THE BALTIC FLEET'S OUTRAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12697, 27 October 1904, Page 5

THE BALTIC FLEET'S OUTRAGE.

A VERY CRITICAL SITUATION. THE TSAR'S REPLY UNSATISFACTORY. NAVAL RESERVES MOBILISING. BRITISH SQUADRONS UNDER ORDERS. POSSIBLE ATTACK ON BALTIC FLEET. By Telegraph.—Preii Association.—Copyright, THE GOVERNMENT'S DEMANDS, THE TSAR EXPRESSES HIS REGRET. (Received October 20, 0.30 p.m.) London, October 2G. Reuters correspondent at St. Petersburg reports that Count Lamsdorff lias requested the British Ambassador to convey to King Edward and to the Prime Minister (Mr. Balfour) the Tsar's message,, that while without news from the admiral commanding the Baltic fleet, he could only attribute the incident to a very regrettable misunderstanding. The Tsar, in the message, also expresses his sincere regret at the sad loss of life, and promises complete satisfaction to the sufferers so soon as the circumstances are cleared up. Sir Charles Hardinge has communicated to Count Lamsdorff the official reports of the attack on the fishing fleet, and.the views of the British Government on the affair. Pending the reply of Count Lamsdorff, Sir Charles Hardinge reserves the presentation of the British demands for an apology, for ample compensation to the sufferers, for an inquiry and the punishment of the officers responsible for the outrage, and for security against a repetition of such an attack. - (Received October 26, 9.56 p.m.) . London, October 26. The Daily Telegraph's St. Petersburg correspondent says that Count Lamsdorff expressed-to Sir Charles Hardinge his regret for the incident, but said he was unable to pass any judgment on the subject himself. .• *' Count Lamsdorff reported the matter to the Tsar, who sent a ■ message which in no sense blamed his officers, and which merely contained a feeble expression of regret and not a direct personal apology. _______ THE TIMES ON THE SITUATION. BALTIC FLEET MUST BE STOPPED. (Received October 27, 12,19 a.m.) '•."■;■_■■■■, ' London, October 26. ' The Times says the Tsar's message does honour to his humanity, but it would have been more gracious if it had been sent a day earlier. It shows a very imperfect- appreciation of the gravity of the case, and apparently the grossness of the outrage is not appreciated in St. Petersburg. . The article continues: "If satisfactory and comprehensive reparation is not forthcoming very promptly, the nation will expect the preliminary orders given to the fleets to be followed by others of a more specific character, involving the stoppage of the Baltic fleet off Vigo or Gibraltar by the Channel squadron." The Times adds: " The pretence of the Russian apologists that the fishermen neglected to obey a signal ordering them, out of the path is untenable. It implies that the Russians insolently disregarded the common rights of the ocean, and did deliberately what has been charitably assumed they did in fright." ADMIRAL ROSHDESTVENSKTS REMARKABLE CONDUCT. DEMANDS INCREASED VIGILANCE. (Received October 20, 9.3G p.m.) London, October 26. Admiral Roshdestvenski, commander-in-chief of the Baltic fleet, sent the following wireless message to the commander of one of his destroyers when the fleet was approaching Cherbourg :—" Increase vigilance and surveillance for the enemy." To the British admiral in command of the Channel he signalled, "Trawlers' fleet reporting." This message may mean "Trawlers' fleet in reporting"— is the attack; or "Trawlers' fleet incident: -I am reporting." Possibly it is the latter. BRITISH NAVAL PREPARATIONS, THE RESERVES MOBILISING. (Received October 2l>, 9.36 p.m.) London, October 26. The Daily Express says the British Admiralty is mobilising the naval reserves, and has ordered the Pacific Squadron to concentrate at Esquimault. THE FLEETS UNDER ORDERS. London, October 26. The Admiralty has publicly announced that the Mediterranean, Channel and Home fleets have received preliminary orders to get into position for mutual support and co-operation, as a measure of precaution. This order is interpreted as meaning that the fleets are to) make a demonstration at Gibraltar. The Mediterranean fleet has left Venice, and is proceeding towards Gibraltar. The Home fleet has left Cromarty, in Scotland, suddenly, and under sealed orders. TIMES COMMISSIONER'S OPINION. FISHERMEN ATTACKED BECAUSE ENGLISH. (received October 26, 10.11 p.m.) London, October 26. A special commissioner of the Times says that after a minute examination of the damaged vessels,_ and after questioning the skippers, he is confidently of the opinion that the outrage was deliberately' committed, and with a full knowledge that it was directed against English fishermen. VIEWS OF BRITISH MINISTERS, GETTING THEIR HANDS IN." (Received October 20, 9.30 p.m.) London, October 26. Lord Lansdowne has stated that he is of opinion that the Russians mistook the fishermen for Japanese, or "were getting their hands in." The First Lord of the Admiralty (Lord Selborne) speaking at a dinner to the officers of the visiting American fleet at Gravesend, said "If it were conceivable that Britain or America had committed such an inexcusable and terrible blunder, I am confident they would immediately have amply apologised and offered reparation. Doubtless the Tsar and the Russian nation will have the same feelinS" The Secretary for the Colonies (Mr. Lyttelton), speaking at Leamington, said the outrage was either the result of murderous intention or of wicked negligence. While demanding prompt reparation, the Government had given the Russian Government credit for willingness to make a ready disavowal.

