"
Monsieur Grisson assumed a very grave expression.
"I too," he said, "have lost no time in endeavoring to solve the mystery
of this North Sea incident. I have been in communication with the
English Ambassador, and I have collected all the evidence possible.
There is absolutely no proof obtainable of the presence of any Japanese
craft amongst the English fishing fleet. I submit, therefore, that this
is a case for arbitration. I consider that up to the present our friends
on the other side of the Channel have displayed commendable moderation
in a time of great excitement, and I am happy to say that I have the
authority of Lord Fothergill himself for saying that they will consent
to submitting the affair to a commission of arbitration."
The President's words were received with chilling silence. It was the
Prince, who, after a short silence, replied.
"Arbitration," he said coldly, "does not commend itself to us. We have
been insulted. Our country and our gallant fleet have been held up to
ridicule throughout the whole English Press. We are tired of being
dictated to and bullied by a weaker Power--the openly declared ally of
our enemy.
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