Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-11-23
THE JAPANESE
A Splendid Tribute 70 the yankees oil
the East" by Admiral BeIknAp-

A Splendid Tribute TO the yankees OF
the East" by Admiral BeIknap-
Rear Admiral Belknap, retired, in his
recent letter TO the New York Sun con-
corning the Japanese, pays their martial
spirit splendid tribute.
He says that the annals OF Japan Tor
the past 900 years show as much per-
sonal yaloF, strategic ability, and heroic
incident as can be found in the history
of Great Britain or Of any other Euro
Dean power during that pereod. Nlu-
taku, the Emperor who ruled some
time in the fourth century, was as wise
3 prince as the great Alfred, and did
as much for his people. The reign OF
the Empress Sukio, two centuries later,
was as good for her subjects as was
that Of Queen Elizabeth for Englishmen
nearly 1000 years after. William the
ConQuerOr was more than equaled as
soldier aud as = statesman by Noritomo,
while others whose names are easily re-
called, we're the equals OF the Back
Prince, Richard Occur de Lion, MARI
borough, Give and Wellington.
As hand-to-hand fighters no Euro
pean race ever surpassed the japanese,
and il Give had invaded their country
be would have been driven into the sea.
Since Commodore Perry visited Japan
in 1858, her progress has been more
rapid than that Of any other country In
the world. After 1865 feudalism was
abolished and the japanese soon leaped
into the front rank OF nations. Their
army is now the equal Of the British
army in organization and equipment,
and superior 70 IL in hOmOgeneity, mo-
bility and discipline. Their navy Is
patterned after British and American
lines, aud is one that any nation might
envy.
The Japanese statesmen have watch
ed the q nd-grabbing policy Of Eng land,
and they are determined that she shall
not play any tricks with Japan. IL Is
their avowed intention to make their
country the Englaud Of the Pacific and
that is their status to-day.
Admiral Bslkap calls attention to the
speedy collapse OF China nHne war now
being waged, AID prJnounces Ping
Yang and Yalu among the most mo-
meutous land and Yea fights Of modern
times. The instSEit mobilization OF the
Japanese army. with its complete pre-
parstiOn for every detail Of foreign SER
vice, contracts fayorably with the delay
and Olunyeriug Of the British during
the CriY'ean war, and the readiness OF
the japanese navy makes superior
ShoS<inV over the British navy In the
same war.
When the present conflict ends Japan
%ill take her place as one OF the con-
querlng nations OF the century, and she
will not stand any nonsense from any
power. With her army and navy,
Krupp guns, strong forts and heavy
batteries, she will be prepared 10 drive
of or destroy any hostile fleet. Admiral
Belknap concludes as follows:
Il have seen IN recent years the OFF,
GERS and crews OF English and Japanese
ships OF war under various clrcum-
stances. have seen an English ADM
raj handle force OF ten ships in Jap
anese waters and japanese admiral
maneuver q fleet Of twenty-five ships,
and do not hesitate to express the
opinton that were English aud Japan
csc fleets Of 40 ut equal strength to
meet in battle the chances would De as
IaNOknUIU ~ kAN 9h4ANSN - - 49,
English. The japanese will fight; let
there be no MISTAKE about that. The
sun does not shine on a more deter
mined or more intrepid race than that
OF japan. The martial spirit Of Japan
antedates that OF Britain; and
hereafter, whether on land or
sea, the arch robber Of the universe
will find all she cares TO meet If she
comes toto hostile contact with the
forces OF Dial Nippon.
The growing strength OF the British
navy is a menace TO the rest OF the
world; it Is intended TO be, and as such
il ought 10 be crushed. The sun flag OF
Japan may yet humble the proud nag
OF Britain. Such may be the distinc-
ton reserved TO that newcomer among
the nations"
This estimate Of the new power in the
east will surprise some OF our readers,
but it is the deliberate opinion of one
of our ablest naval officers who has
made q special study Of the subject.