And it was clear the incident must have diplomatic consequences.

Leary and Pelly both protested to Fritze.

Leary announced he should report the affair to his government "as a gross violation of the principles of international law, and as a breach of the neutrality." "I positively decline the protest," replied Fritze, "and cannot fail to express my astonishment at the tone of your last letter." This was trenchant.

It may be said, however, that Leary was already out of court; that, after the night signals and the Scanlon incident, and so many other acts of practical if humorous hostility, his position as a neutral was no better than a doubtful jest.

The case with Pelly was entirely different; and with Pelly, Fritze was less well inspired.