Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 March 1905 — RUSSIA HELD AT FAULT. [ARTICLE]

RUSSIA HELD AT FAULT.

North Sea Commission Holds Attack on Trawlers Not Justified. “The commissioners recognize unanimously that the fishing fleet committed no hostile act, and the majority of the commissioners being of the opinon that there were not, neither among the fishing boats nor in their vicinity, iny torpedo boats, the opening of fire ay Admiral Rojestvensky was not justified.” This decision in the dispute between Russia and England over the attack Dii the North Sea fishing boats by the Baltic fleet was handed down by the International commission Saturday at ts closing session in Paris. As if to remove some of the sting for Russia, the decision then goes on to say: “In any event, the commissioners ire glad to recognize unanimously that Admiral Rojestvensky personally did ill he could from the commencement to the end to prevent the trawlers from being the object of fire by the Russian squadron.” The general impression among the itidience was that the decision was in the nature of a compromise, as the majority approved the British contention that no torpedo boats attacked Admiral Rojestvensky’s squadron, and that therefore his opening fire was not justified, and as the majority also approved the Russian contention that Admiral Rojestvensky acted according to his belief, even though mistaken, ind. that therefore his action did not reflect upon his military valor or sentiments of humanity.