OCR Text |
Show issue to an international tribunal is a hopeful sign for the peace of the world. There is a further indication in this, and that is, the way is paved for a settlement of the Russo-Japanese war by arbitration. Russia may not now spurn the suggestion of a peaceful settlement of the bloody conflict now raging in the Far East. The Japanese, by their reported final effort to take Port Arthur by general assault, 'evidently recognize that the time for arbitration is drawing near and are endeavoring en-deavoring to strengthen their position for the coming com-ing peace. , European Wcr h Averted. The submission to an' international tribunal of the differences between England and Russia ojver the alleged attack by Russian warships upon British Brit-ish 'fishing trawlers in the North sea happily has averted what might have been a most serious and bloody war. With the blood of both nations fired to the fighting -point, it neededbut a little spark, an untoward incident, a premature clash, to set both countries at instant war. - It is easy to see what such a conflict would have involved. The general European war which has been freely predicted for years and which statesmen have labored to avert would have been on in all its fury.- France, the ally of Russia of necessity in such a conflict, would go. even to the extent of taking np arms for her friend. Germany, much as she might desire to keep on neutral ground, would almost of necessity be drawn into the warj with Italy and Austria Aus-tria at her back. The end could onlv be wreck and ... , desolation. . - A very distinct issue was drawn between England Eng-land and Russia by the report of Admiral Rojest-vensk Rojest-vensk regarding the North sea incident The British Brit-ish version that neutral fishermen peacefully pursuing pursu-ing their vocation, were ruthlessly fired upon by the ehips of the Czar's navy is met by the counter-statement that torpedo boats, presumably Japanese, under un-der cover of the British fishing fleet, made a hostile demonstration toward the, Russian squadron and ,thus drew the fire which wrecked at least one of the fishing vessels and spilled British blood. However preposterous the statement of the Russian Admiral may appear, it presents aji jissue that can only be determined de-termined by investigation. . That these two great nations have consented under un-der critical and trying circumstances to submit)thi |