THE NORTH SEA TRADEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 250, 26 October 1904, Page 2

THE NORTH SEA TRADEDY.

UNPARALLELED CASE OF COWARDICE AND PANIC Complete Reparation Wanted RULERS EXPECTED TO DO MORE THAN TALK CZAR SHOCKED AT THE INCIDENT BUT OFFICIALS AND OFFICERS OF THE FLEET ARE UNFEELING. LATER PARTICULARS OF THE AFFAIIt.

LONDON, Oct. 24. Captain Peaker, of the trawler Magpie states that he closely watched the wiarahips when they were among, the trawlers, The tuhitiral's flagship signalled the rear-admiral, who I>V plied. Then tlie search-lights of the whole squadron were tunud on the fishers. He consideis the squadron consisted of forty vessels, including transports. Search-lights brilliantly lit up the fishers, who could be plainly seem standing; by the nets l (Watching the warship*. Otoe of the Crane's crew held up two plaice, shouting, "Do you want any fish ?" The Squadron slowed down, and then suddenly the warships used tlielr quick-firers. The Crane was hit. immediately, and six of the crew severely injured. Some are not expected to recover, and one is missing'. It is feared th-j latter was struck and fell overboaixi. The fishers became wild with rage on seuiang the Urane sunk, and regrettod they were unarmed. 1 heivj twenty fishing vessels In the lino of the Hussion fire. •iIUH' tlie were nwi 1 was impossible to mistake the ctmiack-r oi the lisliws, who were plainly seen working their nets and haulimg in the lisli, besides burning international fishing lights. une trawler bad nine shuts through her Hie Mino rtas hit below the waterline by' pieces of shell. It was found, alter half an hour's unceasing iim, that the Hussions had discovered tjliey had made amistake, and they steamed otf at full speed, not otieayug to 'help tlie, fishermen. It is stated that the fleot formed lin lino after the first shot had been lired. After the Mino was damaged near | the the skjipper hart to wedigo the hole to prevent an inrush of water to the engine-room. ■ It ia estimated that there were 200 or 30Q allots lired. The Skipper of the Magpie s ft id that every saiilior knows the Dojgger Hank fishing ground, anfl it was impossible for the Russians to mistake I it. With searchlights they were able to seo six or seven miles. FISHING FLEET ALL SAFE. DANISH PILOT'S DESCUIPTION | ' OF HUSSIANS. (Reieived Oct. 25, 9.32 p.m.) : LONDON, Oct. 25. The rest of the Gamecock Fleet have reached port safely. A Danish pilot who was with the Russian flagship states that he never saw such panicky sailors or commanders on any vessels in lus •xperience. Newspaper Comment> "COMPLETE HEPARATION" THE KEYNOTE. SCATHING CIUTICIBMS. ■ LONDON, Oct. 24. The Pall Mall Gazette und the Westminster Gazette suggest that Russia s fleet should be shepherded throughout the voyage. ihe St, James' Gazette declares that the . Russian Government has been once more tho victim 0 f its Servants' incompetency. The Monning- Post declares that it is inexplicable that tho Russians left the scene of tilw firing without making any apology and amends for the astounding, monstious action. Great IJ> itain must demand the dismissal of the officers responsible for the firing and continuation df the voyage without making an explanation.

Tho Daily Telegraph suggests that the Russian admiral may luive mistaken the rocket signals of the commodore of Wio lisiliing fleet, if any were made, as tlte signals of a hostile flotilla. The Daily News says the blunder, approaching a crime, demands ropliratiKm dm overy way known to a civilisod Power.

The Radical l'rcss echoes the sentiment, and adds that is is difllcult to find a parallel ca-so of cowardice, cruelty, iin<l panic. Ku.ssia will be wise in making, peace before its nervous "armada" really encounters the Japanese torpedo boats in tho Far Bast. The Westminster Gazette ugrecs as to the necessity of Great Britain toktog; precautious lor the protection of British commerce along the syndrom's route. TO PROTECT OCEAN COMMERCE. NEED FOR EUROPEAN INTERVENTION. (Reooived Oct. 25, 9.33 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25. THo London Star says that if the ooatin-borne commerce must toe suspended while the panic-stricken Baltic Fleet proceeds to the Far East the question is one fin' Europe as a whole to deal with, and not for Great Britain only. THE " THUNDEREK " SPEAKS. INDEMNITIES AND APOLOGIES WILL NOT SUFFICE.

(Received Oct. 25, 9.48 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25. The Times demands that instant satisfaction be made, and says that " unless regret is expressed, apologies tendered, and signal reparation promised within twonty-four hours tho nation expects its rulers to do something more than talk !" It adds that "the Channel Fleet lies across! the course of the Baltic Fleet, and so would bo able to inflict speodv punishment. We have a ri K |,t to a clear pledge that tho guilty oUlcers will bo severely and publicly I punished. Indemnities and apologies will not alone suffice for such' a murderous attack," j

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