The Evening critic., 1885-03-28
ENGLAND AND RUSSIA.
Views of Prominent oflcers on the
Threatened War.

Views of Prominent ofacers on the
Threatened War.
The threatened outbreak of hostilitie5
between England and Russia is the absorb
ing topic Of discussion in military and
naval circles. II is the prevailing opinion
that long and sanguinary war is newt.
able.
In this event there is great uncertainty
as to the outcome. In the opinion of prom.
inent officers in Washington, tho two
nations have never been more equally
matched. The statistics collected show,
roughly speaking that Eugland's navy is
nearly twice that Of Russia, while Russia's
army is more than double that of England.
England claims a navy of $4,000 men
and officers, while Russia claims about 49,
eco. The comparison in number and de.
sign of vessels Is less favorable to Russia.
Russias active army is estimated at
about 100000 mon. England's military re-
sources are at least "a, 900 men less A promi-
neDt naval officer when questioned on the
subject said Russia is no match for England
when IL comes to an engagement between
the finest vessels or strongest fleets of the
two countries. Russia has some splendid
modern.armed vessels but England's arc
vastly superior. In the threatened war,
however, there are many considerations
that affect the respective strength of the
two nations aud render it impossible for
anyone on this side Of the ocean to calcu-
late the probable outcome of a war.
"EnglaHd's naval superiority may be moro
than Offset by the necessity for protecting
an immense merchant marine and in
Vulnerable colonies. Russia has very little
mercantile marine and very little coast
line that requires naval defense. Euglaud
will have more difficulty in defending her
shipping, and will find less to prey upon
than will her opponent, On the other
hand, it may be possible for England to ef-
fectually blockade Russia's sesports aud to
gain an advantage which it would of
course be impossible for Russia to gain over
England. Many considerations tend to
equalize the struggle, although there is no
question, as have said, of England's su-
premacy in an engagement between single
vessels or fleets"
81 cannot imagine a meeting between
two great nations on more equal grounds
than war between England and Russia in
Afghanistan," said prominent army Off
Ger. "There is no other place in the world
where the two nations would be so evenly
matched. Russia's army Is more than double
that of England, but In Afghauistan the
two nations are almost on a par. The rail-
road approaches available for each nation
in transporting troops, terminate at about
the same distance from the seat of war
Both nations will have to do their fighting
far away from home, mainly with half-sav.
age troops about similarly disciplined and
armed, and under many adverse circum.
stances. The war could not be otherwise
than long and desperate. Nobody can pre-.
dict the result"
Little Scarlet Fever and Pneumonia
Health Officer Townshend, in speaking
of the condition of the health Of the city
says the impression that scarlet fever aud
pneumonia exists in epidemic form is 6
mistake. There is very little scarlet fever
aud the pneumonia is not much worse thar
usual at this time OF year.
In regard to Asistic cholera, he says hi
intends to thoroughly clean and disinfect
as he fears that the cholera will visit thi
| country during the coming summer. TIL,
| cbain-gang will be turned over to him or
| the 1st instant, and ho hopes that every
citizen will feel it to be duty to keep thu
Health Office advised of any nuisance
he proposes to keep the Engineer Officer
we'll Informed Of the condition of the
sewers. Each Of the inspectors will have
districts, and be instructed to visit every
house and premises on each square and as
| certain the sanitary condition of affairs
| Nuisances not abated by order of the Health
| Office, after reasonable time, will be forced
| to DO removed by tho courts.