THE LATEST.

Manawatu Herald, 27 October 1904, Page 2

THE LATEST.

RUSSIA CONDEMNED BY THE NATIONS. The American and Continental press is unanimously condemnatory of the Russians’ action. The German press attributes the panic to incompetence or vodka. The French press consider Russia is certain to apologise and give compensation. America holds that the tragedy fairly staggers the world and forms Russia’s crowning act of folly. TRAWLERS FIRED ON WHEN NETS DOWN. The Paris newspaper Le Temps’ statement that the war ships signalled to the trawlers to keep off is unconfirmed. The nets were all down when the war ships crossed aslant the fishing ground. Some stopped before firing. Sir H. Seymour King, member for Hull, has had an interview with Mr Balfour; The latter informed

that Lord Lansdowne saw Count Benckeadorff (Russian Minister) in the morning, A claim for compensation was being formulated, but this was the smallest part of the Government demand. Mr Lloyd George, member for Carnarvon, in an interview, declared the affair was insolent and unjustifiable and said it was the duty of the public to back up the Government in demanding the fittest public action. The sinking of the steamer Knight Commander was bad, but this was worse. The Pall Mall Gazette assumed an apology and compensation will be immediate, but this would not suffice. Russia must stop the fleet and bring the gang of panic-stricken and probably drunken officers to book. A PAIO-STRICKBN FLEET. The newspaper Novosti supposes the squadron was the victim of a fatal misunderstanding due to alarming rumours causing a panic. It does not doubt but the Ministry of Marine will act in conformity with opinion in Europe and Britain lest the growing indignation should adversely affect the good relation! between Britain and Russia.' Other Russian newspapers express regret, but the comments the censor has withheld the gravest facts. The Russian Admiralty’s relations with Count Lamsdorff, the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, are strained as outcome of the incident when the Smolensk and St. Petersburg were ordered to the Red Sea, Count Lamsdorff not having been consulted.