No motive is conceivable forso wanton a deed as is recorded in the cable news. And later information makes the concern even blacker and more diabolical than it at first appeared' Not content with firing 200 or 300 shells into the helpless fishing fleet of a neutral power, the Russians told off a ship to watch the result of the shots. This the boat did for some hours, neither lowering ; a boat nor proffering assistance. Add to this the fact that there could be no mistaking the character, of the trawlers, they being illuminated with search lights, and we have a situation that is unparalleled and inexplicable. The only excuse offered is that the Russian fleet had been ordered to allow no possible torpedoers near it. Of course it must be remembered no communication has been held with the Russian Admiral on the subject. It is difficult to imagine what explanation he can give of the occurrence. The old saying that " those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad," would appear to be the best motive that could be attributed to such an insane and brutal act.