THE KING'S ATTITUDE,

CHEERED BY THE PEOPLE. ; ; ' - (Eecchfed October 26,0.30 p.m.) ;-.■.-'■.■. ' '. '~ • ■ - J London, October 26. ; King Edward, when proceeding to Newmarket, ; -was received 'everywhere with a great ovation. The people are delighted with Hist Majesty's outspoken letter on the subject of the Dogger Bank outrage, which he sent to the Mayor of Hull. . RUSSIANS STILL IN PANIC- ' AGAIN CLEAR FOR ACTION. , (Received October 20,. 9.3G p.m.) . . ■'■•■'•■•■' London, October 26. The cruiser Essex passed the Baltic fleet on Sunday. The officers of the Essex were astonished to see that all the Russian warships were clearing for action. RUSSIAN ADMIRALTY'S MENDACITY, CANNOT FIND THE BALTIC FLEET. (Received October 2G, 10.11 p.m.) London, October 26. The Russian Admiralty states that it has no knowledge where the Baltic fleet is, and has no means of communicating with it.

OFFICIAL FRICTION IN

RUSSIA.

FOREIGN OFFICE V. MARINE.

London, October 25.

The relations of the Russian Admiralty and the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs (Count Lamsdorff) are known to be strained. This condition of things has arisen from, the incident of the volunteer cruisers St. Petersburg and the Smolensk having been ordered to raid in the Red Sea without Count Lamsdorff having been first consulted. The Minister for Marine in Russia ordered the volunteer cruisers to pass the Dardanelles as merchantmen and then to hoist the navy flag. When Britain delivered, her ultimatum in the case of the Malacca the Russian Government undertook that the two vessels should be withdrawn from raiding. 'Instead of complying with this promise the Ministry sent the St. Petersburg and Smolensk to South Africa to continue raiding. They were- recalled by a British cruiser. It was reported at the time that there were strained relations between tho Russian Minister for Marine and the Foreign Office. 1 VIEWS OF RUSSIAN NEWSPAPERS. FACTS WITHHELD FROM THEM London, October 25. The Novosti, a St. Petersburg newspaper, says it supposes that the squadron was a. victim to a fatal misunderstanding, clue to the alarming rumours of intended Japanese torpedo attacks having caused : a panic. It does not doubt the Minister for Marine will act in conformity with the opinion of Europe and of Britain, lest the growing indignation adversely affects the good relations of Britain and Russia. '

Other Russian newspapers express regret for the affair, but their comments show that the censor lias withheld from them the gravest of the facts.

THE WORLD'S TRESS.

UNANIMOUS IN CONDEMNA-

~ TION.

London, October 25,

The newspapers of the United States and of the Continent are unanimous in their condemnation of the Baltic fleet attack on the British fishermen.

The German, newspapers attribute the outrage to panic, incompetence, or the drinking of vodka. The French newspapers say that Russia is certain to apologise to Britain and pay compensation to the sufferers.

The American newspapers say that the tragedy has fairly staggered the world, and it forms Russia's crowning act of folly. The Pall Mall Gazette says that the making of an apology by Russia and the paying of compensation will be immediate, but these will not suffice. Russia must stop the fleet and bring the gang of panic-stricken and probably drunken officers to book.

THE RELIEF FUND.

THE QUEEN CONTRIBUTES.

London, October 25.

