The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-04-26
Japan Underrated.

Japan Moderated.
Tho popular idea respecting Japan as a
military and naval power IS an erroneous
one IL the opinion OF Admiral BeIknap OF
our navy IS correct. When Japan was de-
fcauns China's armies and fleets. 1t was
not uncommon TO hear It said that China
vas not worthy foe. that her people
lacked patriotism. that her soldiers were
poorly equipped and badly led and that her
navy was in control OF officers wholly in
competent. but that If japan should have
war with England. or Russia. or France.
or Germany her armies would be quickly
routed and her fleets would he swept from
the sea The popular idea is that notwith-
standing tho ease with which Japan has
forced China 20 sue for peace and accept
her terms Of surrender it would be mere
ohild's play for this country. or one Of the
great European powers. TO blot Japan
from the map as an Independent nation.
A few months ago Admiral Belknap
wrote a letter TO the New York sun, Civ
ing his impression Of japan as a military
power. based upon many years OF observa-
ton, which that paper published. Among
other things Admiral Belknap said:
The growing strength Of the British navy
is menace to the rest of the world. but
the sun flag of Japan may yet humble the
proud Nag of Britain. Such may be the
distinction reserved TO that newcomer
among the nations. ] have seen in recent
years the officers and crews of English
and japanese ships OF war under various
circumstances. / have seen an English adj
miral handle a force OF ten ships In Jap
anese waters and a Japanese admiral man
euVer fleet Of twenty-five ships; and
do not hesitate to express the opinion that,
were ENGLISH and Japanese fleets Of about
equal strength to. meet In battle. the
changes would be as favorable 10 the Jap
anese as t. the 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
Admiral Belknap says that in the war
with China the Japanese feet made
much better record than the English fleet
made in the Baltic and Black seas during
the Crimean war. For years Japan has
been preparing for defense. and comment
ing upon her present ability to take care
of herself Admiral Belknap says: Armed
with Krupp and other rihed guns of heav-
Ter caliher they await with composure the
attack of any hostile fleet No British
minister will hereafter attempt TO enact
the medding and menacing part of a
Parkes at Toxic nor will any British
feet lombard with impunity a second Ten
goshima."
Admiral Beknap thinks that Japans
military strength is not fully understood.
Speaking of her military establishment he
says:
"Japans army is to-day the equal of the
British army in organization and equip
ment; superior to it in homoseneity. mo
biity. and discipline. In hand-to-hand
fighting the British race has never sur
passed the men of Japan. No British force
has ever met on the field of battle an
Oriental race at all the equal of the Jap
anese in martial character and intrepid
spirit No Gives career would have been
possible on Japanese soil. 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 10 meet If she comes into
hostile contact with tie forces of Dai
Nippon"
Admiral BellInap declares that Japan $
conduct of the war with China shows that
she is a remarkable military and naval
power, and that her statesmen for fore
sight and astuteness and her generals and
admirals for knowledge of military and
naval matters and for courage and skill
compare favorably with those of any
other nation.