1905-11-30 THE SEVASTOPOL MUTINY

London Times, 30 November 1905, p. 5: THE SEVASTOPOL MUTINY. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) ST. PETERSBURG, NOV. 29.

The latest news from Sevastopol received last night described the situation as very serious. The naval hospital has been set apart for refugees. The correspondent of the Novoe Vremya telegraphed that the authorities had decided not to resort to force, but to starve out the mutineers. Balaclava is crowded with refugees. The correspondent adds that the mutineers have only 400 rifles and are short of ammunition.

The papers publish the text of the demands presented both of the Baltic Fleet and of the Black Sea Fleet. These include, in addition to numerous improvements in food, clothing, and pay, better treatment by their officers, full amnesty for the mutineers of the Kniaz Potemkin, and permission to wear mufti and to hold or attend meetings. The Russ and the Russkiya Viedomosti point out the absurdity of the contention that the Socialist propaganda is alone responsible for the mutinous outbreaks in the army and navy. They declare that the Government by criminal neglect and oppression has prepared the soil for the revolutionaries. It is also rightly pointed out that the men are kept in such ignorance that they are unable to appreciate the reasons for abstention from politics while serving with the colours.

REPORTED BOMBARDMENT. 11 35 P.M.

A report is current that a bombardment of the mutinous vessels and of the town has taken place at Sevastopol, that Lieutenant Schmidt, who was in command of the Otchakoff, has been mortally wounded, and that the squadron has surrendered.

I cannot, however, gain any corroboration of the report.

ST. PETERSBURG, NOV. 29.+

A despatch received by the Admiralty from Sevastopol states that the remainder of the fleet to-day bombarded the Otchakoff and the Potemkin, in which alone the spirit of mutiny survived, and that they are both in a sinking condition. Batteries of artillery were also brought into action and bombarded the barracks held by the mutineers. The troops had previously arrested the naval mutineers ashore.

The town is in flames and the battle continues.

Provided by Stephen McLaughlin