The Baltic Fleet.

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 12, 1 November 1904, Page 2

The Baltic Fleet.

LONDON, Monday. Gibraltar Cautious. The entrance to Gibraltar Harbor is closed every night with a boom, and covered with other defences. The First Lord of the Admiralty issued an order on Thursday for 100 torpedo boats and destroyers to assemble, some at Portland and the rest at Gibraltar. It is officially stated in Tokio that the Japanese Govenjment have neither purchased nor ordered a single torpedo boat in England since the war began. The statement that there were Japanese torpedo boats with the fishing fleet at Dogger Bank is ridiculed in Tokio.

Russian Fleet Remain at Vigo.

4t,,i8 officiary announced that Russia has requested penuission for the Baltic fleet, now anchored at Vigo, to remain there until the enquiry has come to an end. The Spanish Government, after consulting representatives of the foreign powers, has consented to the vessels re-

maining at Vigo. King Edward’s Tact.

The agreement with Russia, pending a final settlement, has given lively satisfaction at Hull. The “Standard’s” New York and Paris correspondents say that credit for the solution is attributed there largely to King Edward’s influence, firmness and tact in placing law above aims, while conscious in the justice of Great Britain’s cause.

Praise from Germany.

The German newspapers praise Great Britain’s moderation and calm confidence. The‘ Standard ’ nevertheless says that the compromise is profoundly disappointing, and it protests vehemently against a justly aggrieved party and an aggressor going to an international and mainly foreign tribunal on a footing of equality. It says the punishment of the guilty will be doubtful and slow. The Czar has given instructions to prevent similar catastrophes, but incompetent navigations are not controllable 1000 miles distant. The “Times” says that Mr. Balfour’s announcement will be read throughout the whole Empire and civilised world with deep relief and earnest appeal.

British Government Accused v of Blustering.

Roshjestvenski’s report was received in St. Petersburg with a chorus of approval, mingled with an outburst of abuse of England. It is popularly considered by Russians that after excessive “blustering ” the British Government has practically submitted to Russia’s wishes. Higher officials consider however that Great Britain scores by detaining the fleet. It is generally thought in America and on the Continent that Great Britain has treated Russia generously.

A Russian Squadron at Tangiers.

Six Russian battleships and cruisers, 7 torpedo boats and four colliers have arrived at Tangier. The British cruiser Doris sailed from Gibraltar for Larache, on the north-west coast of Morocco.

Patrolling Vigo.

The cruiser Lancaster arrived at Vigo, steaming full speed. Her commander at once interviewed Roshjestvenski and the Spanish authorities. The Lancaster is now patrolling the entrance to the harbor. Five British warships are outside Cies Island, opposite Vigo. The Prime Minister, addressing a mass meeting at Southampton, said he believed that the lamentable tragedy at Dagger Bank would not lead to war. He continued “Belligerents must never be allowed to forget their duties towards neutrals. The Russian Admiral’s version contains much romance, and is equivalent to an attack on our national honour as neutrals. Russia has promised liberal compensation to those who have suffered by the attack. That part of the Baltic fleet concerned in the incident will be detained at Vigo, in order that the naval authorities may ascertain what officers are responsible; therefere these and any material witnesses will not accompany the fleet to the Far East. We and Russia have agreed to the appointment of an international Commission under the Hague Tribunal. ’ ’

There are to be three enquiries—a Coroner’s enquiry, a Board of Trade enquiry, and an enquiry by an International Court.