The Queen has sent a message of sympathy and of inquiry to the sufferers. Her Majesty enclosed a. cheque for £100 for the relief fund opened by the Mayor of Hull. The High Steward of Hull, the Marquis of Eipon, has sent £100 to the fund.

Mil, LLOYD GEORGE'S VIEWS

London, October 25.

Mr. Lloyd George, M.P., in an interview, has expressed the opinion that the attack on the fishing fleet was both insolent and unjustifiable. It was the duty of the public to back up the Government in demanding the fittest public action. The sinking of the Knight Commander was bad; the Dogger Bank affair was worse.

MINISTER'S CONFER.

MR. BALFOUR'S ASSURANCE.

London, October 25.

SCUTTLING THE ESPERANZA THE CREW RESPONSIBLE. London, October 25. The sinking of the steamer Esper-a-nza (late the Maori King) at Barry, was due to the Frenchmen who formed tho crew, , being unfamiliar with their duties. . They had left the seacock open. MEETING AT BALLARAT. Melbourne, October 26. At a meeting held at Ballarat in celebration of Trafalgar Day a resolution was adopted expressing indignation at the Russian outrage in attacking a defenceless fishing fleet, and expressing confidence that the Imperial Government will maintain unflinchingly the honour of the nation and the security of British subjects. ' WERE THE TRAWLERS SIGNALLED ? FRENCH STATEMENT DENIED. London, October 25. The statement of the Paris newspaper, the Temps, that the warships signalled the trawlers to keep away, is not confirmed by* the fishermen. The nets were all down when the warships crossed an angle of the fishing ground. Some of the warships stopped before firing. THE BRITISH SQUADRONS The following are the vessels of the British squadrons now under orders:— MEDITERRANEAN AND RED SEA. ' Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Compton E. Domville* G.C.V.O. " I battleships:' -': Bulwark; 15,000 tons, 15,000 horse-power, 18 knots, 16 guns. -' v.-.-,, " ' ■■- Daucun, 14,000 tons, 18,000 horse-power, 19 knots, 16 guns. Formidable, 15,000 tons, 15,000 horsepower, 18 knots, 16 guns. Illustrious, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. Implacable, 15,000 tons, 15,000 horsepower, 18 knots, 16 guns. Irresistible; 15,000 tons, 15,000 horsepower, 18 knots. 16 guns. London, 15,000 tons, 15,000 horse-power, 18 knots, 16 guns. " - Montagu, 14,000 tons, 18,000 horsepower, 19 knots, 16 guns. Renown, 12,350 tons, 10,000 horsepower, 18 knots, 14. guns. Repulse, 14,150 tons, 9000 horse-power, 17.5 knots, 14 guns. .',■ Russell, 14,000 ; tons, 13,000 horse-power, 19 knots. 16 guns. Venerable, 15,000 tons, 15,000 horsepower, 18 knots, 16 gunsCIItTISEHS: Aboukir, 12,000 tons, 21,000 horse-power, 21 knots, 14 guns. \ • Bacchante, 12,000 tons, 21,000 horsepower, 21 knots, 14. guns. '■ ■ Diana, 5600 tons, 8000 horse-power, 19.5 knots, 11 guns.- * •- Exmooth, 14,300 tons, 18,000 horsepower, 19 • knots, 16 guns- • Gladiator, 5750 tons, 10,000 horse-power, 19 knots, 10 guns.. ' - Hermione, 4360 tons, 7000 horse-power, 19.5 knots, 20 guns. Intrepid, 3600 tons,' 7000 horse-power, 19| knots, eight guns. Mohawk, 1770 tons, 2200 horse-power, 16.5 knots, six guns. Naiad, 3400 tons, 7000 horse-power, 20 knots, eight, guns. Pandora, 2200 tons, 7000 horse-power, 20 knots, eight guns. [ Pegasus, 2135 tons, 5000 horse-power, 20 knots, eight guns. Pioneer, 2200 tons, 5000 horse-power, 20 ki.ots, eight guns. Pyramus, 2135 tons, 5000 horse-power, 20 knots, eight guns. Vindictive, 5750 tons, 10,000 horse-power, 19.5 knots, 10 guns. , TORPEDO-BOAT DESTROYERS : Albatross, 360 7500 torse-power, 32 knots, six guns'. Ariel, 810 tons, 5400 horse-power, 30£ knots, six guns. ' Banshee; 295 tons, 4400 horse-power, 27.97 knots, six guns. • Bat, 360 tons; 5900 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. Boxer, 265 tons, 4300 horse-power, 27.17 knots, six guns. . Bruiser, 265 tons, 4300 horse-power, 27.57 knots, six guns. ' ' ■■-'! Crane, 360 tons, 5900 horse-power, dO knots, six guns. ■ .". _ ;• • Cynthia, 300 ton.?, 5400 horse-power, oO knots, six guns. r „ M . , rt Desperate, 310 tons, 5700 horse-power, 00 knots, six guns. n Earnest, 360 tons, 6300 horse-power, o0 knots, six. guns- . . . ' - rt Pawn 324 tons, 5900 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. Plying Pish, 360 tons, 6200 horse-power, 304 knots, six guns. ■ Griffon, 360. tons, 6300 horse-power, 30 knots, six gum*. ' .„„ , ~. Kangaroo, 365 tons, 6100 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. n , Locust, 360 tons, 6300 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. Mallard, 275 tons, 5700 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. • , Myrmidon, 365 tons, 6200 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. _. Seal, 360 tons, 6300 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. Stag, 312 tons, 5800 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. ■ . , _. Thrasher, 360 tons, 6300 horse-power, 30 knots, six guns. fOBPEnO-BOATS :' Dryad, 1070 tons, 2500 horse-power, 19 '"Harrier? 1070 tons, 2500 home-power, 19 knots, two guns. Hussar, 1070 tons, 2500 horse-power, 19 knots, two guns. ■ ~ , n „ m Speedy,; 810 tons, 3l&) horse-power, 20.21 knots, two guns. ■ . i, ' ' _ ,'. Cormorant , (sloop), 1130 tons (flagship Gibraltar yard). \ nnn , Hibernia, 9820 tons, 4000 horse-power, 16 "uns (llagship at Malta Dockyard). Surprise, 1650 tons, 2000 horse-power, 17 knots, four guns (despatch vessel). . | Imogcnc, "460 tons,, 390 horse-power ' (special service).

