THE BALTIC FLEET

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 34

THE BALTIC FLEET

LONDON. December 13.

The inquiry into the outrage by th« Baltic fleet in firing on and sinking trawlers on the Dogger Bank will be opened in Paris on Tuesday.

The French press alleges that Admiral Rozhdestvensky inspired Captain Clado's agitation for a third squadron, since the Baltic fleet was incapable of successfully engaging Togo i.uless reinforced.

Great sympathy is felt with Captain Clado. Over 1000 visitors were refused admittance to see him.

Captain Clado declares that the third squadron "w ill not be ready to sail until August next. Many doubt its sailing afc all, owing to the scircity cf sailors, even the Baltic fleet being partly manned with soldiers.

December 14. Admiral Rozhdestvensky, with 21 vessels is at Mossamedes (West Africa).

The' Pronziteim put into Vigo in » damaged condition.

The Russian destroyer Cromkin is at Piraeus in a disabled state.

December 15.

Admiral Folkersham is waiting at Jibutil for the rest oE the fleet. The destroyer Grosyn is at Piraeus repairing . the machinery.

Many Japanese navaL officers have gone south to arrange to watch the Baltic fleet.

The Mika&a, the Nishin, and the Kasuga coaled at South Shantung.

Admiral Rozhdestvensky is at Angra Pequina (West Africa), coaling from, colliers.

Japan is forming a base and) fortifying the Pescadores (the group of islands between Formosa and the mainland), thus forestalling the Russian intention to occupy them.

ST. PETERSBURG, December 15.

dado - worship is increasing^ Th« Dowager-Empress inquires after his health, and many noble ladies send him flowers. The pop"ulace accuse the Admiralty of discrediting Russia's chief witness by an accusation of deliberate lying.

It is doubtful if -iSaptain Clado will appear at the ' International Commission.