The Prime Minister (Mr. Balfour) and the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Lord Lansdowne) conferred for an hour this afternoon, with regard to the attack on the trawling fleet.

Later Mr. Seymour King, member for Hull, had an interview with the Prime Minister. Mr. Balfour informed him that Lord Lansdowne had seen the Russian Ambassador (Count Beekendorf) in the morning. "A claim for compensation has been formulated," said Mr. Balfour, " but that is the smallest part of tho demands of the Government."

.Vulcan, 6620 tons,. 7200 horse-power, 20 knots, eight guns (torpedo depot "ship)?'' " "I Orion, 4870 tons, 2600 horsepower 11.9 knots, four guns (depot ship for torpedodestroyers). •' ' HOME FLEET. Commander-in-Chief. Vice-admiral Sir Ar-' thur H. Wilson, K.C.B. BATTLESHIPS: . . Anson, 10,600 tons, '7500 "horse-power;: 16.9 knots, 10 guns. Benbow, 10,600 tons, 7500 horse-power, 16.75 knots, 12 guns. ' ~/'••? :-'Xi : Empress of India, 14,150 tons- 9000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 14 guns. ; Hood, 14,150 tons, 9000 horse-power, 17.5 knots, 14 guns. Revenge, 14,150 tons, 9000 horse-power, 17.5 knots, 14 guns. Royal Oak, 14,150 tons, 9000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 14 guns. Royal Sovereign, 14.150 tons, 9000 horsepower-, 17.5 knots, 14 guns. ' * Sans Pareil, 10,470 tons, 7500 horsepower, 17.2 knots, 15 guns. . CRUISERS : '-.■.-..",:•-■:. Dido, 5600 tons, 8000 horse-power, 19.5 knots, 11 guns. < Edgar, 7350 tons, 10,000 horse-power, 20.5 knots, 12 guns. >. Hawke, 7350 tons, 10,000 horse-power; 20 knots, 12 guns. Mersey, 4050 tons, 4000 horse-power, 17.3 knots, 12 guns. ■ Venus, 5600 tons, 8000 horse-power,, 20.1 knots, 11 guns. CHANNEL FLEET. . Vice-Admiral Commanding Lord Charles Beresford, K.C.B. battleships: Hannibal, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. Jupiter, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horse-power, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. Magnificent, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. Majestic, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. ■ Mars, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horse-power, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. ' Prince George, 14,900 tons, 10,000 horsepower, 17.5 knots, 16 guns. : ■■. CRUISERS : . Doris, 5600 tons, 8000 horse-power, 19.E knots, 11 guns. ■■_ __ ■■■ Hermes, 5600 tons, 10,000 liorse-pow«r, 20 knots, 11 guns. . Hogne, 12,000 tons, 21,000 horse-pow^r, 21 knots, 14 guns. PactoWs, 2135 tons, 5000 horse-power, 20£ knots, eight guns. Prometheus, 2135 tons,'6ooo horse-power, 20 knots, eight guns,: : ■ ; Satlej, 12,000 tons, 21,000 horse-power, 21 knots, 14 guns. Cruiser Squadrons' Rear-Admiral Sir Wiltoot Hawkswoi.'th Fawkes, K.0.V.0. CRUISERS Drake, 14,100 tons, 30,000 horse-power, 23 knots, 18 guns. ,„ „ nA , '■ Good Hope, 14,100 tons, 30,000 hoisepower, 23 knots, 18 guns. , < Kent, 9800 tons, 22,000 horse-power,, & knots, 14 guns. n . „ Medea, 2800 tons, 5000 horse-power, lb knots, six guns. - "r„ Medusa, 2800 tons, 5000 horse-power, IS knots, six guns. ' Minerva, 5600 tons,. 8000 horse-power, 19.5 knots, U guns. Rainbow, 3600 tons, 7000 horse-power, 19.7 knots, eight guns.- • THE BALTIC FLEET. It is impossible to give '.list of the vessels of the Baltic fleet that have sailed for tIK Far East. Some were still on the stocks ' recently, and several new ships were 'Mm got ready for sea. Others of the ships had ' mat with accidents and it is not known '. whether they have been repaired. The following is a complete list, compiled from the , most recent:data:-—., ', : ;' ! ,' ; '- „„ ;:.i: m 1 Battleships: Peter Veliki (1872), 9891 tons, 14.5 knots; linperator Alexander 11, (1887), 9927 tons, 16.5 kjiots;lmperatoi Nikolai I. (reconstructed 1900), 9672 tans , 14.8 knots; ; Navarin (1891), • 10,206 ( tpns ;■ 16.0 - knots; . Sissoi Veliki (1894), !588( . tons. 16.0 knots; Borodino (1901), 13,60) tons, 18.0 knots; Imperator Alexaiide: . 111. (1901), 13,600 tons, 18.0 knots i Enifti Suvorov (1902) 13,516 tons, 18.0 knots; . Orel (1902), 13.600 tons, 18.0 knots; :j;lm peratbr Pavel I. (building), 16,630 tons . 18.0 knots; Andrei. Perozvanni (building) 16,630 tons, 18.0 knots. . Cruisers; Minin: (1869, reconstructed 1878), 5910 tons,'l2:s knots; : Kniaz iaraki (1867), 5138 tons, 12.5 knote; Africa '. (1887), 2590 tons, 13.0. knots; : Asia (IfciTS), 2500 tons, 13.0 ' knots Nayezdnik (1878) ■■ 1334 tons, 13.0 knots; Plastun,i(lß79), 1255- tons, 13.0 knots ; Viestnik (18179), 12.55 tons, 13.0 knots; Vladimir Monomach (1882), 6051 ta-as, 15.2 knots; Ad* ' miral Nakhimbft" (1885, reconstructed 1600), 8524 tons, 16.7 knots; Rwanda (1885). ' 3508 tons, 14.8 knots; Admiral Korailofl (1887, reconstructed 1895), 5000 tons, 17.5 ' knots; Pamiat Azova (1888), 6675 tons, 18.8 knots; Srietlana 5 (1896) 3828 = tons, • 20.2 knots; 01 eg (building) .■ 6670 ■ tons, , 25.0 knots; Izumrud (building), 3100 tons, 24.0 knots; Jemtohug (building), 3100 . tons, 24.0 knots. \ '• - Torpedo gunboats: Posadflik, Vohroda > and Abrek

Torpedo-:boat destroyers: Nine, Transport: Kamachatfea. The fleet is in two divisionsthe first under Rear-Admiral von Folkersane, unci the second under Rear-Admiral -.'Gukvist/'v Admiral Koshdestvensky is commander in chief.